While Stuart, Florida may not have the same name recognition of other towns nearby, with the town being nicknamed the “Sailfish Capital of the World” it’s certainly a draw for saltwater anglers throughout the country. In addition to being a fishing hotspot, the town of Stuart also boasts many other things to do for both tourists and locals alike. Art enthusiasts can discover new works at the Gallery 36, museum lovers can explore the Stuart Heritage Museum and Elliott Museum, theater-goers can catch a show at The Barn Theatre, and outdoor adventurers can spend time in the Halpatiokee Regional Park.
Elliott Museum
The Elliott Museum is home to many different exhibits that highlight the economy and history of the local area, along with exhibits that touch on the region’s connection with aviation, art, and sports. A significant portion of the Elliott Museum is devoted to the rich maritime history of Florida, however, the museum is largely an informative and unique hodgepodge of interesting displays. The Treasure Coast stories and histories are likely to delight visitors of all ages. The Elliott Museum also hosts an array of pop-culture and quirky special events designed to take guests on a stroll “down Memory Lane.”
825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, Phone: 772-225-1961
The House of Refuge Museum
The House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida is the only one left of the ten constructed by the United States Treasury Department in 1876. These houses were built as havens for shipwreck victims and sailors along the coast of Florida. Standing against the test of time, the House of Refuge Museum today stands as the oldest structure in Martin County and brings its rich American and maritime history to life for visitors, providing a look at the area’s bygone seaside lifestyle. Interpretive signage lets guests take a self-guided tour of the museum, however, guided tours are also offered.
House of Refuge, 301 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, Phone: 772-225-1875
Halpatiokee Regional Park
The largest park in Martin County, Halpatiokee Regional Park encompasses over five hundred acres of preserved natural acres and developed land. Popular amenities at the park include the outdoor roller rink, tennis courts, baseball fields, and soccer fields. For those who rather get out in nature and away from any crowds, Halpatiokee Regional Park also offers several trails for biking and hiking, as well as paddling trails. There are also primitive campsites with a fire pit and a picnic table. For visitors looking for a picnic spot, Halpatiokee Regional Park includes large pavilions and covered seating areas.
Halpatiokee Regional Park, 8303 SW Lost River Rd, Stuart, FL 34997, Phone: 772-221-1419
Stuart Heritage Museum
Housed within the oldest commercial building in Martin County and the town of Stuart, dating back to the year 1901, the Stuart Heritage Museum lets visitors step back into the past and learn about the fascinating, the forgotten, and the unusual places, events, and people from the history of the local area. The mission of the museum is to preserve the history, artifacts, and culture of Stuart, Florida and the surrounding communities.
161 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, Phone: 772-220-4600
The Barn Theatre
The Barn Theatre in the coastal town of Stuart, Florida is a small 169-seat community theater that presents five main-stage productions every year, as well as a Showcase Series consisting of one-act plays. This series takes place between the main-stage productions. With more than fifty seasons of experience, The Barn Theatre is the oldest non-profit community theater in Martin County, as well as the only community theatre venue anywhere from Jupiter to Fort Pierce. The theatre company takes a great deal of pride in its passion for keeping the local community of Stuart and beyond involved in the theatre arts.
2400 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, Phone: 772-287-4884
Geoffrey C. Smith Galleries
The Geoffrey C. Smith Galleries in Stuart showcase the works of Geoffrey C. Smith, a photographer, painter, sculptor, and naturalist who has been inspired for more than forty years to create award-winning works of art that depict the vast wildlife diversity with a sense of action and deep emotion. His most notable work is perhaps the Stuart Sailfish. This bronze sculpture was placed in the middle of the town’s “Sailfish Circle” in 2003 and has become a symbol of Stuart, Florida, known worldwide as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Smith’s artwork is also displayed in many other galleries throughout the country.
47 SW Osceola Street, Stuart FL 34994, Phone: 772-221-8031
Gallery 36
Specializing in fine art photography, the Gallery 36 has a focus on photography that captures the local feel of the state’s surrounding Treasure Coast, as well as the state of Florida in general. Tourists and locals alike can explore the variety of amazing photographs throughout the gallery. The boutique fine art gallery has become a bit of a new chic hotspot in Stuart, Florida, featuring a small town charm and unique character, yet still gives off an air of sophistication often found in more urban, metropolitan settings.
36 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994, Phone: 772-888-3408
La Forchetta, Stuart
La Forchetta is a local family-owned and operated Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes, as well as a few with a bit of more modern flair. The menu includes a variety of pasta options, along with pizza, seafood, chicken, and veal dishes. The owners of La Forchetta strive to make every meal memorable for all of their guests, striving to make customers feel like they are at home and offering attentive, personal service. Everything served at La Forchetta is made to order and recipes consist of several ingredients imported from Italy to provide guests with an authentic Italian meal.
7820 SW Lost River Rd, Stuart, FL 34997, Phone: 772-872-7333
Berry Fresh Cafe, Stuart
The Berry Fresh Cafe is a family-owned and operated restaurant that originally opened in 2009 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It has since expanded to include additional cafe locations in Stuart and Jupiter. The menu includes signature "jazzed-up" comfort foods, along with many healthy gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes designed to be tasty for any food palate. The What's Fresh menu features seasonal dishes that showcase the talents of the Berry Fresh Cafe chefs. Founded by Tim Timoteo, the cafe still adheres to his principles: service with a true smile, a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, reasonable prices, and great food.
1429 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994, Phone: 772-324-8287
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center covers 57 acres on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, Florida. The center was established in 1964 by the Florida Oceanographic Society, which aims to inspire and educate the local community about coastal environmental issues. They endeavor to encourage stewardship of the local ecosystems by presenting educational programs and other conservation activities. The Coastal Center offers hands-on marine interactions in the Stingray Pool and Invertebrate Touch Tank and is also home to resident turtles, sharks and game fish in their large “lagoon” tank. You can take a walk along the nature trail, feed the game fish and learn about many marine creatures native to Florida.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, 890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996, 772 225 0505
Fish House Art Center and Marina
The Fish House Art Center means different things to different people. If you are visiting or new to the area you will find a great mix of interesting attractions at the waterfront center, including local artists exhibiting their works at the art gallery and offering various classes. The Craft and Creamery Brewery and Ice-Cream Shop draws visitors from near and far to their relaxing outdoor bar. You can hire a bike at Kraken Bike and Board or take to the water for some scenic paddling. The Marina is the place to charter a fishing or sight-seeing tour. There is always something exciting on the go at Fish House Art Center.
Fish House Art Center and Gallery, 4745 SE De Soto Ave, Stuart, FL 34997, 772 341 0524
Seabranch Preserve State Park
Shaped by ancient ocean tides, the Seabranch Preserve State Park is home to a variety of important marine habitats within an easily-explored area of less than 1 mile. A must visit for birders, the park is home to bald eagles and swallow-tailed kites, which are regularly seen soaring above the coastline. There are 6 miles of hiking trails which lead you through pine scrub, mangrove swamps, flatwood forests and more. You are welcome to bring along a picnic to enjoy at the shelter. There is also a multi-use paved trail (the East Coast Greenway) for cycling, roller-blading or mountain biking.
Seabranch Preserve State Park, 6093 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, FL 34779, 772 219 1880
The Lyric Theatre
The historic Lyric Theatre was originally built as a silent movie house back in 1925. After serving various purposes after the Great Depression, the theatre received a wonderful face-lift in 2014, restoring it to its original grandeur. Much of the money required to restore the theatre was raised by the community. Today the Lyric is once again a hub for music and entertainment for the Stuart community. The theater features all kinds of music concerts, live shows and movies and hosts various training schools for budding artists, including summer camps and youth arts school. You can check the website for details of current shows and to book your tickets.
The Lyric Theatre, 59 SW Flagler Ave, Stuart, FL 34994, 772 286 7837
Play Money Pinball Arcade Bar
If you enjoy gaming you are going to love the Play Money Pinball Arcade Bar. Here avid gamers will find some of the latest video games as well as many of your old favorite arcade games. There are individual games and team games, nostalgic pinball games, table shuffleboard, skee-ball and so much more. The center is perfect for families provided you avoid their Adult Only Friday and Saturday night party times. Children under the age of 11 are required to have an adult chaperone. Soda’s, beers and pretzels are available. There is no need to worry about coins or tokens; a single entrance fee covers unlimited day-long gaming.
Play Money Pinball Arcade Bar, 872 SW Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994, 772 286 8007
