Top 10 Places to Take Out-of-Town Guests in Stuart, FL

Living in a beautiful coastal town like Stuart, FL means one thing is guaranteed: you are going to get out-of-town visitors. When family and friends fly down to the Treasure Coast, the pressure is suddenly on you to play tour guide and show them the very best our city has to offer.

Skip the stress of planning! We have compiled the ultimate local itinerary. From stunning beaches and historic sites to the best fine dining in town, here are the top 10 places to take out-of-town guests in Stuart, FL.

1. The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

This is a must-visit, especially if your guests have children. Located on Hutchinson Island, this 57-acre marine life nature center offers interactive stingray touch tanks, sea turtle pavilions, and a massive game fish lagoon. It is a fantastic way to introduce visitors to Florida's unique coastal ecosystem.

2. Historic Downtown Stuart

You cannot host visitors without spending an afternoon wandering through Historic Downtown Stuart. Consistently voted one of the best coastal small towns in America, the charming brick-lined streets are packed with boutique shopping, art galleries, and cafes. It is the perfect place to pick up unique Florida souvenirs.

3. The House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar

For history buffs, this is a true Treasure Coast gem. The House of Refuge is the oldest building in Martin County and the last remaining of ten original havens built for shipwrecked sailors along Florida’s Atlantic coast. The ocean views from the rocky shoreline here are absolutely breathtaking.

4. Bathtub Reef Beach

If your guests want a beach day, skip the rougher waters and head to Bathtub Reef Beach. The nearshore worm reef creates a natural, calm, and shallow "bathtub" effect that is perfect for wading, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun safely.

5. A Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Stuart isn't called the "Sailfish Capital of the World" for nothing! Treat your adventurous guests to a half-day or full-day offshore fishing charter. Leaving from the local marinas, you can hit the Gulf Stream in no time to fish for mahi-mahi, snapper, and sailfish.

6. The Stuart Riverwalk

Before dinner, take your guests for a scenic stroll along the St. Lucie River on the Stuart Riverwalk. It is incredibly peaceful, completely free, and offers some of the best sunset views in the entire city.

7. Sailfish Splash Waterpark

If your guests are visiting during the warmer months with a family in tow, Sailfish Splash is the ultimate way to cool down. With two four-story tall water slides, a lazy river, and an interactive splash playground, it is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

8. Sunday Green Market at City Hall

If they are in town over the weekend, Sunday mornings at the Stuart Green Market are vibrant and fun. Located right along the waterfront, your guests can sample local honeys, buy handmade crafts, and listen to live music under the Florida sun.

9. Take a Scenic River Cruise

Give their walking shoes a rest and book a local riverboat tour. Cruising the St. Lucie and Indian Rivers with a knowledgeable captain is a relaxing way to see millionaire row, learn local history, and spot wild dolphins and manatees.

10. A Memorable Dinner at Pepe & Sale

After a long day of sightseeing, you need a dining experience that will completely "wow" your guests. Forget the crowded tourist traps—bring them to Pepe & Sale in downtown Stuart for an unforgettable, authentic Italian dinner.

Whether you are celebrating their arrival with a toast of premium Antinori wine, sharing a spectacular Osso Buco, or treating them to our handcrafted pastas, our warm atmosphere and impeccable service will make them feel like VIPs. Want to impress them for lunch instead? We are now open for mid-day dining Wednesday through Friday!

If you have a large family visiting, we highly recommend booking your table in advance or inquiring about our private event spaces to ensure everyone is comfortably accommodated.