Port St. Lucie is a perfect place to go to for a laid-back Florida trip. Along with its fashionable points of interest, just like the Port St. Lucie Botanical Backyard and PGA Village, this gorgeous metropolis is a haven for nature lovers and households preferring to keep away from the crowds of different, extra fashionable Florida winter destinations like Miami.
Vacationers flock right here for the sunshine, so it’s no shock that their favourite factors of curiosity are outside venues. Enjoyable issues to do embody kayaking searching for manatees in North Fork, St. Lucie Protect, fishing off the Riverwalk Boardwalk, and climbing the paths in The Savannas Protect State Park. Those that favor somewhat retail remedy will take pleasure in spending time in The Touchdown at Custom, the place they’ll additionally discover a slew of prime eating places.
A calming place to visit on the East Coast, Port St. Lucie needs to be added to each Florida itinerary. Use this final journey information to find every thing there’s to learn about this pleasant metropolis.
Issues To Know Earlier than Visiting Port St. Lucie
River cruises depart from River Park Marina.
- Regardless of its identify, Port St. Lucie doesn’t have a port. A small portion of town abuts the St. Lucie River, and one other tiny space nestles in opposition to the Jupiter Inlet. For these hoping to lounge on the sand, the most effective spot to hit the seashore lies about 12 miles away, on pristine Hutchinson Island.
- River Level Marina lies on a tiny island park on the St. Lucie River close to the center of city. Vacationers hoping for a soothing river cruise can leap on one right here.
- Port St. Lucie lies on Florida’s Jap, Treasure Coast. Consequently, vacationers run the danger of encountering main storms right here (and in the remainder of the state) during hurricane season between June 1st and November 30th.
- Port St. Lucie is the seventh-largest city in Florida and the third-largest in South Florida. With a inhabitants of over 200,000 residents, this vibrant metropolis packs its 120 sq. miles stuffed with fairly parks, stunning gardens, and resplendent nature preserves in addition to a slew of retailers, eating places, and visit-worthy points of interest.
The Greatest Time To Go to Port St. Lucie
The Spruce Bluff Protect on a wet day.
Florida is a sizzling spot (actually) for Americans looking for a tropical escape from the cold. These searching for sunny skies and heat temps will discover quite a bit to like about touring to Port St. Lucie throughout winter. The truth is, the most effective time to go to Port St. Lucie is between January and early April.
High Issues To Do In Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is peppered with thrilling points of interest and enjoyable actions. Whether or not vacationers are hoping for a wildlife journey, a day of golf on the greens, or a day of retail remedy, there are a number of locations to go to. Listed here are a number of of the highest issues to do in Port St. Lucie.
Kayak in North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Protect
Recognizing a manatee whereas kayaking is a thrill.
It’s simple to see why kayaking by way of the North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve tops the record of issues to do in Port St. Lucie. The sights and sounds of town develop into non-existent inside this scenic, 16-mile-long protect. And the easiest way to take pleasure in this elysian place is on the water.
Whereas vacationers gained’t need to fall in (alligators additionally love this attraction), there’s a slew of enjoyable actions to take pleasure in, together with, catch-and-release fishing, boating, wakeboarding, crusing, and water snowboarding. That mentioned, the best technique of transportation is a gradual paddle in a kayak or canoe.
Manatees have been incessantly noticed right here, as have wooden storks, opossum pipefishes, and blue herons. It’s simpler to see them up shut from a gradual and quiet boat.
There are three primary public boat launches in Port St. Lucie:
- Veteran’s Memorial Park at Rivergate
- River Park Marina in Port St. Lucie
- Membership Med – Sandpiper Bay
Spot Native Wildlife At Savannas Protect State Park
A rainbow within the distance at Savannas Protect State Park.
Wildlife aficionados shall be thrilled with the creatures present in Savannas Preserve State Park. This 6,000-acre nirvana is residence to a whole bunch of animals, together with an unlimited number of birds, gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits, deer, and Florida’s most well-known residents, alligators.
It’s simple to spend a day right here with so many thrilling issues to do. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, and picnicking are the preferred actions.
Have a horse? Convey it alongside to benefit from the equestrian path. There are over 15 miles of trails to take pleasure in right here.
- Tackle: 2541 SE Walton Street, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Hours: Every day from 8 am to sunset.
- Value: $3 per car to be deposited into an honor field, which implies appropriate change solely.
Take Pictures At Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Lush crops at Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens.
Serenity welcomes guests to the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Whether or not company are followers of Bonsai, bamboo, orchids, or butterflies, they’ll discover them, and so many extra varieties of gorgeous natural world to assuage their souls.
There’s no must rush when visiting this prime attraction. The quite a few gardens are designed to be loved at leisure, and the scents are so intoxicating, it’s arduous to not really feel spellbound.
Talking of magic, Faerie Forrest is the most effective place to go to with the household. Kids of all ages will love on the lookout for the legendary creatures hidden inside the historical oak bushes. The Botanical Gardens can be residence to cute wildlife like dart frogs, nice blue herons, and tortoises. Pack a digital camera.
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is positioned a brief stroll from the Riverwalk Boardwalk. Put on cozy footwear and go to each picturesque spots in a single journey.
- Tackle: 2410 SE Westmoreland Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Hours: Every day from 8 am to 7 pm.
- Tickets: Admission is presently free.
Go Fishing Off The Riverwalk Boardwalk
The Riverwalk Boardwalk passes mangrove forest on a wet day.
The Riverwalk Boardwalk is a real gem positioned close to the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. This huge boardwalk is an ideal place to go to for {couples} searching for a romantic wander, or households on the lookout for a picturesque spot to push a stroller.
The Riverwalk runs alongside (and above) the St. Lucie River, providing vacationers an opportunity to take pleasure in a chicken’s eye view of the wetlands and its creatures. Boasting over 2,453 toes of boardwalk, this gorgeous spot is split into seven sections. The preferred stretch covers about 999 toes from Tom Hooper Park to Veterans Park at Rivergate.
- Tackle: 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie, Florida
Play Golf at PGA Golf Membership
Enjoying golf is among the greatest issues to do in Port St. Lucie.
Visiting Florida with out taking part in a spherical of golf is akin to touring to Italy and never sampling the pasta, it’s simply not carried out. That’s why hitting the hyperlinks at Port St. Lucie’s PGA Golf Club is such a well-liked factor to do.
Three championship golf programs comprise the guts of PGA Village—Wanamaker, Ryder, and Dye. The resort additionally boasts a Household Brief Course, which has a mere six holes, excellent for these touring with kids.
E-book a lesson with a professional, play all 54 holes on the property, or seize a chunk on the Taplow Pub, there’s no finish to the enjoyable that may be had right here.
- Tackle: 1916 Good Drive, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Tickets: Greens Charges for all three programs vary from $29 to $59, relying on the day and time of 12 months.
The place To Keep In Port St. Lucie
There’s no lack of lodging in Port St. Lucie. Whether or not vacationers are looking for an opulent, all-inclusive resort for the household or a funds resort that gained’t break the financial institution, there are many choices to select from. Listed here are a number of of the most effective luxurious, mid-range, and funds resorts in Port St. Lucie.
Luxurious Accommodations
Sandpiper Bay Resort
- Tackle: 4500 SE Pine Valley Road, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Value: From $479 per household for a junior household suite.
- Facilities: The all-inclusive Sandpiper Bay resort is among the best all-inclusive resorts in Florida. Its perks embody all meals and drinks, clearly, in addition to a ton of actions for teenagers and grownups. Crusing, kayaking, tennis, soccer, ping pong, and paddleboarding are only a few of the enjoyable issues to do. The youngsters’ membership can be included—yee haw!
Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort, Port St. Lucie
- Tackle: 8702 Champions Manner, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Value: From $208 per evening for 2 individuals.
- Facilities: One- and two-bedroom villas provide loads of area to stretch out in addition to both a kitchenette or a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. An out of doors pool and proximity to PGA Village make this an ideal base for exploring the points of interest of Port St. Lucie.
Mid-Vary Accommodations
Residence Inn by Marriott Port St. Lucie
- Tackle: 1920 SW Fountainview Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Value: From $184 per evening for 2 individuals.
- Facilities: This lately renovated resort options all-suite lodging. Anticipate to take pleasure in a each day breakfast buffet and parking as a part of the room fee. Different perks embody an out of doors pool, placing inexperienced, and health middle. All suites embody full kitchens, making it simple to remain for an prolonged period of time.
Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village-Port St. Lucie
- Tackle: 8540 Commerce Heart Drive, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Value: From $169 per evening for 2 individuals.
- Facilities: Whereas the outside pool is a plus for these hoping to chill off on a sizzling afternoon, the simple entry to golf at close by PGA Village is especially engaging for a lot of guests. The onsite restaurant is nice and serves all three each day meals, which may be labored off later on the health middle.
Price range Accommodations
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
- Tackle: 11560 SW Village Parkway
- Value: From $134 per evening for 2 individuals.
- Facilities: A sizzling breakfast is included with each keep on the Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Custom. If that wasn’t sufficient, a snack store can be on website. A health middle, enterprise middle, free parking, and pet-friendly rooms can be found right here as properly.
Sleep Inn at PGA Village
- Tackle: 8501 Champions Manner Constructing B, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Value: From $100 per evening for 2 individuals.
- Facilities: Breakfast is included at this funds resort, as is entry to the outside pool and health middle. There’s additionally a enterprise middle onsite. One other plus—it’s pet-friendly.
The place To Eat In Port St. Lucie
Charming outlets and Pastaio restaurant line streets in Custom.
Port St. Lucie is peppered with unbelievable eating places providing dishes so tempting, it’s arduous to restrict an order to only one. All kinds of cuisines are on provide at eateries all through town, together with Asian, Mediterranean, American, Italian, and Thai dishes.
Listed here are a number of of the most effective eating places to take pleasure in breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Port St. Lucie.
Breakfast
Berry Contemporary Café tops the record of greatest breakfast eating places in Port St. Lucie. Actually, the identify says all of it. Every part is constructed from scratch at this domestically owned and operated restaurant.
Considered one of three chain eating places in Jap Florida (the opposite two lie in Jupiter and Stuart), the cooks know learn how to use the freshest, native meals to show breakfast from “hmm” to “YUMMM!”
They even provide breakfast, brunch, and lunch meals for these on vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
- Tackle: 1718 SW St. Lucie West Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Monday by way of Friday from 7 am to 2:30 pm. Weekends from 7 am to three pm.
- Common Value: $12
- What To Order: Bananas and Blueberries Foster Stuffed French Toast.
Nation diner meets metropolis diner at this fashionable breakfast chain. Right here, company can seize a traditional, like a two-egg combo with residence fries, or up their breakfast sport with a extra creative dish like stuffed French toast (the turtle stuffed French toast is insane). It’s additionally open for lunch.
- Tackle: 3235 Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Every day from 7 am to 2:30 pm.
- Common Value: $12
- What To Order: It’s so arduous to decide on! The sausage and cheese omelet is delish, and company aren’t gypped on the meat; the sausage chunks are sizable. The banana, nut, & caramel waffles are mouth-wateringly good.
Lunch
West Finish Grill is an area sizzling spot that serves up meals as pleasurable as its pleasant service. If the locals flock right here, it have to be good!
Whereas there are tons of palate-pleasing soups and salads, the actual crowd-pleasers come within the type of full-sized sandwiches accompanied by fab sides like steak fries, potato salad, or selfmade chips.
Sit on the outside patio if the climate cooperates, because it’s all the time good to benefit from the recent air. Plus, generally there’s stay music on provide.
- Tackle: 1680 Saint Lucie West Boulevard, Suite 107, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Mondays from 11 am to eight pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 am to 9 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 9:30 pm. Closed Sundays.
- Common Value: $18
- What To Order: The Uptown Particular sandwich is a fan fave. Don’t miss out on the selfmade chips!
Diners’ tastebuds are in for a deal with at Fernando’s Dockside Grill, which serves up a mixture of Portuguese and Mediterranean flavors.
As evidenced by its identify, the principle dishes revolve round recent seafood, however those that desire to dig right into a juicy steak gained’t be disenchanted.
- Tackle: 2214 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm. Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Sundays from 12 pm to 9 pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Common Value: $22
- What To Order: Seabass Aqua Pazza or Hen Cognac.
Dinner
Pastaio Handmade Pasta & Pizza
Nobody will depart hungry from a dinner out at Pastaio Handmade Pasta & Pizza. An Italian gem with a divine menu, this fashionable spot is positioned in Custom Village.
- Tackle: 10472 Village Heart Drive, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Every day from 12 pm to 10 pm
- Common Value: $21
- What To Order: Spaghetti with clams or quattro formaggi pizza.
The Caesar salad comes with kale, so be ready.
One other genuine Italian restaurant tops the record of greatest locations to eat in Port St. Lucie. Ristorante Corleone boasts an unlimited menu that includes dishes that ooze the freshest flavors of Italy.
Every part is nice right here however be ready for the costs—they’re excessive.
- Tackle: 8621 South Federal Freeway, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Tuesday by way of Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm. Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Sundays from 5 pm to 9 pm. Closed Mondays.
- Common Value: $35
- What To Order: Abbachio Scottadio (lamb) or Pappardelle al Ragu di Cinghiale (Wild boar ragu)
How To Get Round Port St. Lucie
The Saint Lucie River runs by way of Port St. Lucie.
The best and quickest solution to get round Port St. Lucie is by automotive, however there are different methods to journey from one space to a different inside the metropolis. Listed here are the most effective methods to get round.
By Automotive
The best solution to get round Port St. Lucie is by automotive. Whereas some areas are walkable, like Custom Village, town is simply too spaced out to attempt to cowl the gap on foot. Leases are simple and often moderately priced.
By Bus
There are eight routes covered by Area Regional Transit, the general public transportation system for St. Lucie County. These function on daily basis besides Sundays and holidays. Routes 7 and eight solely function from Monday to Friday.
As talked about, there are solely a handful of neighborhoods price strolling round, and even then, heading out on foot isn’t the easiest way to get from one attraction to the subsequent. The areas with the highest walk score embody Heritage Oaks, The Lakes at Custom, and City Park at Custom.
By Bike
Whereas biking is a superb choice for touring the neighborhoods on this suburban metropolis, there aren’t many bike lanes in Port St. Lucie. Additionally, being a big space, among the primary roads embody a number of lanes and the visitors is fast, which makes biking harmful.
Tip: For these decided to bike, persist with quiet neighborhoods or marked bike paths.
The Greatest Competition In Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is a hub for enjoyable, which implies there’s a bevvy of occasions on provide all year long, and sufficient festivals to maintain vacationers fortunately entertained.
Seafood lovers gained’t need to miss the Port St. Lucie Seafood Competition. Dubbed the “Premier Seafood Festival on the Treasure Coast,” company ought to arrive hungry to this prime competition in Port St. Lucie!
Meals isn’t the one superior merchandise on provide at this venue. Cocktails, stay leisure, and quite a few arts and crafts distributors are right here, too.
The competition takes place over two days on the finish of January and youngsters 12 and underneath are admitted free of charge. Pets are additionally welcome (and freed from cost).
The Greatest Place To Store In Port St. Lucie
The outlets at Custom Sq..
There’s one thing totally enjoyable about practising somewhat retail remedy whereas on trip. Even when vacationers don’t buy a factor, it’s enjoyable to wander round boutique shops and window-shop. The Touchdown at Custom is the most effective place to buy in Port St. Lucie. A “master-planned community,” this pristine space resembles its personal village inside the metropolis—there’s even a city middle.
Along with a whole bunch of properties, Custom boasts a 600,000-square-foot purchasing space known as The Touchdown at Custom. Right here, buyers will discover all the large field shops they love (like Previous Navy, Goal, and Bass Professional Store), in addition to cafés and eating places.
The Greatest Seaside Close to Port St. Lucie
A seashore on Hutchinson Island, close to Port St. Lucie.
Most Florida guests arrive with goals of digging their toes into gentle, golden sand. Realizing that Port St. Lucie is generally landlocked can briefly damage their goals of splashing within the heat azure waves. To not fear!
Whereas there’s no actual seashore inside the limits of Port St. Lucie, there are many stunning Florida strands only a few miles away, together with a handful of very safe beaches which might be excellent for households toting younger kids. The truth is, visiting the seashore is among the greatest issues to do on a trip to Port St. Lucie.
Vacationers and locals alike make the quick trek a number of occasions every week to take pleasure in life by the shore.
The most effective seashore close to Port St. Lucie is discovered on Hutchinson Island. A barrier isle simply off the Atlantic Coast, this heavenly magnificence is residence to 23 miles of beaches so stunning, it is arduous to decide on the highest one.
Jensen Seaside is especially fashionable with guests from Port St. Lucie. Present in Jensen Seaside Park, this busy strand boasts facilities like a boardwalk, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a volleyball courtroom.
Canine-lovers desire Walton Rocks Seaside, on the southern finish of Hutchinson Island. It features a 24-acre off-leash part in addition to picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and fishing entry.
How To Spend A Good Day In Port St. Lucie
Veteran’s Memorial Park is a quiet place for a relaxation.
The proper day in Port St. Lucie begins with breakfast at Berry Contemporary Café. As soon as vacationers have eaten their fill, it’s time to set off for the North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Protect. Pack a hat, water, and put on sunblock as a kayak journey by way of these manatee-laden waters is sure to get sizzling and sunny.
Dry off and get again within the automotive for a journey to the close by Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Right here, vacationers can take their time wandering across the resplendent flowers and crops, permitting the serenity to soak into their pores.
A lunch cease at West Finish Grill is so as earlier than heading again to discover the Savannas Protect State Park. Hike the paths and you’ll want to have water readily available. Subsequent, it’s time for somewhat retail remedy on the Touchdown at Custom. If there’s cash left over from the purchasing spree, spend it on a scrumptious dinner at Pastaio Handmade Pasta & Pizza.
If there’s time, catch a baseball sport at Clover Park. Relying on when vacationers go to, the New York Mets could be on the town for spring coaching.
FAQ
Q: What Is Port St. Lucie Well-known For?
Port St. Lucie is greatest identified for its excellent mixture of purchasing, leisure, and pure preserves. As if that wasn’t sufficient to make it engaging to vacationers, Port St. Lucie is residence to the Clover Park, the spring coaching grounds for the New York Mets.
This Treasure Coast metropolis boasts every thing a customer would need in a Florida trip vacation spot, from parks to Mangrove forests to tasty eating places to eclectic purchasing boutiques.
For individuals who take pleasure in a extra luxe trip, Port St. Lucie lies just below an hour north of swanky Palm Beach, which is an ideal day journey vacation spot.
Q: Does Port St. Lucie Have A Seaside?
Probably not. Regardless of its identify, Port St. Lucie is generally landlocked. It doesn’t also have a port. Whereas this vibrant metropolis doesn’t have its personal gentle, sandy seashore, it lies near among the greatest seashores in Florida. Town’s proximity to a few of Florida’s most fabulous beaches for families is an actual draw for guests and those that’ve determined it’s time to lastly transfer south.
Q: Is Port St. Lucie A Good Place To Reside?
Sure. Along with its huge array of nature sanctuaries, scenic waterways, and inexperienced area, Port St. Lucie is understood for its protected and quiet neighborhoods and pristine golf programs. Town is way quieter than different, bigger Floridian cities, and although it lacks the beaches in popular destinations like For Lauderdale, the sandy shore is only a quick drive away.
