A stretch of sand along Florida’s east coast is known as the Treasure Coast, where tranquil sands and a rich history await.
An 11,500-acre preserve near Hobe Sound that allows visitors to step back in time and see what this pristine area looked like before it was settled by others. Located at the confluence of the and the St. Lucie River in southeastern Florida, the St. Lucie Inlet includes the communities of Stuart, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound. The inlet separates the barrier islands of Hutchinson Island to the north and Jupiter Island to the south. In stark contrast to the faster pace just to the south, these surf destinations feature a culturally vibrant, yet laid-back quality of life centered on Treasure Coast beaches, boating, fishing, community and the outdoors.
Hobe Sound
Located about 10 miles south of Stuart is the village of Hobe Sound. With an eclectic assortment of Treasure Coast, Florida shopping spots, boutiques and galleries, Hobe Sound hosts events that draw people from the entire Treasure Coast, like the Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts in early. one of the Native groups that lived in the area before the settlement.
Hobe Sound is home to one of Florida’s finest nature preserves, the aforementioned. This 11,500-acre refuge contains an abundance of tropical and subtropical wildlife and offers camping, canoeing, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and fresh and saltwater fishing. The 40-foot Loxahatchee Queen III offers two-hour-long of the upper reaches of the Loxahatchee River, which is accessible only by boat and includes a ranger-guided tour of the restored camp of Trapper Nelson, the famous “Wildman of the Loxahatchee.”
Jensen Beach
Jensen Beach was once known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World” before a combination of deadly freezes, blights and the industry at the turn of the 20th century. The prototype Old Florida beach town, it has a roundabout and a handful of good (and unpretentious) restaurants including Conchy Joe’s (on the water) and 11 Maple Street (gourmet in an Old Florida home).
The town, which sits on the land side of the Intracoastal Waterway, is home to many local restaurants. Just up, the town’s most famous eatery is the Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House, a seafood house boasting a spectacular river view. Known for years as Frances Langford’s Outrigger Resort, it was owned by Langford, and 50s-era movie star best known as Bob Hope’s sidekick.
Conservation-minded Langford lived in the town for more than 50 years before. Ask any local, and he or she will tell of Langford’s generosity and then send you to nearby Frances Langford , which has baseball diamonds, a playground and fitness trails. Not only does the restaurant have photographs from Langford’s Hollywood career, but patrons waiting for a table can have a look at her vintage fishing reels.
To visit Jensen Beach’s oceanside beauty, head out on the causeway to Hutchinson Island. Treasure Coast beach lovers frequent Sea Turtle Beach, a wide, sandy beach named for the loggerhead and green turtles that lay their eggs there in late spring. Heading south on Hutchinson Island, you’ll come across Bathtub Beach, which is popular with families because a coral reef protects the shore and keeps the waves to a minimum.
Jensen Beach hangs onto its history and uses it to its advantage. the pineapple is a permanent part of the town’s identity. The annual Pineapple (complete with the crowning of Miss Pineapple) is held each November and remains Jensen Beach’s defining community event.
