St. Lucie County
Feast your eyes on a lush Florida getaway
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers colonized this Atlantic coastal region of southern Florida and named it St. Lucie County after the patron saint of the blind. The handle is ironic, considering that the area is filled with dazzling visuals, from verdant golf courses to a gently winding river and history-packed museums.
Throughout the region, carefully preserved public lands and modern amenities hold sway. In the first decade of the new millennium, St. Lucie County was one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S.—popular with retirees seeking to settle in the sunshine—and this region is also a great tourist destination.
St. Lucie County Media Relations and St. Lucie County Tourism Offices
Getting Back to Nature
In Florida, you’re never too far from nature, and in St. Lucie County, it’s right on your doorstep. If you’re not squeamish about snakes, gators and other animals that call Florida home, then take a hike along the Savannas Preserve State Park. This property is a hidden gem, serving as a window into Florida’s complex ecosystem. There are boat tours, canoe trips and tours available within this state park. The area is also great for a simple stroll and some wildlife watching.
If you’d prefer to see that wildlife from the comfort of a boat, book a tour with River Lilly Cruises. The tour provider’s twin-hull boat takes ecotourists down the St. Lucie River, a short voyage from the Savannas Preserve State Park.
The Paleo Hammock Preserve is another great way to get back to nature. The 1-mile self-guided interpretive trail leads visitors through a forest of ancient elks, oaks and palms, and an elevated observation deck overlooks wetlands frequented by sandhill cranes, wood storks and great blue herons. Be sure to arm yourself with a camera, as there’s always a great shot waiting around the corner.
St. Lucie County Media Relations and St. Lucie County Tourism Offices
If you’d prefer to explore the area’s vast Atlantic shore, horseback riding stables offer rentals. Enjoy a leisurely day on the saddle as you take in the views of the area’s stunning ocean coastline.
Baseball, Golf and Navy Seals
At Port St. Lucie, baseball fans gather to watch the New York Mets conduct spring training at Tradition Field. The 7,000-capacity stadium regularly fills up as fans watch major league action and then procure autographs from players.
Port St. Lucie is also home to the PGA Village, a golfer’s paradise with courses laid out by design legends Tom Fazio, Pete Dye and Jim Fazio. After hitting balls on the driving range, visit the PGA Gallery in the expanded clubhouse at nearby PGA Golf Club, which features exhibits dedicated to the sport’s colorful past. Golfers can hone their skills at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance.
Learn all about the world’s maritime commandos at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum on North Hutchinson Island. This world-famous Naval Combat Demolition Unit training school was created in 1943 at Fort Pierce in response to the need for highly skilled seaborne soldiers in World War II. The first “frogmen” would evolve into the elite U.S. Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) teams that would go on to conduct high-risk missions
For More Information
St. Lucie County
800-344-8443
www.visitstluciefla.com
Florida Department of Tourism
888-735-2872
www.visitflorida.com
