If you’re searching for free things to do in Stuart, Florida, you will find a string of options that can keep you busy without costing you a penny.
The Sailfish Capital of the World offers much more than just fishing. There are lively downtown streets, secluded beaches, playgrounds and parks, waterfront pathways, and spots that highlight the area’s art and culture. The best part is, there are plenty of activities that are totally free.
Let’s dive into the best no-cost attractions that showcase what Stuart has to offer.
Find Your Favorite Local Beach
Wade Through Stuart Beach
Wide sandy shores, rolling waves, and a salty breeze. Stuart Beach is one of the area’s most popular beaches in Stuart for locals and visitors alike.
Here, you can swim, sunbathe, surf, or simply enjoy the ocean’s rhythm. The beach features volleyball courts, basketball hoops, and a playground for kids. There are bathrooms and showers onsite, multiple pathways to the sand, and the Seaside Cafe provides drinks and great food.
Parking is free, and there are lifeguards on duty. It’s an awesome place to spend a relaxed day with amenities and comforts.
Float at Bathtub Beach
Bathtub Beach got its name from its calm, shallow waters created by a natural reef just offshore. To be fair, the experience is different with the beach’s recent reconstructions.
Still, the spot is ideal for families with small children or anyone looking for a quiet swim. The reef shelters swimmers from big waves while also offering a great snorkeling experience filled with marine life. There are tons of public beaches in Martin County that you can visit to find out which are the best fit for you.
The beach is safe with soft sands and calm waves.
Escape to Tiger Shores Beach
Tiger Shores Beach is a hideaway that doesn’t get as much traffic as the first two on the list.
No lifeguards and no heavy development, it’s a perfect place to take in the scenery and unwind. This beach is great for surfing, fishing, or launching a paddleboard or kayak.
It’s also a prime place for shell collectors and nature lovers who want to feel one with the ocean.
Explore The Best Parks & Playgrounds
Climb High at Kiwanis Youth Park
Kiwanis Youth Park is a place you can stay with your kids for hours. It’s not your typical playground since it’s built for everyone and has some important conveniences.
The park features adaptive swings, sensory equipment, and towering slides. It’s also got a new section that is rubber-paved, and the playground is wheelchair accessible.
Parents can relax on shaded benches while kids run around the fully-fenced play area. There is typically enough parking, but keep in mind that it’s right by the train tracks. It’s not overbearing, but the noise of the trains might be too overstimulating for some little ones.
Bonus tip: go in the mid-to-late afternoon to see one or two ice cream trucks stop by!
Stroll & Socialize at Memorial Park
Head to Memorial Park for serene walking paths that connect pavilions and meander around a beautiful lake..
In the back of the park, you’ll find both basketball and tennis courts available for free public use. There’s a Veterans Memorial and plenty of shaded picnic spots.
This is a local favorite for hosting events in Stuart, as well as the plentiful green space that it offers. You’ll find tons of annual get-together, races, and more here.
Drift Through Shepard Park
Located along the St. Lucie River, Shepard Park is a great place for boating, fishing, playing, or just watching sailboats drift by.
Walk the shaded paths, cast a line, or let the kids burn off energy at the playground. Add in BBQ grills, picnic tables, and riverfront benches, and you’ve got the perfect spot for a free day out. The paths are an extremely popular spot for photography, as they get great color from the sunset and allow you to look out over the sailboats mooring in the river.
There are also local, less formal get-togethers here often, from drum circles to Sunday Jazz in the Park.
Trek Through Seabranch Preserve State Park
About 10 minutes from Downtown Stuart, Seabranch Preserve State Park delivers miles of trails through scrub, swamps, and pine forests.
Bird watchers, bring your binoculars since this preserve is alive with Florida’s native species like the scrub-jay and gopher tortoise. Some of the best wildlife viewing can be found here, with trails winding through scrub flatwoods and a mangrove swamp.
Whether you’re walking the 1.7-mile Greenway or getting lost in over six miles of nature trails, you’ll find something new at every turn. There is a compost bathroom (the smell is not fantastic) and a small pavilion next to the parking lot.
Sandsprit Park
Located on a point at the mouth of Manatee Pocket, Sandsprit Park has activities for days.
The park offers a boardwalk that’s great for jogging or strolling, tons of fishing spots, and a kid-friendly playground.
Wildlife sightings and picnic spaces make this a daytime retreat without spending a penny. The parking is free, there are clean restrooms, and there’s also a small fitness area. Boatramps are popular here, with trailer parking on site.
Dive into Local History & Culture
Time Travel at Stuart Heritage Museum
Step into Stuart’s past with a visit to Stuart Heritage Museum, housed in the historic 1901 general store that was constructed by George W. Parks.
This is one of our favorites, and it’s often overlooked. You’ll discover artifacts, photos, and stories that shaped the region. You can appreciate the preserved architecture and nostalgic charm that lingers outside as well.
Admission is free, and the experience is undeniably priceless.
Wander Around Downtown Stuart
Downtown Stuart brings an aura like nothing else.
Historic facades, art galleries, and public murals create a colorful, walkable space. Stroll the waterfront boardwalk, snap photos by murals, and window shop at some of the boutiques. There are amazing restaurants downtown as well as plenty of parks and other places to sit.
Free festivals and events are frequent; make a trip on Sunday to catch the regular farmer’s market.
Enjoy Waterfront Views and Activities
Strol the Riverwalk Promenade
This aforementioned walkway hugs the St. Lucie River, bringing peaceful river views and a front-row seat to sunsets (the amphitheater faced north, so plan accordingly).
Take a walk, stop at a bench, or catch a local band during the Rock’n Riverwalk concert series with no tickets required.
Boaters, dog-walkers, and orange-sky-chasers will be happy here.
Lounge in Flagler Park
Flagler Park sits along the riverfront boardwalk, so it’s easy to access if you’re walking around. There are views of the St. Lucie River and access to a lighted fishing pier.
There’s a playground for kids, a court for basketball lovers, and shaded picnic areas for all. This is where you’ll find Market on Main, the Sunday farmers market.
There are clean bathrooms and plenty of parking, but the lot fills up during peak hours.
Attend Free Community Events
Grooving at Gazebo Park
Tucked in Downtown Stuart, Gazebo Park is the site of many free community events.
From live music and food festivals to holiday celebrations and crafts fairs, there’s always something happening here.
Even when there’s no event, it’s a sweet green space to unwind, reflect, or meet a friend for a midday chat.
Discover Stories at Martin County Libraries
The Martin County Library System has plenty of great branches, and two within Stuart – Blake Library and Robert Morgade Library. They offer story times, music and motion, and other free activities for little one’s from 0 to 5 years old.
Kids enjoy storytimes and creative play, while adults explore book clubs, workshops, and author events. These libraries are modern, accessible, and constantly buzzing with free opportunities to grow and connect.
All Fun, No Fee
In a world where everything seems to come with a price tag, Stuart reminds us that the best things in life are indeed free.
From pristine beaches and top-tier parks to rich history, there’s no shortage of meaningful, budget-friendly adventures here.
Next time you’re searching for free things to do in Stuart, let this list be your guide.
