A little island time goes a long way.
Hutchinson Island is a long barrier island shared by Martin and St. Lucie counties, with the Atlantic shoreline on one side and the Indian River Lagoon along much of the other. It is an island destination, not a municipality, so listings below identify their actual communities, including Stuart, Jensen Beach and Fort Pierce. Beach days pair naturally with coastal nature and local history: the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center sits between ocean and lagoon, while the House of Refuge preserves the story of maritime rescue. Nearby Fort Pierce adds a dedicated Navy SEAL museum, independent dining and resorts. Conditions and beach access can vary with coastal weather and restoration work, so check official advisories before setting out.
Hutchinson Island’s human story reaches back to the Ais, the Indigenous people of Florida’s east coast, whose communities relied on the region’s rivers, lagoons and coastal waters. Its shoreline later became notorious for shipwrecks; in 1876, the U.S. Life-Saving Service built ten Houses of Refuge along Florida’s Atlantic coast to shelter stranded sailors. Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge on the island is the only one of those ten still standing and Martin County’s oldest building. The Treasure Coast regional name recalls the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet wrecked along this coast during a hurricane. Today the island’s heritage is interpreted alongside its barrier-island ecosystems, with the Atlantic to the east and the Indian River Lagoon to the west.
Details researched from these sources. Check official sites for current hours, access, reservations, and conditions.
Stuart (Hutchinson Island)
This coastal education center on Hutchinson Island features hands-on encounters with stingrays and resident sea turtles, aquariums, a saltwater Gamefish Lagoon, a water-play learning zone, and a nature trail. Daily animal programs connect the visit with the Florida Oceanographic Society’s work in coastal education and conservation.
Discover moreStuart (Hutchinson Island)
The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar is a preserved coastal refuge building managed by the Historical Society of Martin County. Built as one of ten along Florida’s east coast, it is the only remaining House of Refuge and Martin County’s oldest building, offering visitors a tangible look at the region’s maritime past.
Discover moreFort 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.
Discover moreFort Pierce (St. Lucie County)
This Fort Pierce restaurant is located at 22 Fisherman’s Wharf, near the waterfront. The regional tourism guide includes 12A Buoy among St. Lucie County dining destinations; its official website provides its address and contact information for visitors planning a meal in town.
Discover moreJensen Beach (Hutchinson Island, Martin County)
Located at Hutchinson Shores Resort on NE Ocean Boulevard, Drift Kitchen & Bar is an oceanside restaurant serving American classics, seafood specialties and Italian favorites. Its official site describes breakfast, lunch and dinner service, with dining rooms and menus overlooking the Atlantic coast.
Discover moreStuart (Hutchinson Island, Martin County)
This resort property at 555 NE Ocean Boulevard offers both a main resort and condo-style Beach Villas on Hutchinson Island. Its official listing describes direct beach access, pools, dining venues, an executive golf course and a marina along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Discover moreJensen Beach (Hutchinson Island)
This oceanfront resort on Hutchinson Island offers guest rooms and suites, resort amenities, spa services, and private beach access. The property also has on-site dining and pools, and its official address places it in Jensen Beach. It provides a coastal lodging option within the destination’s beach setting.
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 Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar, National Navy SEAL Museum. 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.
No. Hutchinson Island is a barrier island spanning parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties. Nearby places such as Stuart, Jensen Beach and Fort Pierce are the community labels used for specific destinations and businesses.
The Atlantic Ocean borders the island to the east, while the Indian River Lagoon runs along its western side. This relationship is especially clear around Stuart and Jensen Beach; the island continues north into St. Lucie County near Fort Pierce.
Access can change with erosion, restoration work and weather. Before visiting, check Martin County’s Bathtub Beach page and its Safe Beach Day real-time conditions for current closures, advisories and beach access information.