Why You Should Visit My Charming and Beautiful Hometown of Jensen Beach & Stuart Florida

LENGTH: 8 minutes 

Written by: Jenna Martucci Chipps

I was born and raised in the community of Jensen Beach, Florida. The small-town feel, incredible beaches, nice restaurants, and fun-loving atmosphere are why you should consider visiting! 

Jensen Beach's tropical climate and aquatic surroundings make it a swell place for fishing, boating, surfing, and snorkeling. There are also shops, biking, golf courses, art galleries, and more.

Jensen beach reveals stunning landscapes, gorgeous sunrises, and plenty of history. Skip the touristy Florida destinations, and come relax in my adorable hometown of Jensen Beach & Stuart.

Jensen Beach, with a population of 11,500 people, is also known as the "Pineapple Capital of the World." 

"John Laurence Jensen emigrated from Denmark in 1888 and set up his pineapple plantation here, which eventually became the town of Jensen." - Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce

Stuart, with a population of 16,500 people, is also known as the "Sailfish Capital of the World" thanks to the many Sailfish found in the adjacent Atlantic ocean. 

Restaurants

Gilberts Coffee Bar - Breakfast and lunch with a cozy, casual feel. They offer beer & wine, smoothies & coffee, and baked goods. Gilbert’s is the only waterfront coffee shop on the Treasure Coast.

Bagel Break - Martin County’s “only” Bagel shop with real NY Style bagels, which are kettle boiled and baked in a real stone oven, not steamed. Casual vibes with breakfast foods, sandwiches and desserts.

Luna Italian Cuisine - Best garlic knots and pizza on the Treasure Coast. Located in Downtown Stuart.  

Sailors Return - Live music, happy hour, waterfront views, and delicious food.

The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House - A wide variety of food, waterfront views, fundraisers & events, happy hour, and Sunday brunch.

Shuckers - Upbeat, Tiki-style bar with great service, inside and outside dining, all with a great view of the ocean.

Carson’s Tavern - Located near Downtown Stuart, this place is everything you want in an eating experience because of its sweet people, great food, and hospitality.  

Ital Bowls Food Truck - The 1st Acai bowl food truck on the Treasure Coast. Known for fresh, high quality, nutritious options. Also has coffee and desserts. 

Shakra's Deli - Proudly owned and operated by the Shakra family with delicious subs, friendly staff, and laid back atmosphere. 

Kyle G's - Oceanfront restaurant that offers a raw bar, classic seafood & steaks and a roomy patio. They also have Sunday brunch that is very popular with bottomless mimosas and their specialty omelettes. A favorite hot spot among locals. They received the "Diners Choice" award for 2017.

Conchy Joe's - Enjoy award winning Bahamian cuisine while dining at this Treasure Coast landmark waterfront restaurant located on the banks of the picturesque Indian River Lagoon  in Jensen Beach FL. This restaurant also holds a hermit crab race every Wednesday at 6 p.m. It is fun for adults and kids.  

Adventure Seafood - If you are looking for fresh seafood, homemade fish dips and chowders then look no further. This market is in a convenient location, has local products, and knowledgeable staff. It is all wild caught, fresh, and tasty. 

Nature

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center - 57-acre educational and research site with nature trails, a lagoon, and saltwater tanks. My favorite part is the touch tank where you can feed the stingrays. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. There's a gift shop, picnic tables, and plenty of info on local marine wildlife. When you visit, you are supporting and protecting our most valuable local resources. Adults $12 Children $6

Savannas Reserve State Park- The largest freshwater marsh system on South Florida’s east coast with 5100 acres and home to unique plants and animals. You can go hiking, exploring, or picnic near the Blue Spur Trail. Free entry

Indian Riverside Park - 63-acre park with a long dock that features local fisherman, occasional views of dolphins, and beautiful sunrises. There is also a splash pad, fountains, and picnic tables. You also have the opportunity to book events such as birthday parties, weddings, and events. You can also visit the Tuckahoe Mansion and the Children's Museum while you're there. Free

Beaches 

Stuart Beach - A kid-friendly beach with a snack shack. It is a clean and beautiful beach with lots of sea shells. This beach also has a shaded play area with slides, swings, and is great for kids. There is ample parking, covered picnic tables, and clean bathrooms and showers. Free

Jensen Beach - The largest public beach in Martin County with picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, a concession stand, beautiful water, and plenty of lifeguards. Free

Bathtub Reef Beach - The water is calm and clear, like a bathtub, and people love to snorkel here. It has clean bathrooms, lifeguards on duty, a fishing pier, canoeing & kayaking. Free

Fun 

Sailfish Splash Water Park - Aquatic center with slides and a lazy river. It is clean, safe, offers convenient food and snacks, and has lifeguards. Adults $14.95 Children $12.95

Downtown Stuart - A small-town place to walk around and enjoy food, drinks, desserts, and shopping. There are music venues, art galleries, good fishing, piers and docks, local shops, and a Riverwalk. Free

House of Refuge Museum - Martin County’s oldest building. It is the only remaining house of refuge out of 10 along the coast.  Adults $8 Children $6

Elliott Museum - Focuses on Art, History and Technology and has a wide variety of exhibits, collections, and lectures. Adults $14 Children $6

Jammin' Jensen - On Thursdays in Historic Downtown Jensen Beach, you can always count on entertainment, art, food, and fun.

JAR - A zero-waste grocery store that offers organic bulk food and eco-friendly products for everyone. 

Accommodations

Travel Tip: If it's a special occasion, like your birthday or anniversary, let people know! Just like you would for dessert at many restaurants, let your Airbnb host, hotel, etc. know the occasion and maybe they'll throw in something special for you. Don't expect anything, but be grateful if something is offered. 

Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina - Escape the ordinary by checking out the nearby marina, local attractions, and several pools.

Four Fish Inn & Marina - Located near Downtown Jensen. Close to malls, restaurants, shopping, and just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean.

River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp - A beautiful property overlooking the water with lush vegetation and the opportunity to fish. Bonus- It is pet friendly!

Old Colorado Inn - Boutique hotel located in Downtown Stuart all while being nestled in a tropical setting.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed learning about my beautiful hometown of Jensen Beach & Stuart and consider visiting in the future!

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