Things to Do: Stuart, Florida Guide for Sailfish Cay Residents
In this article
"The best things to do in Stuart, Florida center on the water and the historic downtown. You can walk the riverwalk, catch a show at the Lyric Theatre, visit the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island, and spend a day at Stuart Beach. Families can add Sailfish Splash Waterpark, the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast and the trails at Halpatiokee Regional Park. Sailfish Cay puts all of this within a short drive.
This guide is for people thinking about living here, not just visiting. So we focus on the places you would go again and again, not one-time tourist stops.
Downtown Stuart
Historic downtown Stuart is the heart of the city. It sits along the St. Lucie River, north of Sailfish Cay on U.S. 1.
The Riverwalk and Flagler Park
The riverwalk is a boardwalk along the St. Lucie River. It is a good place for an evening stroll. Flagler Park sits along the water downtown and hosts community events through the year.
The Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre is a historic theater in downtown Stuart. It hosts concerts, comedy, films and other live shows. Check its calendar for what is playing.
Shops and Restaurants
Downtown has local shops, galleries and restaurants along streets like Osceola Street and Flagler Avenue. Stuart Main Street is a nonprofit that supports downtown and lists events. Restaurants change owners and hours, so confirm before you go.
We cover how to get downtown, road by road, in downtown Stuart FL and getting around from Sailfish Cay.
Hutchinson Island
Hutchinson Island is the barrier island across the Indian River Lagoon from Stuart. It is where the ocean beaches are. It also has three of the area's best-known stops.
The Elliott Museum
The Elliott Museum is run by the Historical Society of Martin County. It sits on NE Ocean Boulevard. It covers local history, art and a collection of classic cars.
The House of Refuge
The Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge is on Hutchinson Island. It was built in 1876 by the U.S. Life-Saving Service to help shipwrecked sailors. Today it is a museum on the rocky shore.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a marine life nature center on Hutchinson Island. It has nature trails and hands-on exhibits about the lagoon and the ocean. Kids tend to love it.
The Beaches
Martin County runs several public beaches. Stuart Beach and Bathtub Beach are the closest to Stuart. Both are on Hutchinson Island.
We wrote a full guide just for this: Stuart, Florida beach guide. It covers which beach fits which kind of day.
Parks and Nature
Halpatiokee Regional Park
Halpatiokee Regional Park is at 8303 SW Lost River Road in Stuart. Martin County calls it the county's largest park, with 65 acres of active land and 500 acres of wetlands. It has nature trails and paddling trails. It is a favorite for walking, biking and kayaking.
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
This state park is on the south end of Hutchinson Island. It is reachable only by boat. If you own a boat or know someone who does, it makes a great day trip.
Martin County Parks
Martin County runs many more parks, boat ramps and sports fields. The Martin County parks and recreation page has a finder map.
Things to Do With Kids
Stuart works well for families. Here are the top picks.
Sailfish Splash Waterpark
Sailfish Splash Waterpark is a Martin County water park on SE Ruhnke Street. It is just south of Sailfish Cay. It has slides, pools and a lap pool. Check its season and hours before you go.
Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast
The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast is at 1707 NE Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach, just north of Stuart. It is built for hands-on play.
The Library
Martin County's public libraries offer free story times, classes and events. See the Martin County library page.
Fishing and Boating
Stuart calls itself the Sailfish Capital of the World. Fishing and boating are a big part of life here.
Charter fishing. Many captains run trips from local marinas.
Boat ramps. Martin County runs public ramps.
Paddling. Calm water in the river and lagoon is good for kayaks and paddleboards.
Anyone fishing in Florida usually needs a state fishing license, with some exceptions. Check the rules before you cast.
A Sample Weekend From Sailfish Cay
Here is one way to spend a Saturday and Sunday if you lived here.
Saturday
Morning: Walk or bike at Halpatiokee Regional Park before it gets hot.
Afternoon: Cool off at Sailfish Splash Waterpark, just south of home.
Evening: Head north on U.S. 1 to downtown Stuart. Walk the riverwalk, then catch a show at the Lyric Theatre.
Sunday
Morning: Cross to Hutchinson Island and spend a few hours at Stuart Beach.
Lunch break: Step into the Elliott Museum or the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center nearby to get out of the sun.
Afternoon: Stop at the House of Refuge on the way back.
None of these need a long trip. That is the point of living close to them.
Why This Matters When You Buy
Things to do are not just for weekends. They shape your daily routine. A home close to the places you enjoy means you use them more.
Sailfish Cay is on the south side of Stuart, just off U.S. 1. That puts downtown to the north, Hutchinson Island to the east, and Sailfish Splash just to the south.
If you are new to the area, start with where is Stuart, Florida. Families should also read our guide to Martin County schools and daily life.
A Home Base for All of It
Sailfish Cay is a D.R. Horton townhome community with five two-story floor plans. Every plan has a two-car garage, which helps if you have bikes, beach chairs or fishing gear to store. See the plans in Sailfish Cay townhouse floor plans compared.
The community itself lists a pool, cabana, park, bike racks and walkways with benches among its amenities. Opening dates are not published, so call to ask what is open now.
Townhomes have recently started in the high $400,000s. Call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers and incentives.
Come See Stuart and Sailfish Cay
The best way to know if Stuart fits you is to spend a day here. Tour the model, then drive downtown and out to the beach. We can help plan that day and share today's pricing and incentives. Incentives change often, so ask what is offered now.
Call 561-704-0091 or plan a Stuart day and Sailfish Cay tour.
Common Questions
What are the top things to do in Stuart, Florida?
Walk the downtown riverwalk, see a show at the Lyric Theatre, visit the Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge, spend a day at Stuart Beach, and explore Halpatiokee Regional Park.
What is there for kids in Stuart?
Sailfish Splash Waterpark, the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast in Jensen Beach, the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center and free programs at the public library.
Is Sailfish Splash Waterpark near Sailfish Cay?
Yes. The water park is on SE Ruhnke Street, just south of the community.
Why is Stuart called the Sailfish Capital of the World?
Stuart has long been known for sailfish fishing off its coast. Fishing and boating are still a big part of life here.
Where are the museums in Stuart?
The Elliott Museum and the House of Refuge are on Hutchinson Island, across the Indian River Lagoon from the mainland.
Does Sailfish Cay have its own amenities?
The community lists a pool, cabana, park, bike racks and walkways with benches. Call 561-704-0091 to ask what is open today.
Want to explore Stuart before you buy? Call 561-704-0091 or book at nationalhousesearch.com/schedule."