Hutchinson Island offers unforgettable day trips in all directions. With its central location between Vero Beach to the north and Jupiter/Tequesta and West Palm Beach to the south, there is a wide range of attractions and activities. In this blog post, we\’ll dive into the things awaiting you just beyond the island\’s borders, showcasing why Hutchinson Island is not just a destination in itself, but the starting point for memorable journeys that will leave you longing for more.
NORTH:
North Hutchinson Island
North Hutchinson Island has plenty of history to offer. Explore the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum near their WWII training site, where you can discover artifacts and take on an obstacle course. Visitors can also check out the charming Little Jim Bridge Bait & Tackle shop. It was once a WWII guard shack and now serves as a nostalgic bait shop with local food and live music for fishermen to enjoy.
Vero Beach
Vero Beach offers a plethora of family-friendly activities to enjoy. You can enjoy great boutique shopping, farmers markets and wonderful restaurants on the barrier island and downtown. (Both Heaton’s and Cobalt offer a beautiful waterfront view!) Pay a visit to the Vero Beach Museum of Art, check out the lush McKee Botanical Gardens, or explore Piper Aircraft, where you can experience the culmination of 85+ years of aircraft manufacturing and engineering expertise, innovation, and more.
Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce offers an array of attractions, from the captivating Manatee Center to the nature lover’s paradise: Heathcote Botanical Gardens. The Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market, a local treasure since 1997, boasts fresh produce and goods. In Fort Pierce’s downtown, you can find tons of restaurants, shops, and the iconic sought-after Sunrise Theatre, which draws generations with its stellar performances.
Sebastian
Sebastian is a perfect place for adventure lovers. Reel in the day’s catch, dive into water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding, or lose yourself in the world of wildlife at places like Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. Just two miles away from the Atlantic Ocean, it’s the perfect place to explore.
SOUTH:
Jupiter & Tequesta
These neighboring towns offer beautiful beaches, great waterfront dining options, outdoor activities, and so much more. Check out the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, visit the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, or go paddleboarding along the Loxahatchee River at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Palm Beach Gardens
Located just across from the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach Gardens has a wide variety of activities. Shop at The Gardens Mall, visit PGA National Resort, explore John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, or learn about sea turtles and conservation at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
West Palm Beach
Head further south to West Palm Beach for a day of shopping and cultural experiences. Visit the Norton Museum of Art, stroll along Clematis Street, catch a play at the 4-theater Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or see some fascinating wildlife at Lion Country Safari.
Plus, don’t miss out on Baseball Spring Training in Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Jupiter and West Palm Beach!
Whether you venture north to Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or Sebastian, or head south to Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, or West Palm Beach, Hutchinson Island\’s central location ensures that your day trips are filled with diverse experiences and unforgettable memories.
For more recommendations, head to our Location page.
