The Treasure Coast has a growing reputation on the east coast of Florida, and these public beaches in Martin County are a big part of that allure. Martin County calls for travelers to come to explore its pristine shores, unending coastlines, and myriad seaside offerings.
If you’re in Martin County and looking for a little, or a lot, of sand and sun, you’re in the right place.
Each of the many Martin County beaches offers something unique, while all having in common the amenities and settings that make them famous with locals and visitors alike.
Come with us as we explore some great public beaches in Martin County, Florida.
From Hobe Sound to Jensen Beach to Stuart, each of these can help you enjoy your visit to the fullest with relaxation, recreation, and a true Treasure Coast lifestyle.
Hobe Sound Beach
Hobe Sound Beach is one of the most tranquil beaches you’ll likely ever visit, and it stands out as a serene oasis for anyone looking for a quiet respite along the Treasure Coast.
This stretch of postcard-ready beach captivates visitors with the clean, soft sands and the stunningly clear waters.
Hobe Sound Beach offers more than just picturesque scenery, as it’s also a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The beach itself is fringed in coastal flora, creating a lush backdrop for any activity, and visitors can walk the beach or explore nearby trails that meander lazily through the dunes, offering up-close looks at some of the unique coastal flora and fauna.
If you’re looking for aquatic fun in Hobe Sound, Hobe Sound Beach has plenty, and the gentle waves call to swimmers, surfers, and kayakers of all skill levels, while families can hang out in designated swimming areas.
Jensen Beach
Another beautiful beach along the Martin County coastline is Jensen Beach.
Jensen Beach Park is a delightful combination of quaint coastal charm and vibrant beachside energy, and this sun-kissed haven welcomes visitors to embrace the laid-back atmosphere of the area while enjoying a wide range of cultural and recreational offerings.
Jensen Beach features soft sands that seem to stretch forever providing the perfect canvas upon which beachgoers can paint their own portrait of relaxation.
The golden Florida sun dances on the azure blue waters, creating the perfect invitation for swimmers, snorkelers, and other water enthusiasts, and offering a cool respite for everyone on warm, sunny days.
Families love Jensen Beach because parents and kids can play in the sand and water, or at one of the nearby parks and playgrounds that are within a short distance. It’s also very popular for sea turtle nesting that ecological companies research and protect.
Another big benefit of Jensen Beach is that it’s become something of a cultural hub for the area, with its downtown area just over the causeway offering local shops and boutiques.
This is a beach where the beat of coastal living and the community spirit coalesce into a must-visit location that just has its own vibe.
Stuart Beach
Stuart Beach is located very close to the Stuart Causeway, making it very easy to get to. The road brings you along SE Ocean Boulevard which takes you from the mainland onto Hutchinson Island. Stuart Beach features a beachfront paradise that blends relaxation and recreation as only Martin County public beaches can.
If you were looking for one beach to visit that would totally encapsulate the sun-drenched charm that defines the Treasure Coast, Stuart Beach would be the place to go.
The golden sands of the beach create the perfect backdrop for beachgoers and sunbathers and are beloved by both locals and visitors.
Families visiting Stuart Beach can relax and spread out in the expansive beach activities space and can create memories together against the idyllic background of the Atlantic.
As with other county beaches, Stuart Beach features plenty of picnic areas and some playgrounds for the kids, and lifeguard stations ensure that everyone is having fun safely.
Bathtub Reef Beach
Bathtub Reef Beach may be one of the most unique natural wonders of the Treasure Coast beaches, and this beach holds a special place in the hearts of visitors as well as locals, thanks to its distinctive features and ongoing commitment to pristine environmental preservation.
At Bathtub Reef Beach the main attraction is the natural coral reef formation that creates a calm, sheltered, serene lagoon.
This lagoon creates the perfect ‘bathtub’ effect, where the water can get glass-calm, and the lagoon stays relatively shallow, the crystal-clear water creating a vibrant kaleidoscope of underwater beauty.
This beach provides both a stellar spot for snorkeling and communing with the reef life, and for families who want a beautiful and safe beach for a day of fun with the kids.
It’s also a great place for anyone interested in nature or ecology, as the reef and pristine beaches provide an opportunity to
There are picnic areas surrounded by lush subtropical flora, which provide a nice quiet spot for a leisurely lunch, as well as accessibility programs in place with the county that provide beach wheelchairs to use for those who need them.
To keep the beach healthy and looking great, the county has an ongoing commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems of the reef, which includes periodic beach closures to dredge the sands from nearby beaches to replace sand lost to erosion and tidal energy.
Important: Bathtub Beach is closed as of 1/8/2024 for a renourishment project that occurs every 3 years. Be sure to check if it’s been reopened before you plan your visit.
More Options
Santa Lucea Beach
Santa Lucea Beach is just south of Stuart Beach and has showers and a short boardwalk to the beach. There is plenty of parking available and a small sand path to a second beach entrance.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
In southern Hobe Sound, Blowing Rocks Preserve is a 73-acre conservation area owned by The Nature Conservancy. There are limestone rocks along the shore that shoot the waves into the air as they crash into the shore. There are myriad species of flora and fauna that you can find here, or simply relax in the sun.
Virginia Forrest Beach
A lesser-known spot is Virginia Forrest Beach, which sits between Stuart and Jensen Beach. This beach doesn’t have many amenities, and the sand parking lot is small. It is, however, a great spot to stop for a more secluded day enjoying Martin County beaches without the crowd.
Visit Martin County Public Beaches Today
Well, that just about wraps up our journey through the breathtaking beaches in Martin County, Florida, and the vibrant, sun-soaked shores where unforgettable memories are forged.
Each of these beaches has something different and unique to offer, while still having the ideal natural environment for top-tier relaxation and leisure.
Whether you’re into exploring the scenery, wildlife, and ecology, getting active with beach fun and watersports, or just relaxing during a perfect day at the beach, the public beaches of Martin County have something for everyone.
Remember to take time to embrace the laid-back beach vibe that is the living spirit of Martin County, soak up the local coastal culture, and leave only footprints in the sand, as you take home memories that will last a lifetime.
