Historic streets. Wide-open waterways.
Fort Pierce, known as the Sunrise City, sits on Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast at the heart of the Treasure Coast. Its historic downtown meets the Indian River Lagoon, while the Fort Pierce Inlet links lagoon and ocean. Visitors can explore museums and art heritage, browse waterfront shops and dining, spend time among tropical plants, or discover beaches and parks on nearby Hutchinson Island. The city’s cultural landmarks include the Sunrise Theatre and the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum; its natural setting is shaped by coastal waters, marine research, and public shoreline. Downtown’s compact historic character and the surrounding region’s varied attractions make Fort Pierce a useful base for exploring St. Lucie County. Hutchinson Island is a barrier island, not a municipality; listings there are identified by their precise Fort Pierce address or island location.
Fort Pierce is among Florida’s older east-coast communities and became the St. Lucie County seat. The city’s own history account connects the Treasure Coast name to the 1715 wreck of a Spanish treasure fleet, and records Fort Pierce’s incorporation in 1901. The city’s heritage is visible in its historic downtown and cultural institutions. During World War II, the Fort Pierce area served as a training ground for Navy combat divers—the Frogmen—whose history is preserved at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. The city also recognizes the Highwaymen, 26 African American landscape painters who originated in Fort Pierce, and author Zora Neale Hurston, who spent her final years here. Together, these stories reflect Fort Pierce’s maritime, military, artistic, and literary strands.
Details researched from these sources. Check official sites for current hours, access, reservations, and conditions.
Fort Pierce (North Hutchinson Island, St. Lucie County)
Located on the grounds where the Navy’s original combat divers trained, this museum preserves the history of the U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Its exhibits support public education about Naval Special Warfare, and the site includes a memorial honoring those who fell in service.
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Heathcote Botanical Gardens is a living garden and educational resource devoted to botanical beauty and environmental conservation. Visitors can explore its garden rooms and tropical plant displays, including a bonsai collection, and find nature-focused programs and seasonal events on the garden’s calendar.
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The historic Sunrise Theatre is a performing-arts venue in downtown Fort Pierce. Its program spans touring and local music, Broadway productions, comedy, dance, and other stage performances. The theatre also presents educational opportunities and makes its historic 1923 building available for community events.
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Set on the waterfront in Historic Downtown Fort Pierce, Cobb’s Landing has a patio overlooking the Fort Pierce City Marina. The restaurant describes its atmosphere as casual and tropical, with fresh local seafood, Angus beef, and lunch and dinner offerings. Its address is 200 North Indian River Drive.
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Located in a century-old building in downtown Fort Pierce, 2nd Street Bistro combines a sports bar with a restaurant. Its own description emphasizes food, sports viewing, and the historic setting; the business also lists brunch service on weekends. Find it at 122 North 2nd Street, near the waterfront downtown.
Discover moreFort Pierce — Hutchinson Island
This boutique hotel is at 222 Hernando Street on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce, near the inlet and Atlantic shoreline. The property describes rooms with ocean or sunset views and two-bedroom suites, plus an outdoor pool and beach access. Hutchinson Island is a barrier island, not a separate municipality.
Discover moreFort Pierce — South Hutchinson Island
Hutchinson Island Hotel & Suites sits at 1230 Seaway Drive on South Hutchinson Island, directly on the Fort Pierce Inlet. The property describes waterfront rooms, a private inlet beach, fishing pier, sunset deck, and a pool. Its address is in Fort Pierce; the island itself is not a municipality.
Discover moreJet ski rides, dolphin tours, and boat rentals make a natural highlight of your day. Confirm the right launch location for your trip.
Nearby venues are labeled by their actual location. Information reviewed October 26, 2026; check current details with each venue.
Start with National Navy SEAL Museum, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Sunrise Theatre. Add a meal at a local restaurant and a water adventure with our preferred partner, Salty’s Water Sports. Confirm your departure location and availability before booking.
Fort Pierce is known for its historic downtown and waterfront, cultural landmarks such as the Sunrise Theatre, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, and the Highwaymen heritage, as well as its coastal setting on the Indian River Lagoon and near the Atlantic.
No. Hutchinson Island is a barrier island, not a municipality. The island-side hotels listed here use Fort Pierce addresses, and their location labels identify the relevant island area.
The museum is in Fort Pierce on the training grounds of the original Navy combat divers, the Frogmen. Check the museum’s official website for visitor planning information before setting out.