Florida’s Treasure Coast
The Treasure Coast gets its name honestly. In 1715, the Spanish “Treasure Fleet” was traveling along this part of Florida with their galleon’s full of silver & gold when all of the ships perished in a hurricane. To this day, not all of the ships (or their treasure) have been recovered…
Fast forward three hundred years, and the Treasure Coast has turned into a premiere outdoors destination. There are miles of beaches, vibrant downtown areas, and a number of places to see and things to do. This region is made up of three counties: Martin, Indian River, and St. Lucie, and runs from Sebastian down the coast to Jupiter. While there are some cities on the coast, they all retain a small town feel of Florida’s old fishing villages.
Whether you’re looking to explore the Southern half of the Indian River Lagoon, visit unadulterated beaches and reefs, or head out into the Gulf Stream, the Treasure Coast is one of the best kept secrets in Florida.
Something Unique
Snorkeling the Reefs and Shipwrecks
With missing ships filled with treasure in the area, how could we not point you into the pristine waters of the Treasure Coast? While your chances of stumbling across undiscovered sites may be slim to none, there are plenty of known wrecks in the area that can be reached from the beaches or just a short boat ride. While it’s not uncommon to have wrecks near a beach, it is uncommon to have them in depths that can be reached in a single breath!
The real jewel of the Treasure Coast is the string of reefs that are just off the beaches. This relatively unknown attraction easy access for those who want to see the natural beauty of coral outcroppings and schools of tropical fish, and spans the length of the Treasure Coast.
Ratings
Fishing ★★★★★
Fishing on the Treasure Coast gets a well-deserved five stars. This area contains the lower reaches of the Indian River Lagoon, where Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Trout can be found in good numbers year round. This stretch of water boats the state record Sea Trout, and is proclaimed to be the Redfish capital of the world. The IRL is a perennial favorite for fly fishermen, with some of the best sight fishing on the coast.
The fishing doesn’t stop inshore. Offshore fishing through the Treasure Coast is world class. Blue water and the Gulf Stream are just off the Treasure Coast, with intermittent humps and reefs, making this a prime location to chase pelagics. Wahoo, Mahi, Tuna, Blue Marlin and White Marlin are common game, but the real highlight of the Treasure Coast is the Sailfishing. Double digit days on sails are not uncommon in the cooler months, but these fish can be successfully targeted year round.
Bottom fishing is also great offshore, with Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Hogfish and Jacks being abundant. “Deep Dropping” in waters nearer the Gulf Stream can also produce Swordfish, Grouper, and Tilefish.
Species: Redfish, Seatrout, Flounder, Black Drum, Tarpon, Snook, Snapper, Hogfish, Grouper, Tilefish, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Swordfish, Pelagics, Billfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel.
Kayaking ★★★★★
If you’re looking for a great way to spend some time on the water, you should consider kayaking on Florida’s Treasure Coast. In addition to scenic views and peaceful waterways, this stretch of water boasts many natural attractions, from ancient temple mounds and overgrown Native American villages to close encounters with manatees.
Hiking, Biking, Birding & Nature Trails ★★★★★
There are plenty of places to hike, bike, and bird along the Treasure Coast. From beachfront parks to mangrove trails, this stretch has it all. While you’re in the area, there are a number of State Parks featuring hiking and biking trails along with nature trails and birding habitat. A few that are worth spending some time at are:
- St. Lucie Inlet Preserve
- Hobie Sound National Wildlife Refuge
- Jonthan Dickinson State Park
- Atlantic Ridge State Park
- Seabranch Preserve State Park
In addition to miles of public beaches and local parks and trails, these areas provide endless hiking, biking and birding opportunities year-round, although the cooler months tend to be bug free and conducive to longer explorations.