Come For The Fun, Stay For The Sun: 10 Best Attractions In Stuart, FL

John
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 6 min read
things to do in stuart florida

It’s all about you in Stuart, Florida! Picture-perfect weather conditions provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion, and with a high-profile list of Grade A attractions, you’re in for a guaranteed experience of a lifetime. From the aquatic educational endeavor that is the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center to the recreational thrills available at Stuart Bowl and Buttonwood Tennis Club, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in sunny Stuart, Florida! Take your senses for a ride when you upgrade your destination vacation with our recommended list of the top attractions and amenities of the Stuart area; if you can dream it, Stuart can let you do it!

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1. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

It’s an educational experience for the entire family at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center! Home to roughly 2.1 million acres (849,839 hectares) of natural wetlands and rare local species, this venue delivers the best that Florida marine life has to offer direct to you, for your distinct viewing and educational pleasure. Intent on conveying the importance of natural wetlands, and of the species which inhabit them, to all those visitors and locals alike who frequent the region, the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center’s constantly changing series of exhibits includes such staples as stingrays!

Local events sponsored by this center include Stingray Feeding Program and Sea Turtle Month, highlighted by walks along the nature trail, where perceptive eyes might catch sight of one! It’s the perfect blend of education and excitement when you make the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center your next aquatic conquest!

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Address: 890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

Website: Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

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2. Sailfish Splash Waterpark

Water park
Source: Pixabay

Take excitement to another level at Sailfish Splash Waterpark! Whether you’re looking to relax by the side of the pool or crank the thrill up a notch with their dynamic series of slides, rides, and assorted thrills, this very haven for water activity of all kinds offers you unprecedented access to the best fun you’ve had in a long time.

Turn down life’s pace on their lazy river, or get a real workout in their state-of-the-art aquatic center, available for competitive athletes and for beginners alike! Take advantage of the Sailfish Splash Waterpark, and prepare to take the plunge into unparalleled satisfaction!

Sailfish Splash Waterpark

Address: 931 SE Ruhnke St, Stuart, FL 34994

Website: Sailfish Splash Waterpark

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3. House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar

Hutchinson Island FL Gilberts HoR
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Experience the authentic history of the area at the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar. A location recorded on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and the oldest surviving edifice in the entire county, the House of Refuge is typified by a history as rich as its design. Originally constructed to aid stranded sea-goers in locating the shore, this venue today exhibits not only its many properties but also the various other life-saving means which have aided rescue workers and sailors alike.

The main quarters of the building have also been preserved in ideal, mint condition, in order to showcase to visitors and to locals alike a taste of life in 1904. Come taste genuine Stuart past at the House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar!

House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar

Address: 301 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

Website: House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar

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4. Shepard Park

Stuart FL Shepard Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If it’s the complete outdoor park experience that’s eluding you, solve that problem with a trip to Shepard Park! Exhibiting a large range of amenities to go with their picture-perfect outdoors setting, Shepard Park is perhaps the easiest Stuart means of transforming a great day into an unforgettable one. Lose yourself under one of the location’s expansive trees, or take to the waters close by, with their boat launch dock!

Fishing docks are also on site and a playground featuring the latest play equipment is sure to keep the young ones busy and happy. This park is also characterized by its River Walk - the boardwalk across the St. Lucie River. Check out all of that and more when you decide to make Shepard Park your next glorious afternoon!

Shepard Park

Address: 600 SW Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994

Website: Shepard Park

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5. Elliot Museum

Stuart FL Elliott Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Elliot Museum, located in the heart of Stuart, Florida, brings the best in art and technology right to your doorstep. The perfect combination of the best that local history has to offer, along with works from local contributors, this venue’s constantly changing series of exhibits are sure to amaze and intrigue you with their detail and historical accuracy!

Check out Stuart’s rich baseball past, with authentic team memorabilia! And immerse yourself in Elliot Museum’s extensive collection of Ford Model A and Model AA vehicles, one of the largest on the face of the earth! There’s even an airplane here for you to check out. When it’s time to learn more about Stuart, Florida, and the amazing contributions that make it the accomplished location that it is today, make sure to frequent Elliot Museum, for a genuine encounter with the impressive.

Elliot Museum

Address: 825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

Website: Elliot Museum

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6. Stuart Escape Room

Escape room game
Source: Pixabay

While the arrival to most of the attractions in Stuart, Florida is a cause for enjoyment, at the Escape Room, it’s all about getting out. This interactive endeavor pits you with friends and family, or whoever you choose to accompany you, against the clock and a challenging scenario! It’s up to you and those gathered to beat the clock, solve the predicament, and escape before the timer hits zero!

Choose from an arrangement of dynamic scenarios, including The Professor’s Study, The Lab, and The Asylum, all escape rooms dedicated to bringing you the finest in thrill-inducing entertainment! Make it onto the site’s leaderboard as one of the fastest solving times, and make the Escape Room in Stuart your next impressive feat!

Locked In Stuart

Address: 729 S Colorado Ave, Stuart, FL 34994

Website: Locked In Stuart

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7. Buttonwood Tennis Club

 Tennis court
Source: Pxhere

When it comes to the finest in recreation, the Buttonwood Tennis Club in Stuart, Florida has you covered. At this venue, pristine clay courts await your enjoyment, and with the site’s affordable rates and friendly service, it’s an endeavor you’ll want to experience again and again! No matter your skill level, this establishment’s non-threatening athletic environment, laid-back attitude, and perfectly manicured and groomed courts, serve to make for an enjoyable experience all around.

The onsite pro is always available to give you tips on your game, and to help you become the tennis player you always wanted to be! Take advantage of Stuart’s gorgeous climate, and find yourself in ideal outdoor conditions, when you make your tennis shoes a regular visitor to the blue clay courts of the Buttonwood Tennis Club!

Buttonwood Tennis Club

Address: 400 NW Baker Rd, Stuart, FL 34994

Website: Buttonwood Tennis Club

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8. Halpatiokee Regional Park

Regional Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Runner1928 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

At Halpatiokee Regional Park, you’ll find yourself one step closer to the authentic outdoors experience of Stuart. One of the best kayak locations within the state’s borders, Halpatiokee Regional Park puts you only feet from protected wildlife! Also, make sure you take advantage of the extensive hiking opportunities available at the park, each one an authentic experience with untouched wilderness.

Make sure you show up for sunrise or sunset: the sun is never more beautiful than over the water! You’ll have multiple ecosystems at your fingertips. Check out Halpatiokee Regional Park, for a park you won’t ever want to forget!

Halpatiokee Regional Park

Address: 8303 SW Lost River Rd, Stuart, FL 34997

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9. Stuart Bowl

Bowling alley
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Keith Pomakis used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Crank up the fun for the entire family, at Stuart Bowl! With affordable rates, luxury service, and an activity that everyone there can enjoy regardless of age or relative skill level, Stuart Bowl really is the place to be. This verifiable social hangout also offers their own unique take on what they call “Cosmic” bowling, where the lights go down and the intensity is turned up! Special lighting and effects help to get you in the mood for an afternoon or evening of fun and enjoyment!

Smoke-free and open late to allow you to take advantage of the lanes whenever your schedule allows, Stuart Bowl capitalizes on your definition of an unforgettable experience! Whether it’s league bowling, a birthday party, or simply a great day at the lanes, you need to know that Stuart Bowl is the place for you!

Stuart Bowl

Address: 1638 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994

Website: Stuart Bowl

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10. Santa Lucea Beach

Navarre Beach Florida sand
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user The222 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

As long as we’re being honest, the sights and sounds of Stuart, Florida simply don’t get better than the Santa Lucea Beach. With quality surf that’s enjoyed by a bevy of surfers whenever the climate conditions allow, Santa Lucea Beach is beset by local butterflies during peak summer hours, as well as beautiful wildflowers amidst a jungle-like atmosphere! Then, the wildlife clears, and you’re left with an awe-inspiring view of the shoreline!

The Atlantic Ocean will stretch out before you, and you’ll wonder why nothing else has ever proven so satisfying to gaze upon. Enjoy cool breezes and a friendly environment at Santa Lucea Beach!

Santa Lucea Beach

Address: 55 NE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996

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A haven of attractions

Downtown Stuart
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vasiliymeshko used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The haven of attractions that is Stuart, comfortably nestled just off the coast of balmy Florida, truly does offer something for everyone. Find unparalleled thrills, the likes of which will undoubtedly crank adrenaline to unprecedented levels. Or, relax on the beaches, and soak up the full organic hospitality of the generous coastal sun. Whatever your reason for staying in Stuart, and no matter the duration, stick to our recommendations for an enjoyable experience, for a sure-fire excuse to bask in luxury, or to enjoy the surf while you work!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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John Gallagher is a digital marketing consultant and writer from San Diego, California. When he isn't thoroughly enjoying the writing process or pretending he thoroughly enjoys the revision...Read more

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