Downtown Fort Pierce: Shops, Murals and Waterfront

"Downtown Fort Pierce is a walkable waterfront district with historic buildings, murals, art galleries, local shops, restaurants and a city marina. It is the heart of the city. If you are thinking about buying a home in Fort Pierce, it helps to know what downtown offers and how locals use it. This guide explains it in plain words.

Most of the facts below come from Visit St. Lucie, the county's tourism office. You can read its own page on downtown Fort Pierce. Hours, events and shops change, so check before you go.

What downtown Fort Pierce is like

Think of a small seaside town. Visit St. Lucie describes it as a small seaside town filled with history, art, period architecture, dining and fun. The historic waterfront gives residents and visitors places to shop, eat, fish and enjoy events. The events include farmers markets and festivals.

In other words, it is the place people go to do things. It is not a mall. It is a set of streets, a river walk and a marina that you can walk around.

Historic buildings to look for

History is a big part of downtown. Visit St. Lucie says seven of the fourteen places and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in the area are in downtown Fort Pierce. Here are a few it names.

• Old City Hall was built in 1925 and remodeled in 1995. It can be rented for events.

• The P. P. Cobb Building was the town's general store in the late 1800s. Today it is a coffee shop.

• The Arcade Building and the Boston House are also named as historic places.

• The Sunrise Theatre sits on 2nd Street. It first opened in 1902.

• Moore's Creek Bridge and Old Fort Park are also on the list.

You do not need a tour. You can look at most of these from the sidewalk. Pick a slow afternoon, bring water, and walk.

Art, murals and the Sunrise Theatre

Art is easy to find here. Visit St. Lucie says downtown has art galleries, bright murals and a monthly Art Walk. One mural, called Sunrise City, is on Backus Avenue.

The Sunrise Theatre is on 2nd Street. The page says it hosts touring Broadway musicals, concerts and comedy. Shows change all the time. Check the theater's own schedule before you buy tickets.

Food and drinks

Visit St. Lucie calls downtown's dining scene a growing one. It says you can find breakfast, brunch, lunch by the water and seafood dinners. We explain some of the well-known names in our guide to the best restaurants in Fort Pierce, FL.

The same page names Pickled as a place to eat and Sailfish Brewery Co. for craft beer. It also points to the Treasure Coast Wine, Ale & Spirits Trail for people who like local drinks. Restaurants and breweries change, so call first.

The marina and the river walk

The Fort Pierce City Marina is in downtown. The city's own page says it is publicly owned and open to the public. It opened in 1937. Visit St. Lucie says you can visit or dock at Marina Square, eat at a waterfront restaurant, or go to a weekly farmers market.

If you have never been to a working marina, it is fun to walk through. You can read more in our Fort Pierce marina guide.

The farmers market

There is a farmers market in downtown Fort Pierce. Visit St. Lucie keeps a listing for it. Days, times and the number of vendors can change by season. So check the listing first.

Markets are good for more than food. They are a chance to meet neighbors and learn what is going on in town.

How locals use downtown

Not everyone uses downtown in the same way. Here are a few common ways.

• Weekend walkers come for the river walk and the murals.

• Foodies come for a meal and a stop at the brewery.

• Families come for events and the marina.

• History fans come to see the old buildings.

• Boat owners come for the marina and the fishing.

You might be more than one. That is part of what makes a downtown work. It is not just one thing.

A one-afternoon walking plan

Want to see the main sights in one visit? Here is an easy order, built only from places named in this post.

1. Start at the marina. Look at the boats and read the signs. The city's marina page has maps and directions.

2. Walk the river walk. Take your time. This is the part people remember.

3. Look at the murals. Try to find the Sunrise City mural on Backus Avenue.

4. See a historic building. Pick one from the list above, such as Old City Hall or the Sunrise Theatre on 2nd Street.

5. Stop for a drink or a meal. Choose a cafe, a brewery or a waterfront restaurant.

6. Finish at a shop or gallery. Local shops are a nice way to end the day.

If there is a farmers market or an event that day, add it in. Give yourself at least half a day. The point is to slow down.

Tips for your first visit

Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk more than you think.

Bring water and sunscreen. Florida sun is strong, even in winter.

Check the calendar. Events, markets and shows change. A quick look at Visit St. Lucie's event pages can turn a normal day into a fun one.

Call before you go. Shops and restaurants change hours. A short call saves a wasted trip.

Talk to people. Shop owners and artists are often glad to tell you what is going on. Ask what they like about living here.

What a downtown adds to a city

A strong downtown does a few useful jobs for a city. It gives people a place to meet. It keeps old buildings in use. It gives local business owners a place to start. And it gives residents something to do that does not need a car ride to a mall.

For a buyer, that matters in a simple way. A city with a lively center usually has more to offer on a weekend. You will also have a place to take guests. That is often the thing buyers miss when they only compare floor plans.

Of course, a downtown is not the only thing to weigh. You also need the right home, a fair price and a good fit with your budget. We can help you look at all of it. Start with the homes, then check how the city fits your life.

How downtown fits your home search

A home does not have to be in downtown to enjoy downtown. Many people live in other parts of the city and visit on weekends. What matters is whether the trip is easy for you.

So do not ask only, ""How far is it?"" Ask, ""Will I go?"" The honest answer changes how much downtown should count in your search. If you would go every week, it may matter a lot. If you would go once a month, other things may matter more.

Creekside is a new D.R. Horton townhome community at 8100 Cobblestone Dr. in Fort Pierce. It has two floor plans, the Pearson End Unit and the Pearson Interior Unit. Both have three bedrooms and two and a half baths. You can see more on the Creekside community page. For more fun in the city, see our list of things to do in Fort Pierce, FL. If beaches are on your list, see Fort Pierce beaches.

Common Questions

Want to see Creekside and ask about life near downtown? Call Simon Karim at 561-704-0091 or schedule a Creekside visit.

Related reading: Best restaurants in Fort Pierce | Fort Pierce marina | Things to do in Fort Pierce | Fort Pierce beaches | Creekside community page "