St. Lucie County is a picturesque county on the east coast of Florida, in an area commonly known as the Treasure Coast, and provides a blend of natural beauty, rich local history, and a ton of cool things to do.
While the region, in general, is typically overshadowed by more famous neighbors, holds a variety of hidden spots that are just waiting to be discovered by adventure-seeking visitors and curious travelers.
From tranquil nature preserves to engaging, interactive museums, St. Lucie County holds the promise of incredibly diverse experiences for all ages and types of visitors.
Regardless of whether you’re a history buff, lover of nature, or just someone looking for family-friendly adventures, this guide to 8 often overlooked things to do in St. Lucie County should help you uncover the best places to check out that capture the flavor and essence of the coast’s charm
St. Lucie County Regional History Center
The St. Lucie County Regional History Center creates a place for safe immersion in history, and creates a vibrant social hub for the area, revealing the incredibly rich historical heritage and culture of the area through beautiful exhibits and stories.
The center also takes a look at the ecological diversity of the region and highlights some of the unique flora and fauna that are only found on the Treasure Coast, with a special emphasis on the local maritime history and its relationship to the waters of the Atlantic.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore various historical landmarks that are brought to light by the relayed experiences of the early coastal settlers, and the following development of the county.
Interactive displays help make the learning both accessible and captivating.
Sunrise Theater
The Sunrise Theater is a beautiful historic building in Downtown Fort Pierce, and it has been serving as a cultural beacon for years.
Housed in a building that was originally a movie theater when it first opened in the 1920s, it’s since been transformed into a vibrant venue for local performing arts and is the primary location for hosting events like Broadway shows, ballets, operas, and even some local concerts.
The interior of the theater is elegant, and reflects the results of a full restoration, creating the perfect intimate ambiance for breathtaking live performances.
Al’s Family Farms
While they are well-known amongst the locals, visitors are always blown away by the deep look that Al’s Family Farms gives into the rich citrus industry of Florida.
Al’s is a family-owned farm that focuses on growing and harvesting a wide range of citrus fruits, including Indian River grapefruits and oranges.
Visitors can take a tour of the farm, where they’re able to watch the entire growing, harvesting, and packing process, while also sampling some of the freshly picked fruits.
An on-site market also showcases a selection of fresh juices, various citrus products, and other local produce, and all of it is representative of their commitment to high-quality, sustainable farming practices.
Al’s is the perfect activity for anyone interested in agri-tourism, learning more about Florida’s citrus heritage, or if you just like delicious citrus goodies.
Navy SEAL Museum
The Navy SEAL Museum is one of the more unique museums that the area has to offer, and it’s much more than your typical ‘show up and look around’ locations.
This inspiring location is dedicated to detailing and preserving the history of the US Navy SEALs as well as their predecessors, and it offers profound insight into what life and training were like for these elite fighting forces.
Tons of interactive exhibits and displays include real equipment, vehicles, and artifacts from actual missions, allowing visitors to climb into some of the vehicles, and learn about the evolution of tactics and essential pieces of gear.
While you honor the bravery and sacrifices of these special forces, you’re even able to partake in an obstacle course to see how you might perform in their basic training and conditioning exercises.
Spruce Bluff Preserve
The Spruce Bluff Preserve is a great place to retreat into a serene natural experience, as the 97-acre nature preserve features hiking trails that wind through diverse ecological habitats that include ancient sand pine scrub and estuarine wetlands.
Not only that, but it’s the site of substantial historical and native significance, being home to many ancient native burial mounds as well as the remains of a 19th-century pioneer settlement.
Visitors can enjoy scenic views within the preserve as well as along the river, and engage with the rich history and wildlife of the area.
If you’re looking for something to do with educational and natural significance, this is a superb spot to add to your itinerary.
Motorized Kayak Adventures
Motorized Kayak Adventures in St. Lucie County offers an exhilarating way to explore waterways of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, without the worry of having to row your kayak while enjoying the scenery and taking plenty of pictures.
These tours blend the ease of motorized kayaking with the peacefulness of nature, allowing simple and accessible navigation through nearby waterways, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife examples.
The motorized kayaks make it easy to safely navigate the waters, even for beginners, and the quiet electric motors make the entire experience peaceful and enjoyable.
Anyone interested in an intimate connection with nature, and seeing a part of nature you just can’t see from the walkways of a nature preserve, should check these tours out.
Motorized Kayak Adventures are also perfect for anyone who wants to discover hidden parts of Florida’s treasured waterways.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens
The Heathcote Botanical Gardens are an incredibly vibrant and verdant, living tapestry of native and exotic flora, situated on 5 acres and home to the nation’s largest public collection of tropical bonsai trees.
Visitors to the Heathcote Botanical Gardens can wander through various themed gardens, including a rainforest display, a Japanese garden, and even a reflection garden.
Each area offers a unique look at the diversity and beauty of plant life, while also creating a serene space where you can partake in photography, horticultural education, or just relax.
Oxbow Eco Center
The Oxbow Eco-Center is a massive environmental learning center set on a 225-acre piece of natural Florida landscape, and it offers the chance to explore and learn about the various ecosystems through the use of both physical trails as well as interactive exhibits.
The Eco Center boasts a substantial offering of educational programs as well as informational workshops that revolve around environmental conservation and overall sustainability.
Visitors of all ages can observe wildlife, safely engage with nature, and gain a deeper understanding of the local area’s ecological diversity, making it a valuable educational resource as well as a tranquil local getaway.
Wrapping Up
St. Lucie County itself is kind of a hidden gem among Florida destinations in general, but there are so many things to do that even locals miss.
We hope our collection of the top 8 hidden gems in St. Lucie County has helped you to figure out a few more things to add to your itinerary for your next visit.
From the adventure of day and nighttime kayak tours to the serene and idyllic setting of the Heathcote Botanical Gardens, there’s something here for every traveler.
