City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Fort Pierce, Florida
Located on the Atlantic Coast between Vero Beach and Stuart, Fort Pierce offers fishing, boating, swimming, eco-tours and other outdoor recreation in a setting steeped with Old Florida charm and a small-town Main Street ambiance. Add in that pristine 21 miles of beachfront property, and you’ve got a destination for water lovers of all varieties.
The area is part of Florida’s Treasure Coast (named after a Spanish ship, the Treasure Fleet, that sank in 175) that runs from Sebastian to Jupiter. The Indian River, which is part of the Indian River Lagoon system (and forms part of Florida’s Atlantic Coast ICW), plays a prominent role in watersports, attractions and activities (as does the Atlantic Ocean, but you probably already knew that).
If you’re taking a Great Loop adventure along the ICW, headed from Florida to the Bahamas or motoring to a private boat dock rental, you just might want to pencil in a stop in Fort Pierce. How can you not like a town known as Sunrise City? Let’s get started!
National Navy SEAL Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
The National Navy SEAL Museum is the only museum dedicated solely to the Navy SEALs. If your crew consists of military and history buffs, you won’t want to miss it. Exhibits and displays are on hand to educate visitors on the Navy Underwater Demolition teams and Sea, Air, Land teams, as well as the history of the SEALs. The museum first opened in 1985.
You’ll find weapons, vehicles, artifacts and more on this unique section of the military. Exhibits include a Navy SEAL memorial, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, a Naval Special Warfare K9 Memorial, Desert Storm vehicles, bronze sculptures, a World War II gallery and special displays on the Navy’s Combat Assault Dogs and their pivotal role with SEAL teams.
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
At 340 acres, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is just north of the Fort Pierce Inlet, which provides convenient access to the Atlantic. So, if you’re anchored at a nearby private boat slip for rent, it’s a great spot for fishing, diving, kayaking, swimming and cruising. There’s an observation tower that offers excellent views of the Indian River and the park’s dunes, coastal woodlands, marshes and beaches.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens
Photo: Wikimedia
The Heathcote Botanical Gardens offers five acres of subtropical gardens, including a walk-through collection of tropical bonsai trees. With more than 100 trees on permanent display, it’s the largest public tropical collection in the U.S. Themed gardens include Japanese, herbs, palms and cycads, butterflies, rainforests and native Florida plants.
The garden holds events such as holiday lights, plant sales, art classes, bring-your-dog nights and more. Heathcote is just off Savannah Road, which makes a beeline back to the beach and the Indian River for those at a private boat dock rental.
Manatee Observation and Education Center
Photo: Manatee Observation and Education Center (Facebook)
If there’s one attraction you can’t miss in Fort Pierce, it’s the Manatee Observation and Education Center. The center overlooks the Indian River near the Fort Pierce South Bridge, Fort Pierce City Marina and Marina Square, making it convenient to private boat slips for rent.
This 2,000-square-foot environmental education center focuses on everything manatee. There’s an observation walkway and a two-story observation tower that overlooks wild manatees migrating to the area for winter. November to March are the best times to catch them in action.
While the adorable sea cows are the stars of the show, there are many other supporting characters. The center has fresh and saltwater animals as well as a touch tank, exhibits and interactive displays. Visit snakes, turtles and a coral reef habitat. Other sites include a butterfly garden, a seagrass pond and the Vanishing Mermaid gift shop.
We hope you’ve found a few new sites to see the next time you’re visiting a private boat slip rental, marina or waterfront hotel in the Fort Pierce area. Tell the manatees we said hi. Happy boating!
