The Port Salerno waterfront district in Stuart, Florida, offers visitors an authentic taste of Old Florida fishing village character combined with modern amenities and exceptional dining experiences. This historic community, located along Manatee Pocket, offers visitors and locals a blend of maritime heritage, waterfront recreation, and culinary excellence throughout the year.
Port Salerno’s Waterfront History
Founded in 1894 as Salerno with “Port” added in 1924, this small community was originally the hub for South Florida’s commercial fishing industry. During the 1930s and 1940s, Port Salerno played a unique role in processing 25,000 sharks caught annually to produce Vitamin A from shark livers, demonstrating the area’s resourceful maritime heritage.
Located on the protected waters of Manatee Pocket, Port Salerno serves as a natural hurricane hole that has supported fishing operations for generations. The bay is fed by several creeks and connects to the St. Lucie Inlet, creating the sheltered waters that made it ideal for commercial and residential fishing operations.
Commercial fishing operations have thrived here for over a century. Charter boats, commercial fishing vessels, marinas, boatyards, and seafood restaurants all share these historic waters that continue to support both working waterfront operations and recreational boating.
The waterfront district stretches from the Port Salerno Civic Center through the restaurant area and around to Pirate’s Cove Resort. Therefore, visitors have multiple ways to experience this quaint maritime community. Whether you’re seeking fresh seafood, scenic boardwalk strolls, a lively afternoon drink, or waterfront accommodations, Port Salerno delivers authentic coastal Florida experiences rooted in over a century of fishing tradition.
Food & Drink in Port Salerno’s Waterfront District
The Port Salerno waterfront district offers an exceptional variety of dining experiences that reflect both its fishing village heritage and modern culinary evolution. From award-winning coffee shops to waterfront seafood restaurants, the district combines authentic maritime atmosphere with diverse cuisines that satisfy every palate.
Gilbert’s Coffee Bar Port Salerno
Gilbert’s Coffee Bar brings award-winning specialty coffee to the Port Salerno waterfront district, combining quality beverages with the authentic fishing village atmosphere. This local family-owned establishment has earned recognition as the best coffee shop on the Treasure Coast.
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📍 Location: 4969 SE Dixie Highway, Port Salerno
The award-winning coffee shop serves fresh and organic coffee. The menu includes smoothies, artisanal toasts, baked goods, and specialty items like smashed avocado toast with goat cheese, watermelon radishes, and everything bagel seasoning.
Gilbert’s offers both indoor seating and the unique experience of enjoying coffee with waterfront views, making it a perfect morning destination for visitors exploring the Port Salerno waterfront district.
Shrimpers Grill & Raw Bar
Shrimpers Grill & Raw Bar stands as Port Salerno’s premier waterfront dining destination, voted #1 Waterfront & Seafood Restaurant in the area. Open since 1992, this authentic outdoor Florida restaurant offers unparalleled views of Manatee Pocket waterway.
📍 Location: 4903 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart
Nestled in “Fisherman’s Paradise” along the serene Manatee Pocket waterway, Shrimpers provides an authentic Florida dining experience with refreshing breezes and picturesque waterfront views. The restaurant features conch fritters, calamari, lump crab cakes, and an extensive raw bar alongside grilled catch specialties.
The convivial open-air atmosphere includes full bars serving draft beer and specialty cocktails, with pet-friendly patio seating and sports on TV. Daily specials highlight the freshest local catches, maintaining the restaurant’s reputation among both locals and visitors.
Two Georges Dockside Grille
Two Georges Dockside Grille operates in the former Twisted Tuna location, bringing the established Two Georges brand to Port Salerno’s waterfront scene. The restaurant is one of the top spots in the Port Salerno dining scene, and it offers stunning water views combined with exceptional cuisine and live entertainment.
📍 Location: 4290 SE Salerno Road, Stuart
The menu features fresh seafood selections alongside Italian classics, with specialties like Florida middleneck clams in garlic basil sauce. The restaurant combines vibrant indoor bar atmosphere with breezy outdoor waterfront seating that maximizes views of Manatee Pocket.
Summertime happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 PM, offering expertly mixed cocktails that embody the relaxed Florida lifestyle with great music and waterfront ambiance.
Mangia Clam Bar
Mangia Clam Bar brings Italian seafood excellence to the Port Salerno dining scene, specializing in fresh clam preparations and Italian coastal cuisine with waterfront views of Manatee Pocket.
📍 Location: 4817 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart
The restaurant emphasizes fresh Italian seafood preparations with extensive clam offerings that reflect both Italian traditions and local fishing heritage. Reservations are available to guarantee seating, and the establishment encourages visitors to “come for the food, stay for the view.”
Mangia’s waterfront location provides scenic dining experiences that combine authentic Italian flavors with the maritime atmosphere that defines Port Salerno’s culinary character.
The Pearl Waterfront Bar
Nestled along the waterfront in Manatee Pocket, The Pearl offers a captivating dining experience that combines culinary excellence with vibrant atmosphere. This establishment represents the upscale evolution of Port Salerno’s dining scene while maintaining waterfront authenticity.
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The Pearl specializes in craft cocktails paired with an array of mouthwatering small plates designed for sharing. The sophisticated menu appeals to discerning diners seeking elevated coastal cuisine in an intimate waterfront setting.
Tausha’s Seafood Market & Restaurant
Tausha’s Seafood Market represents the direct connection between Port Salerno’s commercial fishing heritage and contemporary dining experiences. This family-owned establishment focuses on buying local seafood harvested by local fishermen.
📍 Location: 4533 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart
Established in 2008, Tausha’s has built its reputation on freshness and quality, carrying everything from local catches to specialty items like lobster bisque. The combination market and restaurant allows visitors to purchase fresh seafood for home preparation or enjoy prepared meals on-site.
Basin Seafood Market & Kitchen
Basin Seafood Market & Kitchen serves as Stuart’s leading retailer of local and fresh seafood products, offering both market and dining experiences that celebrate the Port Salerno fishing heritage. This establishment combines traditional fish market operations with prepared food service.
📍 Location: 4150 SE Salerno Road, Stuart
The market prides itself on offering the freshest seafood on the Treasure Coast, with daily specials featuring local catches. The casual dining atmosphere includes outdoor seating and a seafood market vibe that makes it perfect for family outings and casual dinners.
Guests can purchase fresh seafood to take home or enjoy prepared dishes on-site, creating flexibility that appeals to both cooking enthusiasts and those seeking ready-to-eat options.
Captain Hook’s Ice Cream
Captain Hook’s Ice Cream operates as a family-owned and operated ice cream shop located in the heart of Port Salerno’s Fish House District and Marina. This sweet destination serves ice cream from The Ice Cream Club in a relaxing waterfront atmosphere.
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The shop features various ice cream flavors with Cookies & Cream standing out as a fan favorite for its creamy, crunchy texture. The location within the Fish House District provides a perfect ending to waterfront dining or boardwalk strolls.
King Neptune Restaurant
King Neptune is known as one of the top restaurants for lunch in Stuart. This establishment continues the area’s tradition of serving fresh seafood in a casual, authentic fishing village atmosphere.
The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options that take advantage of Port Salerno’s waterfront setting, allowing diners to enjoy meals while observing the maritime activity that defines the community’s character.
The variety of dining options ensures that visitors can experience everything from morning coffee at Gilbert’s to sweet treats at Captain Hook’s Ice Cream, all while enjoying the authentic fishing village atmosphere that makes Port Salerno unique. The concentration of restaurants along the waterfront creates opportunities for progressive dining experiences where visitors can sample different establishments during extended stays.
Where to Stay in Port Salerno Waterfront District
Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina
Pirate’s Cove Resort stands as the signature accommodation in the Port Salerno waterfront district, offering 50 waterfront rooms with sweeping views of Manatee Pocket. This pet-friendly resort provides a unique waterfront hideaway experience on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
📍 Location: 4307 Southeast Bayview Street, Port Salerno
🏨 Rooms: 50 waterfront rooms with Manatee Pocket views
🐕 Pet Policy: Pet-friendly accommodations available
⛵ Marina: Private marina with boat slips
Each room features comfortable tropical furnishings, quality bedding, and white plantation shutters that create a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. The waterfront location allows guests to enjoy morning coffee or afternoon cocktails while watching boats navigate Manatee Pocket.
The resort’s private marina enables guests to arrive by boat and dock steps from their accommodations. The location within the historic fishing village provides easy access to waterfront restaurants and Port Salerno attractions while maintaining a peaceful retreat atmosphere.
Alternative Lodging Options
The Fish House (read more below) offers a loft-style Airbnb right next to The Pearl. Sailfish Suites provides waterfront lodging with pool access, kitchen facilities, and terrace patios that enhance the coastal experience.
Various vacation rental properties throughout the district offer home-style accommodations with waterfront access and local neighborhood experiences that complement the resort options.
Things to Do on the Port Salerno Waterfront
Manatee Park & Boardwalk
Manatee Park and adjacent boardwalks provide the perfect way to experience Port Salerno’s waterfront district, stretching from the Port Salerno Civic Center through the waterfront restaurant area and around to Pirate’s Cove Resort. This scenic walkway is one of the best things to do in Port Salerno, showcasing the protected waters that define this historic fishing village.
The elevated boardwalk provides excellent vantage points for wildlife observation, particularly manatee sightings that give Manatee Pocket its name. Restaurant patios and waterfront dining areas connect directly to the boardwalk, allowing visitors to combine dining experiences or happy hour drinks with scenic walks.
Fish House District & Marina
The Fish House District & Marina serves as a comprehensive waterfront destination that combines art, culture, dining, and accommodation in one unique location. This district represents the evolution of Port Salerno from purely commercial fishing to a diverse maritime community.
The district features multiple businesses, including The Pearl cocktail bar, Captain Hook’s Ice Cream Shop, The OM Shack for aerial yoga, and Oteri Jewelry shop. This concentration creates a walkable destination where visitors can enjoy diverse experiences without leaving the waterfront.
Stuart Sailing charters and sunset cruises operate from the marina, providing opportunities to explore the Intracoastal Waterway directly from the district. The combination of services makes it a complete waterfront experience.
Maritime Heritage Displays
Throughout the waterfront district, visitors can discover maritime heritage displays and historical markers that tell the story of Port Salerno’s evolution from commercial fishing hub to modern waterfront destination.
Get Out On the Water
Port Salerno marinas provide boat slips, fuel services, and marine supplies that support both commercial fishing fleets and recreational boaters. This combination creates an authentic coastal experience where visitors witness real fishing village operations. You can also go paddleboarding and kayaking as the waterways stay fairly calm.
Charter Fishing Opportunities
Local charter fishing operations offer visitors opportunities to experience deep-sea fishing, backcountry angling, and specialized fishing trips that take advantage of Port Salerno’s strategic location on the Treasure Coast.
Charter captains based in Port Salerno provide access to both Atlantic Ocean fishing and Indian River Lagoon backcountry experiences, ensuring diverse fishing opportunities for various skill levels and preferences.
Local bait and tackle shops offer fresh bait, fishing equipment, and local knowledge that enhances fishing success for visitors exploring area waters. Marine supply stores provide boat maintenance items and safety equipment.
Local Events & Community Activities
Port Salerno hosts periodic festivals that celebrate its fishing village heritage, featuring fresh seafood, live music, and community activities that showcase local culture and maritime traditions.
These events typically include fishing tournaments, seafood festivals, and maritime heritage celebrations that provide visitors with authentic cultural experiences beyond regular dining and lodging activities. There aren’t many Treasure Coast events that can match the vibe that you experience in Port Salerno’s waterfront district.
Many waterfront restaurants feature regular live music schedules, adding entertainment value to their dining experiences. Weekend performances at venues like Pirate’s Loft Restaurant and Tiki Bar are a hit when you’re looking for events in Stuart with a stellar atmosphere.
Getting to Port Salerno Waterfront District
Location and Access
Port Salerno is located south of Stuart along Southeast Salerno Road, providing easy access from major Treasure Coast highways. The waterfront district is mostly east of Dixie Highway, with restaurants and attractions clustered along Manatee Pocket.
Visitors can access the district by car via local roads or by boat through the Intracoastal and other local rivers. The protected waters of Manatee Pocket provide a safe harbor for boats of various sizes.
Parking and Transportation
Keep in mind that parking may be limited. If you’re going to restaurants in Port Salerno, there could be valet parking.
Most waterfront restaurants and attractions provide parking areas, though popular dining times may require patience, especially during peak seasons. The compact nature of the district makes walking between venues convenient once parked.
Boat access allows visitors to dock near restaurants and explore the waterfront district without land-based transportation, creating unique arrival experiences that enhance the maritime atmosphere.
Manatee Pocket Mooring Field
The Manatee Pocket Mooring Field represents a significant modern addition to Port Salerno’s maritime infrastructure, providing secure mooring for visiting boaters while maintaining the area’s authentic character. If you’re coming by boat, check for availability to make a reservation.
📍 Location: 4358 SE Bayview Street, Stuart, Florida
⚓ Capacity: 42-vessel mooring facility
🌊 Depth: Average 5-7 feet at mean lower low tide
Boaters appreciate the convenient location within walking distance of waterfront restaurants and attractions. It offers easy access to Port Salerno’s dining and cultural offerings. The mooring field supports the area’s transition from purely commercial fishing operations to a mixed-use waterfront that welcomes recreational boaters.
FAQ
What makes the Port Salerno waterfront district historically significant? Port Salerno was founded in 1894 as Salerno, with “Port” added in 1924. Originally the hub for South Florida’s commercial fishing industry, the village processed 25,000 sharks annually during the 1930s-40s for Vitamin A production. The Port Salerno Commercial Fishing Dock Authority, formed in 2001, preserves this maritime heritage.
What is Manatee Pocket, and why is it important? Manatee Pocket is a protected natural harbor that forms the heart of Port Salerno. It connects to the St. Lucie Inlet and is fed by local rivers and creeks. Its calm water serves as a natural hurricane hole and has supported fishing operations for over a century. It continues to host charter boats, fishing vessels, and recreational boating.
Can I arrive by boat to the Port Salerno waterfront district? Absolutely. Port Salerno’s location on Manatee Pocket provides protected boat access from the Intracoastal Waterway. Many restaurants offer dockage, and there are several marinas for prolonged use.
What activities are available besides dining? Visitors can enjoy boardwalk strolls, art gallery tours, charter fishing trips, wildlife observation (especially manatees), and more.
Nearby Attractions Worth Checking Out
Sandsprit Park
Located just minutes from Port Salerno, Sandsprit Park offers 22 acres of waterfront recreation on the Indian River Lagoon. This Stuart city park provides additional outdoor activities that complement Port Salerno experiences.
The park’s swimming lagoon and boat ramp make it popular with families and boaters seeking calm water activities. The location provides easy access from Port Salerno for visitors wanting to combine waterfront dining with recreational activities.
Maggys Hammock Park
Maggys Hammock Park preserves 30 acres of natural coastal hammock habitat. The park offers hiking trails through diverse ecosystems.
The park’s proximity to Port Salerno makes it an excellent addition to waterfront visits. Visitors can experience the natural habitats that originally defined the area before development.
Twin Rivers Park
Twin Rivers Park provides 85 acres of recreational facilities including sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. These serve both residents and visitors to the greater Port Salerno area.
The park’s comprehensive facilities make it ideal for families with children who want active recreation options beyond waterfront activities. The location provides convenient access to both urban amenities and Port Salerno’s maritime attractions.
Seabranch Preserve State Park
Seabranch Preserve State Park protects over 900 acres of diverse Florida ecosystems, including coastal strand, mangrove swamp, and scrubby flatwoods. The park offers hiking trails and environmental education programs.
The preserve provides insight into the natural systems that support the marine life and coastal environment. The educational opportunities complement the cultural experiences available in the waterfront district.
