Exploring the Treasure Coast: Top Things To Do for Active Adults

7 Minute Read

The Treasure Coast has become a popular destination for active adults and retirees, thanks to its climate, low cost of living, and high quality of life. Here are some of the best things to do on the Treasure Coast!

A sunset over the shoreline in Stuart, Florida.

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7 minute read

What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article provides valuable insights into the attractions and lifestyle of Florida’s Treasure Coast, particularly for those considering visiting or moving to the area.


Deciding to visit or move to Florida is pretty easy. Who wouldn’t want abundant sunshine, diverse beaches, as well as year-round golf, fishing, boating, and outdoor entertainment? The difficult decision is choosing where in Florida to spend your time. 

Consider Florida’s Treasure Coast, which stretches from northern Jupiter through Hobe Sound and Stuart to Vero Beach. Some of the most recognizable cities here include Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Hutchinson Island. This has become a popular destination for active adults and retirees, thanks to its climate, low cost of living, and high quality of life. While the area is growing, it’s not nearly as crowded as many other of the state’s hotspots. 

What do people do once they’re here? Let’s explore the options! Here are some of the best things to do on the Treasure Coast: 

Treasure Coast Attractions: Indoor Fun

The Stuart Heritage Museum, one of many things to do on Florida's Treasure Coast.
Image provided via JennLShoots / Shutterstock.com

Summers are hot in Florida, and you may want to spend some time in the air conditioning. Luckily, there’s plenty to keep you busy. 

Start with some shopping. The Treasure Coast has some great malls, such as Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach. This mall has big department stores, such as Macy’s and JCPenny, as well as small boutiques, a food court, and a movie theater. There’s also Harbour Bay Plaza, an eclectic collection of shops on Sewall’s Point in Stuart. Shop for clothes, accessories, furniture, as well as gifts.

Visit The Stuart Heritage Museum if you’re interested in “old Florida”. It’s housed inside the old Stuart Feed Supply store. The Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pierce is also worth a visit, especially for those interested in the history of naval warfare.

Outdoor Things To Do

A sandy path to Fort Pierce Beach in Florida.

When it’s not 90 degrees in the shade, most residents on the Treasure Coast want to spend as much time as possible outside. Luckily, there’s a lot to do. There are 70 miles of shoreline along this part of Florida and 40 public beaches. This makes it easy to sunbathe, surf, swim, take out the paddleboard, or charter a boat. 

Outside of beach activities, there are some pretty spectacular golf courses in this part of Florida. Many residents can be found booking tee times at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, which has three separate courses. There’s also Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach. The Dunes course is the most popular, and this club offers lovely views. The Cape Club of Palm City comes with some wild stories of its mobster past, and membership here includes access to dining, social events, and a fitness center.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Savannas Preserve State Park is great for equestrians or launching a canoe. Blind Creek Park borders the coast on Hutchinson Island, and the East Coast Greenway in Stuart provides paved paths for hikers, bikers, and walkers. 

Where (and What) to Eat on the Treasure Coast

A platter of fresh seafood at a Florida restaurant.

Local restaurants and food specialties on the Treasure Coast are (not surprisingly) seafood-based. But, that’s not all there is. Cities like Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach have thriving food scenes, and they include everything from pizza to sushi to the best pit barbeque. It’s fun to find your favorite food and drink spots.

Ocean Grill in Vero Beach is a classic on-the-water establishment for steak, seafood, and craft cocktails. The American Icon Brewery is a popular place for locals to gather in the historic district of Vero Beach. You’ll need reservations at Giordi in Stuart. It’s an artsy Italian restaurant that gathers inspiration from all over the Mediterranean. In Port St. Lucie, for something fresh and local, head to Zest Kitchen and Bar. The early bird and happy hour specials are worth showing up for between lunch and dinner.

Treasure Coast Arts and Culture

The Elliot Museum in Stuart, Florida, one of many things to do on Florida's Treasure Coast.
Image provided via JennLShoots / Shutterstock.com

Fans of art and museums enjoy exploring the Vero Beach Museum of Art. It’s known for its permanent collections, its community galleries, and its diverse exhibitions. Treasure Coast residents can enjoy classes, reduced membership costs, and volunteer opportunities. 

To explore cultural and vintage Americana, The Elliott Museum offers baseball collectibles, art, photography, and exhibits of vintage cars. It’s located on Ocean Boulevard in Stuart. In addition to hosting special events and exhibits, the museum provides sound vibrational healing every week. 

The Treasure Coast Theatre in Port St. Lucie puts on plays and musicals that range from comedy to drama to immersive sing-alongs. Tickets are reasonably priced. Also, anyone hankering to join this community theater will appreciate that auditions are ongoing for upcoming shows.

Vero Beach has a Theater Guild, and here, there’s much more than plays and performances. You might stop in for a tequila tasting or a trivia night. There’s also plenty of Shakespeare. 

For major concert venues on the Treasure Coast, you’ll find big shows at the MidFlorida Event Center in Port St. Lucie. The Gin Blossoms, Clay Walker, and major comedians all swing through. There are also home shows, boat shows, professional wrestling, and local shows and fairs happening daily.

Fun With the Grandkids

Active adults kayaking with manatees, one of many things to do on Florida's Treasure Coast.

Thinking about family-friendly activities for when the grandkids visit? Here are some of the best Treasure Coast attractions for the little ones. 

Start with some baseball, especially spring training baseball. The New York Mets have their spring training facility at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. When the Mets aren’t in town, the minor league players take over the complex. Also, Port St. Lucie Mets can be seen playing all summer. There’s also the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, which is where both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins have their spring training operations. Kids can get a chance to catch a ball, collect autographs, and explore many of the family-friendly activities during and after games. 

At The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast in Jensen Beach, children can explore all the touchy-feely exhibits. There are also special exhibits and curiosity is always encouraged. 

In Fort Pierce, the Manatee Observation and Education Center is a fun place to learn more about Florida’s famous sea cows. It provides waterfront wildlife viewing on the Indian River Lagoon, and manatees gather here because the neighboring Henry B. King Power Plant keeps the waters warm in the winter. Other likely visitors may be dolphins, pelicans, and mullet.

55places Can Help Make the Treasure Coast Your Next Home

There’s no danger in running out of things to do on the Treasure Coast. If this part of the Sunshine State seems particularly appealing to you, then you can make it your permanent home. Contact 55places.com today to learn more about homes for sale on Florida’s Treasure Coast. We’ll partner you with a local real estate expert to help you start your homebuying journey!

Discover what’s next.

To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.

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Cari Oleskewicz
Cari Oleskewicz is a writer based in Gainesville, Florida. She has been writing about real estate, property management, travel, and active adult lifestyles for 10 years. She has delivered lectures on the importance of high-value website copy for small businesses, and has ghostwritten books for real estate investors. Before settling in Gainesville, she lived in Tampa, Florida; Baltimore, Maryland; Los Angeles, California; and Florence, Italy. Before launching her writing career, Cari was a communications and editorial strategist for a digital advertising agency in Tampa and managed the communications department of a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in Maryland. She has also taught middle school and writes poetry. Cari graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1994, with a BA in Communications/Journalism. She currently lives in Tampa, travels frequently, and recently helped her father find the perfect 55+ community to call home. View all authors

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