If you are looking for some free things to do in Fort Pierce, we’ve got you covered.
From quick beach escapes to parks to murals and everyday attractions, Fort Pierce offers locals and visitors a mix of history, nature, and art without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re needing a weekend escape or searching for budget-friendly day trip activities, this list provides free things to do in the Sunrise City that everyone can enjoy.
Spend the Day at Museum Pointe Park
Sitting alongside the Indian River Lagoon, Museum Pointe Park is right at the South Causeway. The paved paths curve along the waterfront, and there are scenic views of the waterway with benches and swings along the sidewalk.
Facing west, it’s ideal for a sunset sit-down, and the pavilions are great if you have a group with you. Make your way onto Summerlin Dock for a panoramic view. This is where the St. Lucie County Christmas Boat Parade is held.
Kids can get their energy out on the playground, and parents can chill at picnic tables. The St. Lucie County Regional History Center is on the western end of the park; it has exhibits of local and Native American culture dating back to the early 1900s. The center isn’t free, but it’s $3-4, and children under 4 are free.
On the east side of the park is the St. Lucie County Aquarium, with a touch tank and plenty of events on the calendar. It’s a quick trip with tons of marine educational exhibits and a very knowledgeable staff. You can get joint tickets for the history center and aquarium, or get tickets for $4-5.
A boat ramp adds a bit more convenience if you’re into paddling, kayaking, or boating.
Hike Some Local Trails
The parks in Fort Pierce are extremely underrated, and they offer every vibe from oceanside to Old Florida. These are a few lesser-known places that are great for getting into the bare essence of St. Lucie County.
George LeStrange Preserve
This 94-acre preserve is a quiet escape into Florida’s raw beauty. A lake anchors the trail, and a loop circles around it for a pleasant one-mile walk. There are more challenging side trails if you want something a bit more adventurous. These trails dive deeper into the preserve’s pine flatwoods, floodplains, and marshes
You can expect to spot ospreys, turtles, and plenty of local fauna. Fishing is allowed, but you’re not allowed to swim (and hopefully you don’t want to!). Nearly all of the pathways are flat and friendly for all fitness levels.
Leashed pets are allowed, and there are no restrooms, so plan accordingly. It’s a great spot to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
Indrio Savannahs Preserve
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This is the ultimate success story for wildlife lovers. Part of the Indrio Savannahs Preserve was originally supposed to be a real estate development, but was purchased by the county in 1997 as a wetland protected area. You can hike through flatwoods and freshwater marshes through about 3 miles of trails.
This is mostly untouched habitat where you can see alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species from osprey to scrub jays to sandhill cranes. The 35-acre lake was once a handmade mine and now provides space for wildlife. Indrio Savannahs Preserve is closed for restoration and will be reopening in August 2025.
Bikers will love this area, and leashed pets are welcome. There is a map at the trailhead that is worth taking note of, and there are no restrooms on site.
Ten Mile Creek Preserve
If you’re after something more rugged, Ten Mile Creek Preserve offers a scenic bluff trail overlooking the source of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The eight-acre site offers canoe access to Ten Mile Creek.
Visitors can explore trails that wind through floodplain forests, swamps, and oxbows. Wildlife is abundant here, with common sightings of alligators, herons, and egrets along the trail. The preserve is great for birding, fishing, and hiking. A planned canoe trail leading through historic oxbows is one of the best places to get lost in this local habitat.
Keep in mind, there are no restroom facilities, and the preserve remains open from sunrise to sunset.
Explore the Highwaymen Heritage Trail
This self-guided trail honors the Florida Highwaymen – African American artists who painted vivid Florida landscapes and sold them along highways during segregation.
Markers, mosaics, and murals tell their story. Places like the A.E. Backus Museum and Lincoln Park Academy connect you to the roots of the artists.
It’s art, it’s history, and it’s a testament to resilience. This is top of the list of free things to do in Fort Pierce that allow you to learn a lot about the city and region without spending a dollar. Walking the trail is like flipping through a living storybook.
No entry fee, no tour guide. Just you, the art, and the legacy.
Visit the Susan Broom Kilmer Branch Library
Right in the heart of downtown, the Susan Broom Kilmer Branch Library (formerly Fort Pierce Branch Library) is one of the most popular in the local library system.
The library’s reading room looks out on the Indian River Lagoon, and there are events every day or two. You can take part in the Thursday morning book discussion, or just relax in a corner and connect on the free WiFi and computers.
There are myriad programs for kids, including help with homework and Summer reading adventures. Children can also enjoy story time at 10:30 AM on Wednesdays. Teens and grade-schoolers might join craft sessions or STEAM workshops.
The library’s events calendar is truly value-packed for those of every age.
Stroll Along Marina Square
The Fort Pierce City Marina is a lively place to walk and watch the world go by. Marina Square is where you can find many events in Fort Pierce throughout the year.
Fishing boats bob on the water. Locals sip coffee by the docks. Pelicans dive for lunch just yards away. On Saturdays, catch the Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market to enjoy music, go shopping, or get some tasty food.
If you don’t want to spend anything, this is a great place to just walk, look, and listen.
Take a Mural Tour in Downtown Fort Pierce
Downtown Fort Pierce bursts with color — literally. Murals are splashed across alleyways and buildings, each telling a story.
Some honor history, while others burst with ocean blues and citrus brights. Many reflect the Highwaymen’s influence, offering a fusion of past and present. There are plenty of local fauna that can be seen as well.
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency is taking applications from property owners who want to be a part of the Mural Program, so it is a purposeful initiative that is creating a lot of pride with locals. Not only does it beautify the district, but it also provides more activities in Downtown Fort Pierce while giving it more character.
If you aren’t going totally cost-free, you can stop by the many coffee shops, bars, and restaurants along the way.
Soak Under the Sun at the Beach
The beach is likely on your list of free things to do in Fort Pierce, so we can’t leave it out. Getting onto the local beaches is quick, easy, and makes for a great way to spend a morning or afternoon without any expense.
South Beach Park
South Beach Park is wide with tons of accessible parking. Lay out a towel, grab a book, and let the waves do the rest.
There are restrooms, showers, and shaded pavilions that make it a comfy spot for the whole day.
Frederick Douglass Memorial Park
A bit quieter and less crowded, Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is perfect for a laid-back getaway. The beach is aptly named for one of America’s great civil rights figures, and it’s one of the lesser-traveled of the different Fort Pierce beaches.
For those looking to go horseback riding on Hutchinson Island, this is where you’ll likely start the journey. Although this activity isn’t free, observing it is. There is a restroom and picnic pavilion on site.
Pepper Park Beach
Ideal for families, Pepper Park Beach offers lifeguards, grills, showers, and even snorkeling. You might glimpse marine life or stumble upon the site of a historic shipwreck offshore. There are basketball and tennis courts, and plenty of pavilions near a large parking lot.
Visit the Veterans Memorial Park
For something grounding and heartfelt, Veterans Memorial Park offers quiet beauty and deep meaning. Monuments here honor veterans of various wars. Walk the pentagon-shaped plaza and reflect by the water.
It’s peaceful and powerful, reminding you of the courage and sacrifice behind our freedom.
No Cost, All of the Charm
From waterside walks and hiking trails to sun-baked beaches and colorful murals, these free things to do in Fort Pierce prove that some of the best experiences can cost nothing at all.
Get out and explore the Treasure Coast with open eyes and a light wallet. Fort Pierce will do the rest.
