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Q: Why is Fort Pierce known as the "Sunrise City"?
- A: Fort Pierce is one of the Treasure Coast's most beautiful cities, often referred to as the "Sunrise City" for its gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and coastal inlet views.
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Q: What can visitors do in Fort Pierce’s historic downtown district?
- A: Visitors can peruse boutiques, dine at excellent seafood restaurants, and catch theatrical performances at historic landmark venues throughout the city's award-winning restored historic downtown district.
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Q: What marine attractions can visitors explore in Fort Pierce?
- A: Some of Southeast Florida's top marine centers and aquariums are located in or near the city, including the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University and the nationally-renowned Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium.
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Q: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy near Fort Pierce?
- A: A number of beautiful Florida state parks are within day trip distance, including the lovely Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, a top area swimming and surfing beach.
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1. The Navy SEAL Museum
The Navy SEAL Museum is one of the United States' premiere Naval history museums, preserving the story and legacy of the Navy's Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) and Underwater Demolition (UDT) Teams. The museum, which is located just outside the city of Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County, was opened to the public as a formal museum facility in 1985, following its unofficial establishment within the Fort Pierce Treasure Museum by former UDT Frogman Albert Stankie. Today, the museum is home to a wide variety of rare SEAL-related artifacts, including WWII-era demolition training obstacles, Vietnam-era Patrol Boat Rivers, and training devices related to UDT involvement in Apollo spacecraft recovery. The museum's UDT-SEAL Memorial lists the names of all Frogmen and SEALs who have died in service, while a memorial wall honors SEAL Medal of Honor recipients. Special events held throughout the year include a three-day Veteran's Day tribute celebration.
3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, Phone: 772-595-5845
2. The Manatee Observation and Education Center
The Manatee Observation and Education Center is one of Fort Pierce's premiere environmental education and wildlife observation centers, located along the city's beautiful downtown Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon coastlines. The lovely coastal education center is located at an important congregational site for Florida manatee species, an area which became a significant manatee habitat due to the warming of area waters from the activity of the Henry B. King Power Plant. Visitors can explore the center's hands-on marine life exhibits, including its covered observational walkway and two-story observation tower, which offer up-close glimpses of manatees in their natural habitats. Beautiful botanical gardens strive to replace native Florida plants and serve as a habitat for butterflies. Other exhibits include a touch tank, a saltwater aquarium, and a children's activity center.
480 N Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, Phone: 772-429-6266
3. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is a gorgeous 340-acre state park located near Fort Pierce on beautiful North Hutchinson Island, near the Fort Pierce Inlet. The Florida state park is one of the region's best spots for outdoor recreational activities throughout the year, home to lovely beachfront, sand dune, and coastal hammock habitats. The park is known throughout the nation as one of South Florida's top surfing spots, hosting high-level surfing competitions between September and February each year. Parkgoers can also swim at the park's public Atlantic Ocean swimming beach throughout the year or enjoy excellent conditions for canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing along the waters of beautiful Tucker Cove and the Indian River Lagoon. A primitive campground hosts youth groups throughout the year. Other attractions include an observation tower at the end of the park's Marsh Rabbit Run Trail, which offers panoramic bird's-eye views of the island's terrain.
905 Shorewinds Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, Phone: 772-468-3985
4. Sunrise Theatre
Sunrise Theatre is a beautifully-restored historic theater in Fort Pierce's historic downtown district, originally constructed in 1922 by architect John N. Sherwood. The Mediterranean Revival-style was known as Florida's premiere cultural institution throughout much of the mid-2oth century, hosting performances by leading national artists. After falling into disrepair in the 1980s, the theater was restored in the early 2000s and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it presents touring Broadway music performances, pop music concerts, and musical and comedy variety acts, including performances by legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, Diana Ross, and Ziggy Marley. In addition to the facility's main 1,200-seat theater, a Black Box theater hosts jazz jam, comedy, and improv sessions each week.
117 S 2nd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, Phone: 772-461-4775
5. The St. Lucie County Aquarium
The St. Lucie County Aquarium is Fort Pierce's premiere aquatic and marine life museum facility, anchored around the beautiful Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, which was transferred to the care of the aquarium in November 2000 after its retirement from the prestigious Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The stunning 3,000-foot marine exhibit is home to an unparalleled model of a living Caribbean coral reef ecosystem, the first of its kind to be presented to the public. While at the aquarium, visitors can also peruse more than 5,000 additional gallons of marine life exhibits, dedicated to recreating the habitats and marine life of six Florida maritime and estuarine ecosystems.
420 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, Phone: 772-465-3271
6. The St. Lucie County Regional History Center
The St. Lucie County Regional History Center, commonly referred to as the St. Lucie County Historical Museum, showcases the history and culture of the St. Lucie County region from indigenous times through the present day. The museum was originally opened to the public in 1968 by the St. Lucie County Historical Commission and was transferred to the care of the St. Lucie County Historical Society in 1988. Today, guests can view lovely exhibits on the region's Seminole and Ais indigenous groups, including reconstructed replica encampments and cultural artifacts. Exhibits also detail the region's fishing industry, Spanish exploration and shipwreck era, and early civic and economic ventures, including failed efforts to transform the region into the "Pineapple Growing Capital of the World."
414 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, Phone: 772-462-1795
7. Dolphin Watch Boat Tours
Dolphin Watch Boat Tours is the premiere touring company of Florida's Treasure Coast, led by Captain Adam Pozniak. All tours take place aboard the company's 25-foot pontoon boat, which accommodates, up to six passengers at a time. Tours last two hours, extending for approximately 12 to 15 miles along the gorgeous Indian River Lagoon, one of the United States' most unspoiled marine ecosystems. All tours depart from St. Lucie County's Stan Blum Boat Ramp and travel for two hours, extending throughout the Intracoastal Waterway to the Port of Fort Pierce. Along the way, participants can view wild dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, and shore birds in their natural habitats. Custom tours are available, including sunrise, sunset, and evening date tours.
613 N Causeway, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, Phone: 772-464-6673
8. Main Street Fort Pierce
Main Street Fort Pierce preserves downtown Fort Pierce's beautiful historic district, originally established in 1988 to oversee revitalization of the city's gorgeous historic buildings and increase economic activity within the city's downtown. Visitors to the downtown district can enjoy a plethora of unique shopping and dining opportunities, ranging from hip boutiques and art galleries to lively bars and seafood restaurants.
Historic landmarks include the 1,200-seat restored Sunrise Theatre, which presents live performances of Broadway touring shows and internationally-renowned music and comedy acts. Special events held throughout the year include Friday Fest events, Jazz Markets, Bike Nights, and the annual Sandy Shoes Festival and Sights and Sounds on Second celebration.
9. Heathcote Botanical Gardens
Heathcote Botanical Gardens are one of Fort Pierce's most beautiful outdoor attractions, spanning five acres along Savannah Road. The gardens were originally established in 1985 by landscape architect Molly Crimmons and her husband Jim after the purchase of five acres of land from the City of Fort Pierce. Today, the lovely subtropical botanical garden facility is the home of the renowned James J. Smith Bonsai Gallery, the United States' largest public tropical bonsai collection, which showcases more than 100 gorgeous trees. Themed garden rooms include a Japanese garden, a reflection garden, an herb garden, a rainforest display, and a palm and cycad walk.
210 Savannah Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982, Phone: 772-464-4672
10. The Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market
The Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market has been ranked as one of the nation's top regular farmer's market events by America's Favorite Farmer's Markets, presented every Saturday morning between 8:00am and noon along Fort Pierce's lovely downtown waterfront. More than 70 vendors sell goods at the market each week, including regional farmers and producers selling the freshest bounty the Florida region has to offer. Pantry goods, spices, and exotic plants are also sold at the market by vendors such as Anita's Guacamole, Little Bake Shop, Gardens by the Bay, and Gruwell Apiary. A food court highlights the best of the region's culinary scene, featuring top area food trucks and non-alcoholic beverage vendors.
101 Melody Ln, Fort Pierce, FL 34950, Phone: 772-940-1145
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and fewer crowds.
Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel & Suites – A waterfront stay with beautiful views.
Visit the Heathcote Botanical Gardens – Enjoy lush tropical plants and serene walking paths.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and great for beach activities.
Dockside Inn & Resort – A cozy stay with great fishing access.
Relax at Jetty Park – Enjoy a great beach, fishing pier, and waterfront restaurants.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Fort Pierce – A comfortable and well-rated option.
Explore the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum – Learn about the history of Navy SEALs.
Winter (December-February) – Mild and perfect for outdoor exploring.
The Mellon Patch Inn – A charming bed & breakfast with a homey atmosphere.
Take a scenic boat tour on the Indian River Lagoon – Spot dolphins, manatees, and unique bird species.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. The Navy SEAL Museum
- 2. The Manatee Observation and Education Center
- 3. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
- 4. Sunrise Theatre
- 5. The St. Lucie County Aquarium
- 6. The St. Lucie County Regional History Center
- 7. Dolphin Watch Boat Tours
- 8. Main Street Fort Pierce
- 9. Heathcote Botanical Gardens
- 10. The Downtown Fort Pierce Farmers Market