Historic Downtown Stuart Guide
Stuart, a small city about 45 minutes north of West Palm, has earned the title of “America’s Best Coastal Small Town” from USA Today for good reason.
Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” it has a super cute downtown, fascinating coastal history, and a unique historic inn that makes it easy to spend a few days exploring. Here are five essential stops in Stuart.
1: Explore Downtown Stuart & Hop on the Free Tram
Historic downtown Stuart, just feet away from the St. Lucie River, has more than 50-locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries. It’s wonderful and walkable, but if you want to see historic downtown and the outskirts even easier, hop on the Stuart Free Tram. I loved getting local tips from the driver!
2. Enjoy a stroll on the Stuart Riverwalk
Stuart’s Riverwalk, along the St. Lucie River, is a must-see. The Riverwalk connects parks and will take you past waterfront restaurants. I walked from downtown, under the bridge, to Gilbert’s Coffee Bar for the most delicious avocado toast and seasonal latte.
3. Visit the Stuart Heritage Museum and nearby House of Refuge
Make a stop at the Stuart Heritage Museum in downtown Stuart to learn about the people, businesses, and agriculture that have defined Stuart and Martin County over the years.
Further out of town, you’ll find another worthy historical stop: House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar, the oldest surviving building in Martin County. Built in 1876, it’s the last remaining of the original ten Houses of Refuge, which served as a havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers.
4. Check out Santa Lucea Beach
Locals love Santa Lucea Beach and it’s definitely a worthy stop. It’s only 10 minutes from downtown Stuart and has gorgeous Anastasia limestone formations (think Blowing Rocks!). There’s a good amount of parking and 5 acres of natural area and beach access to enjoy.
5: Stay at the historic Old Colorado Inn
The most storied place to stay in Stuart is Old Colorado Inn, originally built as the Coventry Hotel in 1914 and lovingly restored in 2011. Today, it still has that historic charm, with 14 unique rooms inside the inn itself.
Old Colorado Inn also has a collection of cottages, including The Ernest Lyons House, which has been designated a Literary Landmark by the American Library Association. It was once home to Ernest Lyons, who wrote The Last Cracker Barrel (1975) and My Florida (1969).
