Just north of Palm Beach County along Florida’s Atlantic Coast awaits the Florida of your dreams – minus the crowds. With the same blue ocean, palm trees and wide beaches as other South Florida counties, Martin County is quickly becoming the hot new destination for families looking for outdoor adventure and warm weather getaways.
Just why should you visit Martin County in 2018? We have 5 good reasons:
Kids can get up close and personal with Martin County’s coastal sea life at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.
A Rich Ecosystem
Get to know the Florida wildlife found in Martin County’s 57 acres of and 8,500 miles of tidal shoreline at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. Kids will be enthralled as they learn about the sea life that calls Martin County home through natural trails, touch tanks and special programs, just for them.
The Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts is one of many art shows in the thriving Martin County art scene.
A Thriving Arts Community
Not only are vacationers drawn to the beauty of Martin County, but artists find inspiration here. With an array of galleries and shops showcasing work by local artisans, as well as annual art events such as ArtsFest, Downtown Stuart Art Festival and the Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts, you’ll find your own inspiration. Of course, a visit to Martin County must include the Elliott Museum in Stuart.
Families enjoy kayaking and canoeing in Martin County’s Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Outdoor Fun and Games
Martin County is home to 15 beaches and 11,500 acres of untouched land at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, where you and the kids can explore the great outdoors. Whether hiking or kayaking in the state park, or learning to surf, kiteboard or other ocean sports, active kids will love all the choices. And, even if you want to sit back and let someone else do the work, ecotours are available to get you up close and personal with manatees and dolphins that call Martin County home.
Stuart’s AirShow is one of the largest in the area, and one of the many annual events taking place in Martin County.
Festival Fever
There’s always something exciting happening in Martin County, including its annual, not-to-be-missed events like the Pineapple Festival, the Indiantown Rodeo, the aforementioned Hobe Sound Festival of Arts, the family-friendly Dancin’ in the Streets dance party, Port Salerno Seafood Festival, and the Stuart AirShow, the largest airshow in the area. Pick any of Martin County’s eight distinct communities – Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island, Tequesta, Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Port Salerno, Sewall’s Point and Stuart – to uncover new and exciting events, and visit the Martin County website for a full list of festivals and events.
Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa is Martin County’s newest resort.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Although there are plenty of places to stay in Martin County, from vacation rentals to hotels, this year welcomed the brand-new Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. Overlooking Hutchinson Island, this beach-lover’s dream features luxurious guest rooms, private balconies, a world-class spa and contemporary dining with ocean views. For an additional option on Hutchinson Island consider the Hutchinson Island Marriott.
Meanwhile, Courtyard Stuart, Hampton Inn and Best Western all received recent renovations and offer budget-friendly rates, while unique properties like the Old Colorado Inn, Driftwood Motel and River Palm Cottages each offer accommodations with full kitchens and multiple rooms for families who want more room and flexibility during their stay.
Discover more about Martin County’s offerings for your next vacation by visiting Discover Martin County Florida.