Stuart, Florida Beach Guide: The Beaches Closest to Sailfish Cay

"The main Stuart, Florida beach is Stuart Beach, at 889 NE Ocean Boulevard on Hutchinson Island. It is a Martin County public beach with lifeguard towers. Bathtub Beach, at 1585 SE MacArthur Boulevard, is the other nearby favorite, known for shallow water close to shore. Both sit across the Indian River Lagoon from mainland Stuart, and both are an easy trip from Sailfish Cay.

This guide covers the beaches you would actually use if you lived here. We explain what each one is like, how to get there, and a few safety tips every beachgoer should know.

How the Beaches Work in Stuart

Stuart itself sits on the mainland, along the St. Lucie River. The ocean is on the other side of the Indian River Lagoon, on a long, thin barrier island called Hutchinson Island.

So ""going to the beach"" in Stuart means crossing the lagoon. SE Ocean Boulevard crosses over to Hutchinson Island, and the beach roads run along the island from there.

Martin County's beaches page lists its public beaches, their addresses and lifeguard hours. Check it before you go, because hours can change by season.

Stuart Beach

Address: 889 NE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart

Stuart Beach is the go-to beach for most people in Stuart. Here is why:

• Lifeguards. Martin County lists guard towers at Stuart Beach during posted hours.

• Nearby stops. The Elliott Museum and the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center are on the same stretch of NE Ocean Boulevard.

• Room to spread out. It is a wide sandy beach on the open Atlantic.

Waves here can be strong on some days. That makes it popular with surfers. Swimmers should always check the flags and stay near the lifeguards.

Bathtub Beach

Address: 1585 SE MacArthur Boulevard, Stuart

Bathtub Beach is at the south end of the road on Hutchinson Island. It is well known for a reef close to shore that can make the water near the beach calmer and shallower than open ocean beaches.

That makes it popular with families and young kids. A few things to know:

• Conditions change. Calm water is common but not guaranteed. Storms and tides can change the beach.

• It can get busy. Go early on weekends.

• Lifeguards. Martin County lists guarded hours for it on the beaches page.

Jensen Beach

Address: 4191 NE Ocean Boulevard, Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach is just north of Stuart on Hutchinson Island. It is another Martin County public beach with lifeguard towers. If Stuart Beach is busy, this is a good second choice.

Hobe Sound Beach

Address: 1 SE Beach Road, Hobe Sound

Hobe Sound Beach is south of Stuart, in the town of Hobe Sound. It is farther from Sailfish Cay than the Hutchinson Island beaches, but it makes a nice change of scene.

Getting to the Beach From Sailfish Cay

Sailfish Cay is at 747 SE Central Parkway, just off U.S. 1 on the south side of Stuart. We do not give drive times, because traffic, bridges and the time of day change them. Here are the roads.

1. Start on U.S. 1 (SE Federal Highway) near the community.

2. Head to SE Ocean Boulevard, which runs east from the mainland.

3. Cross the Indian River Lagoon to Hutchinson Island.

4. Turn north on NE Ocean Boulevard for Stuart Beach and Jensen Beach.

5. Turn south toward SE MacArthur Boulevard for Bathtub Beach.

For more on the roads around Stuart, read downtown Stuart FL and getting around from Sailfish Cay.

Beach Safety Tips

Florida beaches are beautiful, but the ocean deserves respect. Keep these in mind.

• Swim near a lifeguard. Only swim during guarded hours if you can.

• Read the flags. Beach warning flags tell you about waves, currents and marine life.

• Know about rip currents. If you get caught in one, swim parallel to shore until you are out of it. Then swim back in.

• Use sunscreen and drink water. The Florida sun is strong all year.

• Watch for jellyfish and other marine life. Flags often warn you.

What to Bring

A little planning makes a beach day easier, especially with kids.

• Shade. A beach umbrella or pop-up tent helps a lot in the midday sun.

• Water and snacks. Bring more water than you think you need.

• Reef-safe sunscreen and hats.

• Water shoes. Helpful at beaches with rocks or reef near shore, like Bathtub Beach.

• A small wagon. Easier than carrying chairs, coolers and bags across the sand.

• Trash bags. Leave the beach cleaner than you found it.

Having a garage at home makes all this easier. You can keep the beach gear packed and ready to go.

Go Early or Late

Popular beaches fill up on weekends and holidays. If you want an easy parking spot and more space on the sand, go early in the morning. Late afternoon is also nice, once the midday heat breaks. Check lifeguard hours if you plan to swim.

Sea Turtle Season

Florida's beaches are important nesting areas for sea turtles. During nesting season, which runs through the warm months, beachgoers are asked to help:

• Do not touch nests or hatchlings.

• Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before you leave. Baby turtles can get stuck in them.

• Keep lights off the beach at night. Hatchlings use natural light to find the water.

• Take your trash with you.

More Than a Beach Day

Hutchinson Island has more than sand. You can pair a beach day with:

• The Elliott Museum, for local history and classic cars

• The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, a marine life nature center

• The House of Refuge, a historic life-saving station from 1876

We list more ideas in our guide to things to do in Stuart, Florida.

Why Beach Access Matters When You Buy

If the beach is part of your plan, it helps to live where getting there is simple. From Sailfish Cay, you are on U.S. 1 with a straight road path to Hutchinson Island.

It also helps to have storage. Every Sailfish Cay plan has a two-car garage, which gives you room for chairs, coolers, boards and bikes. See every plan in Sailfish Cay townhouse floor plans compared.

Sailfish Cay homes also come with impact-resistant glass windows. That matters for any home near the Florida coast. Read the full list in what's included in D.R. Horton townhomes at Sailfish Cay.

If you are new to the area, start with where is Stuart, Florida.

See the Beach and the Homes in One Day

Here is a good plan. Tour the Sailfish Cay model in the morning. Then head over to Stuart Beach for the afternoon. You will know fast if this area fits you.

We can set up your tour and share today's pricing and incentives. Townhomes have recently started in the high $400,000s. Incentives change often, so ask what is offered right now.

Call 561-704-0091 or set up a beach day and Sailfish Cay visit.

Common Questions

Want a beach day and a home tour in one trip? Call 561-704-0091 or book at nationalhousesearch.com/schedule."