Southern Florida's Best Kept Secret
Here at My Town, we strive to bring you the best Small Town Destinations, and while we love them all, some trips truly define the pleasantly unexpected. Southeastern Florida is no stranger to destination travel. Its beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife certainly hold something special for any traveler. But one county in Southeastern Florida is very special from a small-town perspective, and that’s Martin County.
Martin County is truly the cliché “hidden gem.” Why? Politics played out over time have made this county a haven. Here is the all-important statement from Martin County’s Tourism that My Town has confirmed holds true and then some!
My Town Founder Kristy Burns & Husband Geoff Burns in front of Jensen Beach
What People Are Saying
“Martin County is an under-the-radar slice of paradise, ideally situated between Orlando and Miami along a region known as Florida’s Treasure Coast (just a 40-minute drive north from West Palm Beach). This charming seaside escape features more than 22 miles of uncrowded beaches and over 100,000 acres of sprawling parks and conservation lands. What sets us apart from our more well-known neighbors is that decades ago, our leaders enforced a county-wide, 4-story height restriction – which is extremely rare in the Sunshine State – so you won’t find any towering hotels or skyscrapers overshadowing our shores or obstructing sweeping views.” (discovermartin.com)
In addition to the unobstructed views, you will enjoy the parks’ layout, conservation lands, and resident housing. The layout makes for an uncrowded, laid-back, small town feel. Its Beaches are among some of the best in the country. They have over 22 miles just waiting for you to explore. You can find guarded beaches & many secluded beaches that are free parking and alcohol friendly.
There have been quite notable accolades given to Martin County for its small town of Stuart (which we will cover in another article). But for this trip, we focused more on Martin County area activities as a whole, and its towns of Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, and Stuart. Several wonderful activities for all ages are listed below. This trip included the entire family, including Kristy (My Town Founder), Geoff (Hubby), 2 Teens- Liam & Zeke, and toddler Finn).
When you’re not out looking for riches on the Treasure Coast Beaches check out a few of these great activities that have something for each of the varied ages in the My Town group.
House of Refuge
The oldest structure in Martin County might not sound like something your kids would want to do, but the story & location of The House of Refuge had the My Town family hooked!
The Houses of Refuge were designated by the government to be built along Florida’s Atlantic Coastline in 1876 where shipwrecks were common close to shore. This was part of the U.S. Lifesaving Service, which would eventually become the Coast Guard in 1915. The House of Refuge in Martin County is the last of ten built. The history of the structure, its caretakers, World War II history, and the shipwreck survivors is very cool to see and learn. This included Georges Valentine, an Italian brigantine whose wreckage remains 100 yards off the rocky shoreline.
Elliott Museum
The Elliott Museum is a great Small Town Story. This museum was started with one man’s amazing car collection (Sterling Elliott- an inventor who lived in the same era as Thomas Edison) and an endowment fund, given with instructions on how to display the classic cars. Now, it has become an amazing local treasure, displaying not just classic cars but local history, artifacts, art, featured photographers, and naturalists.
Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast
Before visiting Martin County, friends who had visited told us “We need to visit the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast.” We didn’t think much more of the recommendation until we saw the reason they were so impressed. This interactive, creative, hands-on think tank for kids had our toddler going, going, going, until he just couldn’t move his little feet anymore!
The creative exhibits are based on real-life activities and are sponsored by those types of real-life businesses (i.e. The Publix Grocery store, The Veterinarian, Mechanic, Local News, etc.). But this is of course the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, so what would be without a giant Pirate Ship?!! The Ship has two levels, and has several activities aboard, including life-like cannons you can shoot! The entire My Town family had a blast here, and our little toddler never slept so well after his visit! See Video Here
Little Finn Playing With His Big Brother Liam, at The Children’s Museum Of The Treasure Coast Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
You can’t visit Southern Florida without seeing its famed wildlife up close. At the Coastal Center on Hutchinson Island, you can do just that! Here, you can learn about their resident Sea Turtles, different species of Sharks, and so much more. Educational sessions are happening every hour as you walk the grounds, and you can interact with Invertebrates & Stingrays in their Touch Tanks! Take a walk in their Mangrove Forests and learn about local species on display in the aquariums. The Coast Center “seeks to educate and inspire environmental stewardship of Florida’s coastal ecosystems.” See Video Here.
The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House
The Local Favorite – Dock & Dine – Can’t-Miss Experience in Small Town Jensen Beach, FL.
When visiting Martin County and the Treasure Coast Area, you will have a lot of dining choices, but one stands out if you ask around. Known for its fantastic food and location, the Dolphin Bar has become the “go-to” location for locals & visitors alike. But this location has something other dining establishments in the area do not have: a unique history that elevates your dinner to an experience you will remember.
The Dolphin Bar location was built by the singer, actress & philanthropist Frances Langford. If you don’t know who she is, you probably know her good friends (such as Bob Hope & President Nixon, to name a few). Frances was born in Lakeland, FL, and later became world-renowned for her work in radio and movies.
She was notably beloved for her USO Tours and was truly ahead of her time as a local businesswoman. Remembering her Florida roots, Frances moved to Jensen Beach in 1945, and in 1961, she was inspired by the Polynesian Islands of her travels to build the Outrigger Resort with her husband, Ralph Evinrude. Read Full Article Here.
The My Town Family At The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House – Jensen Beach, FL
Heritage Ridge Golf Club
It might be sacrilege to visit Florida and not play at least one round of golf. While I am not a golfer myself, my husband and eldest son are avid golfers. The area is full of public and private courses, each featuring different challenge levels and price ranges. The boys had the honor of playing at Heritage Ridge Golf Club, in Hobe Sound. Heritage Ridge is a public course that plays like a private club. Designed by Dom Fazio, it is one of the most popular golf courses on the Treasure Coast. Costs are very reasonable and they offer annual, 6-month, and 3-month memberships for snowbirds.
Florida Scrub Hike
Florida Scrub Hike With Explore Natural Martin
Jammin Jensen
“Jammin Jensen is a beloved weekly tradition that takes place every Thursday from 6-9:30 PM in downtown Jensen Beach along Jensen Beach Boulevard. It’s a free mini street festival that features local artists’ displays, live music, vendors, and entertainment for the whole family. Jammin Jensen is held all year long, weather permitting, and provides the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir.” (discovermartin.com) My Town had a blast at Jammin Jensen. We enjoyed dinner, stopped in at the open-air second-floor bar at Mulligan’s Beach House Bar and Grill, and listened to great music while walking the vendor-filled streets. See Video Here.
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Writer Bio
My name is Kristy Burns (@mytowntravels).
I am a travel entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, and founder of the My Town Travels, Travel Small Towns & My Town Today platforms. As a lover of small towns, travel junkie, and small-town foodie, I work with small towns to showcase their unique attributes, experiences, and businesses on our Websites, Additional Article Sites, Podcasts, and to our Social Media Audience to tell their unique stories. Click Here for full Bio.