Treasure Coast, Florida – Just What the Name Says

If you have yet to hear of Treasure Coast, Florida, we will forgive you. With a quirky mysterious history and stunning beaches it might not be one of the most common Florida areas, but it is definitely worth a visit.

Covering three counties and some of the most natural environment in the state, Treasure Coast absolutely lives up to its name. There is no better place to enjoy the beauty of nature and the magic of coastal living than this part of Florida.

Treasure Coast is a State Treasure

This area of Florida is as beautiful as its name implies, offering both natural and man made beauty and attractions. It boasts a laid back atmosphere, amazing fishing and fun watersports, and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the US, along with some of the most beautiful parts of Florida’s geography. So let’s take a look at this treasured area.

The Area

This area of Florida located on its Atlantic coast is comprised of three counties – Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin. Within these counties is no shortage of natural beauty, fun adventures, great fishing, and a generally laid back atmosphere.

Geography

Shielded from the Atlantic Ocean by narrow sand bars and barrier islands which protect shallow lagoons, rivers, and bays, Treasure Coast is rich with beaches. There are beaches on almost every block it seems and beaches are notably they are pretty safe due to the natural barrier of the geography.

Family Friendly

Many beaches such as Bathtub Beach and Stuart Beach in Stuart are perfect for families. Shallow waters and pristine sand makes these a great spot to learn a new sport too. Make your way inland, and you’ll find pine and palmetto flat lands along with a preponderance of lakes and rivers dotting and crisscrossing the entire Treasure Coast region. This area is also bordered by the Atlantic leg of the Inter-coastal Waterway.

Flora and Fauna

The Treasure Coast boasts some of the most beautiful flora of the entire state. No matter where you go, you’ll find vibrant colors of the region’s blooms and the rich texture of its foliage. With everything from ferns to palm trees, this area of Florida is a gardener’s dream.

If you love wildlife, there’s plenty to see in Treasure Coast, as well. The area is a bird watcher’s heaven with dozens of colorful species. In addition, you can see deer, alligators (of course), and the always adorable manatee. The ocean angling is great as is fishing in the lakes and streams.

Take a Polaroid or Two

Treasure Coast is a photographer’s paradise. Tonnes of crabs play on rocks and near estuaries, and the fish can easily be spotted jumping as you dine at a waterfront restaurant. Herons and pelicans are commonplace. Snap pictures of them while dolphins play nearby.

How to Spy Dolphins

I learned a trick while paddle boarding and kayaking one day. Pay attention to the pelicans over water. When they skim the water, you can predict where the dolphin pods show up next. When pelicans want food they will steal it practically right out of a dolphin’s mouth. That makes it easier to tell where to stand to take a picture.

The Cities of Treasure Coast

The Treasure Coast isn’t just about wildlife. It’s also about the vibrant communities waiting to be explored. All of these communities boast excellent dining and shopping opportunities to begin and go from there. They also have a laid back atmosphere that can help relax even the most tense of individuals. The major cities of the area are:

• Port St. Lucie
• Fort Pierce
• Sebastian
• Stuart
• Vero Beach

In addition to these cities, you can find smaller cities and townships with no less to offer in the way of culture and dining. Stop by a local restaurant to experience authentic fresh southern Florida seafood or hit one of the local shops for some funky finds.

Travel Tip:

Look for the waterfront restaurants and your reward will be with photoworthy scenery

While here there are many things to do and I will talk about that in another post. But because this is the Treasure Coast, you have to make time to visit McLarty’s Treasure Coast Museum.

Details:

The museum is located at 13810 Highway A1A, on Orchid Island, Sebastian Inlet not far from Vero Beach. It is inexpensive and educational. Admission was $2. This museum tells the history of Treasure Coast and how it came to be named.

The Shipwrecks

There have been many shipwrecks over the years off this coast which of course is why it is called the Treasure Coast. In 1715, a storm sank a fleet of wooden Spanish ships carrying  treasures and jewels of the Queen. Visit McLarty’s Treasure Museum on Facebook for more information. The jewels from the shipwrecks are still being found today.

Divers come from many areas of the world to try to locate some of the lost treasures. Just last year a treasure hunter found a haul worth about $4 million US. About 20 % of the artifacts have been claimed by the state of Florida and will eventually be displayed as artifacts.

Mel Fisher also has a Treasure Museum in Vero Beach area but I ran out of time and was only able to visit McLarty’s while in the area. McLarty’s exists precisely on the spot where survivors washed ashore and set up camp.

Treasure Coast, Florida – Exactly What Its Name Says

Treasure Coast, Florida is exactly worthy of the name and it is a treasure. This area of Florida has some compelling history and a laid back atmosphere that makes it perfect for decompressing from life’s daily stresses. Whether you’re a nature buff, a beach lover, an active sporty adventure traveler, or a person who enjoys a little food and wine, Treasure Coast, Florida has something for you.

I was a guest of Martin County and Indian River County, Florida recently and as such I received compensation, flights, some meals, accommodations, and other perks to share travel stories here and on my social media channels. My opinion is honest and always truthful.