Looking for peaceful beaches, golf courses, and natural beauty? Head to Port St. Lucie! Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Port St. Lucie offers a relaxing atmosphere with riverside parks, family-friendly activities, and access to unspoiled Atlantic beaches. Whether you’re kayaking the St. Lucie River, teeing off at PGA Village, or enjoying a spring training game, this sunny city makes a perfect coastal getaway.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Port St. Lucie is from November to April, when the weather is sunny and mild—ideal for beach trips, boating, and golfing. Summer is hotter and more humid but great for water activities and fewer crowds.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Port St. Lucie is located along I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, about 2 hours north of Miami and 2 hours southeast of Orlando.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), about 50 minutes south, and Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 2 hours north.
- By Bus: Greyhound and regional shuttle services connect Port St. Lucie to other Florida cities.
Where to Stay
- Hilton Garden Inn PGA Village – A modern hotel near top golf courses, perfect for sports and leisure travelers.
- Holiday Inn Express Port St. Lucie – Convenient lodging with free breakfast and an outdoor pool near shopping and dining.
- Sandpiper Bay Resort – All-inclusive resort on the St. Lucie River offering sports, spa services, and family fun.
Top Attractions
1. Clover Park
Catch a baseball game and enjoy stadium snacks on an exciting family outing.
Port St. Lucie’s baseball park was built in the 1980’s and has been renamed several times over the years as sponsorships deals have come and gone. Currently known as the First Data Field or Clover Park, the field is the home ground of the St. Lucie Mets and the Gulf Coast Mets as well as the spring training ground of the New York Mets. The newly-renovated main stadium can seat over 7,000 fans and it also boasts an outdoor bar and grill where fans can buy refreshments. This popular field hosts a full program of fixtures from around the end of February each year.
First Data Field, 31 Piazza Drive, Port St. Lucie, Fl 34986, Phone: 772-871-2115
2. Savannas Preserve State Park
Hike quiet trails and spot wildlife during a peaceful spring nature trip.
Established to preserve one of the last remaining fragments of Florida’s freshwater marshes (or savannahs) the Savannas Preserve State Park stretches along the coastline from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach. The park protects over 6000 acres of this unique habitat, offering visitors the chance to explore this unique ecosystem and all its endemic wildlife. Nature lovers can explore on foot or by bike along 15 miles of multi-use trails or take to the waters on a canoe or kayak for a whole new perspective of these swampy grasslands. Fresh-water fishing is also available, as is horse-back riding, boating and birding. Guided 2-hour kayak tours are offered on weekends and moonlit tours take place from time to time.
Savannah’s Preserve State Park, 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953, Phone: 772-398-2779
3. Treasure Coast Model Railway Club
See detailed train layouts and explore model exhibits on an unusual kids-friendly visit.
There is something about model railroads that capture the interest of people of all ages. The Treasure Coast Model Railway Club was formed back in 1975 when 3 Velo Beach railroaders decided to share their passion for model railways with the community. As other railroaders came on board, interest grew and the first display was established at the Village Green Shopping Center in Port St. Lucie. After moving from place to place the club finally found a permanent home in the old St. Lucie Fire Station. Here visitors can come an admire a substantial collection of model railway rolling stock, 3 interconnecting lines, freight yards, passenger stations and much more. Visiting the display is always a fun day out for the family.
Treasure Coast Model Railway Club, 273 SW Becker Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953, Phone: 772-621-9636
If you are looking for something romantic:
4. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Admire tropical plants and stroll peaceful paths on a relaxing retirement outing.
As botanical gardens go, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens are one of the youngest, having been established just a little over 10 years ago. The land on which the gardens were established had originally been earmarked for a housing development but now they protect and showcase a large variety of plants which are endemic to this part of Florida. The gardens cover around 20 acres, divided into several themed gardens and include a pretty lake, a fountain, a pavilion and several outdoor spaces which periodically host weddings and other events. Another large tract of adjoining land has been protected as pristine Florida wetlands through which a walking trail will be constructed.
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Where to Eat
5. Estella’s Pizzeria
Savor classic slices and enjoy a quick, affordable meal with the kids.
Striving to serve the best New York-style pizza (outside of New York) Estella’s Pizzeria is your go-to Italian restaurant in Port St. Lucie. The restaurant is owned and run by two brothers who learnt all about the art of cooking great Italian food from their late mother, Estella. When you order a pizza or other Italian specialty from Estella’s, you can rest assured that it has been made with the best possible ingredients to ensure the tastiest meal in town. The menu includes a variety of popular appetizers like Chicken Wings, Mozzarella Sticks and Fried Calamari to temp your palate. After that you can move on to enjoy delicious specialty pizzas, calzones, pastas and entrees.
Estella’s Pizzeria, 1276 SW California Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953, Phone: 772-878-6640
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- PGA Village – Golf lovers can tee off at world-class courses or visit the PGA Museum of Golf.
- Riverwalk Boardwalk – A peaceful path along the St. Lucie River perfect for walking, birdwatching, and catching sunsets.
More Places to Eat
- Tutto Fresco – Upscale Italian dining with fresh pasta, seafood, and a cozy atmosphere near PGA Village.
- Fernando’s Dockside Grille – Riverside dining with Portuguese, Mediterranean, and seafood specialties.
- Berry Fresh Café – Popular brunch spot with farm-fresh ingredients, creative pancakes, and smoothies.
If you are interested in local events:
- Port St. Lucie Seafood Festival (February) – A lively event with fresh seafood, live music, and family fun.
- Holiday Festival of Lights (December) – Seasonal celebration with lights, food trucks, and Santa appearances.
- Jazz & Blues Festival (Spring) – Enjoy smooth tunes and local food vendors in an outdoor setting.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Port St. Lucie, Florida:
- Jensen Beach (20 min) – Relax on sandy beaches or dine at oceanfront cafés in this charming coastal town.
- Stuart (25 min) – Explore “The Sailfish Capital of the World” with boutiques, museums, and waterfront walks.
- Fort Pierce (25 min) – Visit the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, farmers markets, or go snorkeling at Pepper Park.
- Oxbow Eco-Center (15 min) – Discover interactive nature exhibits and scenic trails in a lush preserve.
- Hutchinson Island (30 min) – Explore pristine beaches, the Florida Oceanographic Center, and scenic drives along A1A.
FAQ:
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Why is Port St. Lucie a popular vacation destination?
- Welcoming nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with several enjoyable outdoor recreational areas, Port St. Lucie is a popular vacation destination on the Atlantic coast of Florida.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Port St. Lucie?
- Here you can take long relaxing walks along miles of pristine beaches or head inland to explore large tracts of original Florida wetlands at the fragments of Florida’s freshwater marshes (or savannahs) in Savannas Preserve State Park.
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What kind of wildlife can be found in Port St. Lucie?
- The area surrounding Port St. Lucie is covered in waterways and swamplands, which are home to a wide diversity of wildlife including alligators, manatees, and many bird species.
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What are some specific activities visitors can do in Port St. Lucie?
- Activities include guided canoe/kayak excursions, walking and birding along the Wood Stork Trail, or learning about endemic Florida plants at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and blooming flowers.
Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village – A great stay near golf courses and attractions.
Visit the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens – Enjoy peaceful trails and vibrant flora.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and perfect for beach and water activities.
Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort – A relaxing resort with pools and easy access to PGA golf courses.
Kayak through the North Fork St. Lucie River – Explore mangroves, wildlife, and scenic waterways.
Fall (September-November) – Warm weather with fewer crowds.
Residence Inn by Marriott Port St. Lucie – A comfortable, extended-stay hotel near shopping and dining.
Catch a game at Clover Park – Watch the New York Mets during their spring training.
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures and ideal for outdoor activities.
Homewood Suites by Hilton – A cozy stay with convenient access to local attractions.
Relax at Jensen Beach – A quiet beach escape with beautiful sunsets.
Plan Your Trip