Middle Cove Beach is a one acre beach park on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce. There are no…read morerestrooms or lifeguard but there is parking for at least 12 vehicles. Middle Cove Beach is known for its natural beauty and peaceful environment. It is a tranquil spot for visitors seeking a quieter beach experience. This beach is a great escape from the more crowded beaches. Visitors to Middle Cove Beach will appreciate the clear water, gentle waves, and wide, soft sandy beach, along with the scarcity of other people. It is the ideal beach for swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching sea turtles and bird species. Middle Cove Beach is a popular sea turtle nesting site during the summer months. This dog friendly beach is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

John and his wife Jane Murray Brooks were early environmentalists in this area. Jane has her own…read morepark named in her honor south of this park. John and Jane were leaders in the 1973 Save our Beaches campaign which resulted in public purchase of a large tract on South Beach which was named John Brooks' Park when he died in 1988. John Brooks Park Beachside is a staggering 226 acres. It includes upland and wetland preserves and two miles of beachfront dunes and one wooden ramped dune-crossover with covered viewing area. Frederick Douglas Park is currently closed so horseback riding has been temporarily moved to this park beach. One the day I visited the beach was almost completely deserted. This beach is south of the more populated beaches in Ft. Pierce. On the river side I saw one person fishing. This massive park is for the nature enthusiasts. It offers beach access, birding, fishing, and swimming. I love how this area has been left in its natural state. How different it might look if this activist couple and others who joined their cause had not managed save over 360 acres from development.

This beach on Hutchinson Island is 3 miles north of Causeway Boulevard, on Ocean Boulevard State…read moreHighway A1A in Jensen Beach. Dollman Beach is part of a 143 acre preserve where you can fish, swim, and enjoy the natural beauty of Hutchinson Island. This public beach was named in honor of Henry Dollman, who sold nearby Normandy Beach to St. Lucie County in 1962 for $10 as long as it was given to public use. Other land owned by Dollman on Hutchinson Island was saved from development by Jane Murray Brooks and turned into a public beach and nature preserve named in her honor. Dollman Beach has a restroom and shower but is not life guarded. This beach is enjoyed by locals and visitors who enjoy swimming and fishing but it is especially popular with surfers making it one of the more visited beaches on Hutchinson Island. Beach walkers are encouraged to pick up a basket to help keep the beach clean which is especially important as this beach is an important sea turtle nesting area. If you are looking to get something to eat nearby Conchy Joe's Seafood is a great choice.

Beach There is a…read morelong stretch of beaches along the treasure coast of which Dollman Beach is one. The ride along Hutchinson Island is nice enough and then there are a lot of these small county beaches available to the public at no cost. Dollman has a smallish paved parking area and then a grassy overflow area - they can get a decent number of cars in there without it looking like Coney Island on the weekends. The beach is accesable through a serene path with thick foliage on either side - very calming as you stroll through. The beach proper stretches north south and is deep enough that there is never going to be a time where you cannot find a spot, yet not so deep that it is a 10 minute walk to the water. This is an Atlantic facing beach so wave action varies mostly depending on the weather and there are a few large rocks in the surf line so use caution. The dunes are home to many turtle nests and sea grasses and all are marked - again, use caution and respect nature when there. This beach did not have life guards - not sure if they have them during high tourist season, so be aware of that. Outside of the above, there are no amenities available such as food or beverages- you have to bring it all in and back out with you. There are small restrooms by the parking lot and they were clean and functioning. There is a shower for rinsing sand off. Overall, a great uncrowded beach to relax and catch some rays on. Parking lot off the main road.

This beach was named Bob Graham Beach on March 8, 1983 when it was dedicated to Daniel Robert…read moreGraham (November 9, 1936 - April 16, 2024). Graham was a lawyer, author, and democratic politician who served as the 38th governor of Florida from 1979 to 1987 and as a Florida senator from 1987 to 2005. He was famous for his work days in which he spent a day in different parts of the state working various regular jobs. Some of the jobs he worked included a police officer, a bank teller, a construction worker, a marine biologist, and rehabilitation aide. Working these jobs enabled him to understand the issues facing people living in Florida. Bob Graham established the Save Our Coast Program which resulted in the acquisition of additional Martin County beach property. Bob Graham Beach Park has a shower and parking. Less than a mile north is Jensen Beach Park where you can find lifeguards, restrooms, and food. If you are looking for a more secluded beach experience, Bob Graham is the better choice. The Hutchinson Island Coastal Trail connects this beach to Beachwalk Pasley Beach to the south. It takes about 15 minutes to walk between the two parks through beach dune, coastal strand, maritime hammock and mangrove habitats.

One of many beaches on Ocean blvd., in Martin County. This beach is closer to Jensen Beach where we…read morehad lunch. They have a private parking lot no fee, and its steps away from the beach. This is a relaxing beach and it wasn't packed when we were there. They have a shower for rinsing off. In my case, for cooling off. The waves at the beach are intense so I was not able to go in but the shower cooled me off nicely. If you need the restroom or need to change your clothes, drive north for the main Jensen beach next to the Hutchinson Island Resort.

This park is part of a freshwater marsh or savana that used to cover the southeast coast of…read moreFlorida. This preserve is one of the longest remaining tracts of east coast savanna. It is 10 miles long stretching from Ft. Pierce to Jensen Beach.The term savanna for the marshland and ponds was first used by Lt. Colonel Benjamin Pierce during the Second Seminole Wars. In 1879 Captain Thomas Richards came here from Key West to plant pineapples which thrived in the sandy soil. From 1895 to 1920 Jensen Beach became the pineapple capital of the world. In 1977, 6,000 acres of land were acquired to create a park that protects this biologically unique ecosystem. Today the park offers many amenities to the nature enthusiast. There are 15 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. There is also a canoe and kayak launch. At 8:30 AM every Friday and Saturday morning volunteers lead two hour guided tours. Reservations are required and you can call this number: 772-398-2779. Fishing is available in the park if you have the proper license. If all of the fun outdoor sports makes you hungry there are a number of picnic shelters around the preserve. To learn more about the savannas you can go to the Visitor Center Education Center which is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. I only got a chance to scratch the surface of this wonderful park and now I can't wait to come and explore it more fully. Admission to the park is $3 that you put into an envelope on the honor system. If you visit bring cash make sure to have the exact amount. The money goes to supporting a wonderful outdoor space rich in history, plants, and animals.

I've traveled across Florida since I was a kid, from Jacksonville to Key West and Pensacola to…read moreOrlando but I discovered some new spots ins recent visit to dear friends, from Massachusetts, who have become snowbirds.  They bought a cool home that's nestled along Florida's picturesque Treasure Coast, Hutchinson Island has a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant amenities. Stretching across 23 miles, this barrier island is a haven for snowbirds, and tourists of course, seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. The Island's history traces back to the early 20th century when it was primarily used for fishing and agriculture. In the 1920s, the island became a hotspot for parties and gatherings, and during the Prohibition era, when it was a hub for rum-running operations. Today, the island is a thriving community that embraces its colorful past while offering a wealth of modern beach ammenities and conveniences. Among the island's must-visit attractions is the Elliott Museum, which showcases the region's history through interactive exhibits and vintage automobiles. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, where they can observe and learn about the diverse marine life that inhabits the area. For those seeking culinary delights, Hutchinson Island offers an array of restaurants to satisfy every palate. Conchy Joe's Seafood Restaurant is a local favorite, serving fresh catches and some stunning riverfront views. On the Edge Bar & Grill lives up to its name with its prime location perched on the coastline, providing guests with an outstanding dining experience. My favorite was a shack along the strip call Adventure Seafood that had some crazy amazing seafood chowder that I highly recommend.  In addition to fine dining, Hutchinson Island caters to various accommodation preferences, from luxurious hotels to cozy vacation rentals. We opted for a throwback motel along the river that was really comfortable and even had a fishing pier that my friend Bill and I took full advantage of. (Driftwood Motel)  The beaches of Hutchinson Island are a haven for sand between your toes enthusiasts, with lots of  opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and shelling. If you're seeking adventure, nearby attractions like the historic House of Refuge provide a glimpse into the island's maritime past. Bottom line: Hutchinson Island, FL, is a treasure trove of history, natural beauty, and amenities that make it an outstanding destination for travelers seeking a slice of paradise. I will returning again to visit with my friends. Recommended!!!

We attended the Hutchinson Island park on a early Sunday morning for a triathlon race. Talk about…read moremosquitos galore! I received about 50 bites, with OFF! Please beware. The park itself is small and nice. Nothing major; just a small playground and access to the beach.

Less than 24 hours after being back in my hometown for the first time in years, I knew a beach trip…read morewas necessary. After driving around the island for a bit with the windows down, I pulled into Bryn Mawr Beach on a cool and breezy February day. Located on Hutchinson Island and three beaches north of popular Stuart Beach, Bryn Mawr is a great option for those looking for a remote and low key experience. There's usually parking available, while only being a stones throw away from walking up the beach. Obviously, it's cooler this time of year. Well for Florida, right? So I didn't spend the whole day laying on the beach like I normally would due to the cool breeze in the air. However, I walked the whole beach and it was just perfect. With winter in Colorado in full swing, this was the break I didn't know I needed until I set my toes in the sand. If you're looking to do more people watching, go to Stuart Beach just a mile away. Want something chill instead? Check out Bryn Mawr, a tucked away hidden paradise.

During WWII this area was used for the training and landing of airplanes as well as bombing…read morepractice from the air. In the 1970's the first development in the area began with the Bryn Mawr CampResort. Bryn Mawr means large hill in Welsh. Today the Bryn Mawr beach is one of the many lovely beaches on Hutchinson Island. It is located one mile south of Jensen Beach on A1A. It is known for good fishing and as a popular place to see wildlife. The Beach is pet friendly and parking is free. From the parking it is a short walk up a hill to a boardwalk carries you over the dunes to one of the top 10 beaches in the country as reported by Travel magazine. Whether you want to fish, surf, fly a kite or just sit in a beach chair this is a beautiful beach to relax and recharge.

The Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is part of the U.S. National Wildlife…read moreRefuge System. It is located in the Town of Jupiter Island in Florida. This is the perfect spot to learn about the local animal habitats. This great for the kids to enjoy and explore nature at its natural beauty. The Staff and Rangers are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The trails are nice and lead to an amazing white sandy beach.

Nathaniel Reed Hobe sound National refuge is not far from Johnathan Dickenson state park. We decide…read morethat we would take a hike to discover more about nature. The center is closed but you can walk on the trail and get a sense of what old Florida was like. On our walk, we saw a pretty turtle that I named Anastasia she was a sport when it came to taking pictures with her. This trail led us to the beach with its beautiful pristine white sand that looked like snow. Many turtles come to nest at this beach I am told. About this Refuge. The National Wildlife Refuge, a part of the United StatesNational Wildlife Refuge System, is a refuge on Jupiter Island in Florida. Its official name as of 2019 is the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. Part of the refuge is inside the town of Jupiter Island, while the rest is in the unincorporated areas of Martin County. The 1,035-acre refuge was established in 1969, to protect the loggerhead and green sea turtles. It is administered as part of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Within the refuge is the 173-acre Reed Wilderness Seashore Sanctuary, designated a National Natural Landmark in November 1967. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a significant amount of coastal erosion in Florida is directly attributable to the construction and maintenance of navigation inlets. In July 2013, approximately 200,000 cubic yards (150,000 m3) of beach-quality material was dredged from the St. Lucie Inlet Federal channel and impoundment basin and placed on the downdrift beaches of Jupiter Island in the vicinity of the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, with funding provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the U.S. Congress. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 30, 1969. It is a coastal refuge bisected by the Indian River Lagoon into two separate tracts of land totaling over 1000 acres. The 735-acre Jupiter Island track provides some of the most productive sea turtle nesting habitats in the United States, and the 300-acre sand pine scrub mainland tract is valued because more than 90 percent of this community type has been lost to development in Florida. Sand pine scrub habitat is restricted only to Florida and an adjacent county in Alabama. Hobe Sound Nature Center The Hobe Sound Nature Center is a private non-profit nature center that cooperates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct environmental education and awareness programs about the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. The center was founded in 1973 by and continues to receive major support from the Jupiter Island Garden Club.