South Hutchinson Island offers plenty of things to do, dining, & hotels for the perfect vacation or get-away on the Treasure Coast. The barrier island can be a fun and exciting place with amazing beaches, great restaurants, and five-star hotels. Below are the best South Hutchinson Island activities and points of interest for you to consider.
Swim at a Secluded Beach
South Hutchinson Island has impressive private beaches hidden from the public. Visitors to the island should try Herman’s Bay Beach, which is lovely and secluded. The hidden little beach also has a nice path that leads to an area with a ramp and wooden gazebo, perfect for nature photography. Normandy Beach is another quaint beach nestled between condos. Locals who want an empty beach with little or no people like to visit Normandy Beach. The sparsely populated beach is the perfect place to relax.
Families who want a safe beach for the kids to swim should visit Waveland Beach. The beach has lifeguards on duty, which makes it ideal for families. The beach is also quiet and peaceful, with pretty blue water that’s warm even in February. Waveland Beach also has showers and restrooms and is located near hotels and shops.
Bike at Vitolo Family Preserve
Vitolo Family Preserve North is the perfect place to take a long bike ride or nature walk. It’s one of the more ideal things to do on Hutchinson Island that’s in a quiet spot surrounded by natural beauty. The preserve has a beautiful pathway perfect for a peaceful bike ride and offers a great place to get off the beaten path and even take some lovely pictures of nature photography. The park has a fantastic trail that follows the Indian River with several boardwalks and docks where you can enjoy water views. Vitolo Family Preserve is located at 3701 S Ocean Dr, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Have a Meal at a Fun Restaurant
Shuckers is an upbeat restaurant with a huge deck and tiki-style bar right on the oceanfront. People love Shuckers’ fun atmosphere. Diners can enjoy seafood ravioli, coconut, shrimp, mahi tacos, stuffed flounder, grouper tacos, and a key lime pie for dessert. Shuckers is one of the most popular waterfront restaurants on Hutchinson Island and a great place for fresh seafood. Shuckers is at 9800 S Ocean Dr, Jensen Beach, Florida.
Pie Hole Wood Pizza is a family-friendly pizza joint that serves delicious pizza, wings, and garlic knots covered with parmesan cheese. The restaurant sells specialty pizzas, but diners can build their own. The restaurant’s most popular pizza is the Meat Lovers, loaded with sausage, meatballs, and pepperoni. The restaurant also makes excellent Italian subs. Pie Hole Wood Pizza is at 2510 S. Ocean Dr., Fort Pierce, Florida.
Archie’s Seabreeze is a colorful restaurant popular with locals and bikers. It has a tropical Florida vibe and is family-friendly with delicious food. It’s great for diners who enjoy loaded fries, burgers, chicken, wings, and fried pickles. People also like the mahi sandwiches and fish and chips. Archie’s Seabreeze has live music and is at 401 South Ocean Dr., Fort Pierce, Florida.
Kayak or Fish at Bear Point Sanctuary
South Hutchinson Island has amazing waterways and preserves that offer the perfect place to fish and kayak. One fantastic spot is Bear Point Sanctuary, which encompasses over thirteen acres and has a 450-foot fishing pier. It’s a great place to catch blue crabs during the summer. Anglers enjoy fishing off the river’s small wooden docks and natural banks. It’s also the ideal spot to launch a kayak. The kayak launch point offers an accessible entrance to the river.
Little Muddy Creek is another lesser-known spot for fishing and kayaking on South Hutchinson Island. The creek is popular among anglers for its many different fish species. Fishing and kayaking are fun ways to spend the day on South Hutchinson Island. Little Muddy Creek is located at Blind Creek Beachside North. Bear Point Sanctuary is at 2601 South Ocean Dr., Fort Pierce, Florida.
Sunbathe or Skinny Dip at Blind Creek Beach
Blind Creek Beach is a clothing-optional beach that attracts nude sunbathers. The beach is clean, with easy parking and a relaxing atmosphere. Hundreds gather to enjoy Blind Creek Beach’s annual skinny dipping event. The beach is never too crowded, and the visitors are typically friendly.
Stop for a Sweet Treat at Strawberry’s Deli and Ice Cream
Strawberry’s Deli and Ice Cream serves delicious treats. The shop is a local secret and is loved by kids and adults. It’s a perfect place to get something cold on a hot day on Hutchinson Island. The ice cream shop has an old diner vibe and has been a part of the Hutchinson Island community for many years. Strawberry’s Deli and Ice Cream is at 11037 S Ocean Dr, Jensen Beach, Florida.
Take the Dogs to Walton Rocks Beach
Dogs love Walton Rocks Beach. The beach is located just south of Blind Creek Beach and is one of St. Lucie County’s best and only dog-friendly beaches. Walton Rocks is also a great place to hunt for fossils. Local Indian River College students use fossils from the beach in their studies. Over 1000 fossils have been found along the beach over the years, making it an excellent place for people interested in archaeology.
Walton Rocks Beach is the perfect place to spend a summer day with a furry friend or look for interesting rocks. Rock collectors will also enjoy Porpoise Beach in South Hutchinson Island. Porpoise is the perfect place to collect seashells. The beach is usually brimming with shells for collectors. Walton Rocks Beach is at 6700 South Ocean Dr., Jensen Beach, Florida.
Have a Fancy Meal at Nest or Kyle G’s Prime Seafood & Steaks
The Nest is an upscale restaurant that serves high-quality seafood like escargot, scallops, sea bass, and prime rib. The restaurant is stunning and the perfect place for a classy evening. Locals often visit The Nest for special occasions because it offers incredible dishes and beautiful ocean views.
Kyle G’s Prime Seafood & Steaks is an award-winning restaurant and one of the best restaurants on the Treasure Coast. Diners enjoy the finest seafood and steak in a luxurious atmosphere. Both restaurants have stunning ocean views and are perfect for special occasions or an exceptional night on South Hutchinson Island. The Nest is in Island Dunes Country Club, and Kyle G’s Prime Seafood & Steaks is at 10900 S Ocean Dr, Hutchinson Island, Florida.
Go Horseback Riding at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park
Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is the perfect place for horseback riding on the beach. The beach is an equestrian lover’s dream, and visitors will have an unforgettable horseback riding experience. The park makes it easy to arrange a beach horseback ride. Exploring the shoreline of Hutchinson Island on horseback is a great way to create exciting memories. Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is at 3600 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Hear Live Music in Manatee Island or Square Grouper Tiki Bar
Manatee Island is known for its food, but it’s also an excellent place to listen to live music on South Hutchinson Island. The restaurant hosts events like karaoke every Wednesday from 5 PM to 9 PM and Trivia Night on Tuesday. It’s a fun place to listen to live music while enjoying a meal.
Square Grouper Tiki Bar also has live music on weekdays starting at 8 PM. On weekends, shows start earlier. Both restaurants have delicious food, and diners can enjoy seafood paella, steamed clams, and fish and chips. Square Grouper Tiki also offers excellent views of the inlet. Manatee Island is located at 1640 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, Florida. Square Grouper Tiki Bar at 1920 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Spend the Day at St. Lucie County Aquarium
St. Lucie County Aquarium is home to the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems exhibit, a massive 3000-gallon model of a fantastic coral reef system. The aquarium has many other unique exhibits and displays, including living models of mangroves, seagrass, and other interesting habitats. Kids will love the fun touch tank, and adults will enjoy learning about incredible ocean life. The aquarium is the perfect place for family fun on South Hutchinson Island. St. Lucie County Aquarium is at 420 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Jet Ski at Salty’s Water Sports
Jet skiing is an exciting way to explore the waters of South Hutchinson Island. Salty’s Water Sports is a top water sports rental company in South Hutchinson Island. The company attracts tourists and visitors from all over Florida who want to rent jet skis and other watercraft for a fun day on the water. The staff is friendly and ready to help clients have an exciting day on the water. Salty’s Water Sports also offers dolphin tours. Salty’s Water Sports is at 601 Seaway Dr. Ste 1, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Where to Stay on South Hutchinson Island
South Hutchinson Island has awesome hotels, including Vistana Beach Club, a four-star Marriott resort with excellent reviews. The resort is in the perfect location and offers beautiful oceanfront rooms for a fantastic stay on South Hutchinson Island. The hotel is just a short drive from boutique shops and exciting nightlife. Vistana Beach Club has fantastic two-bedroom villa vacation rentals with fully equipped kitchens, balconies, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Lucie is another amazing South Hutchinson Island hotel. The three-star hotel is in the perfect location next to Kyle G’s. It is clean and comfortable, with incredible views and easy access to the beach. Guests can step out the back door and find themselves on warm golden sand in front of clear blue waters. The Lucie has high guest ratings for its fantastic staff and impeccable service.
Turtle Reef Club is a fantastic three-star hotel right next to the beach. Guests love the hotel and its amenities, such as a large pool and easy beach access. The rooms are large and have balconies where you can enjoy the ocean breeze. There is also Hutchinson Shores, which is a resort and spa that is fairly new with multiple pools and a delicious restaurant.
Travelers on a budget should consider Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel and Suites. The hotel is in an excellent location and one of the more affordable hotels on the island. The building is older, but the staff is friendly, and the hotel is clean. Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel and Suites has spacious rooms and a beautifully maintained private beach.
