Recently, Stuart Florida won USA Today's 2024 #1 Best Coastal Small Town in the USA award. What exactly does this mean? We've curated the "best of" to help you navigate everything Stuart has to offer, from oceanfront bliss to downtown hideaways, each with its own charm. As a guest at Beach Houses in Paradise, you're close to Stuart’s favorite spots, ensuring your small town escape is exactly what you’ve imagined.
Beachfront Bliss: Oceanfront Views Await
Conveniently located along the Treasure Coast, the city of Stuart is located in Martin County, along with the communities of Port Salerno, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island. Beach Houses in Paradise operates mainly on Stuart's 'Hutchinson Island South' community, where luxury beachfront rentals offer direct oceanfront and riverfront views and top-notch amenities. Our rentals are a literal stone’s throw away from the beach and next door to iconic landmarks, such as Bathtub Reef Beach (and also close to bustling cities like Orlando and West Palm Beach).
Your beach house rental is a precious ocean jewel, and among the fewer than 60 beach houses in the entire United States that sit directly on the ocean and also sit directly on a mile-plus wide river with private dock, where the river empties into the ocean just a short mile away.
Downtown Delights: Small Town Life with a Coastal Twist
Stuart is a real Florida gem that celebrates small town life and that hard-to-find old Florida feel. You’ll find every kind of family activity to tickle your fancy, from rodeos to one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries, to museums to eco-friendly sea turtle adventures.
Urban convenience and coastal charm blend seamlessly in downtown Stuart. Named one of Florida’s Top ‘Best Downtowns’, Stuart offers a pedestrian-friendly spot teeming with historical allure.
From your beach house, you’re just a few minutes drive from downtown attractions like Riverwalk and the Lyric Theater. Leisurely boat tours offer a unique perspective of the city’s coastal beauty. Hungry? Choose from over 20 restaurants, including several with scenic riverfront views, perfect for a family dinner.
And the best part? A daily shuttle service offers tours around the downtown area at no charge. That’s certainly a hassle-free way for discovering downtown Stuart!
Experience Stuart Like a Local
Keen to soak up the local culture? Then don’t miss Jammin Jensen. This weekly mini-festival brings together local artists, street vendors, and live music every Thursday evening. On the first Friday of every month, join the Art Walk, a free event showcasing Stuart’s arts, music, and food scene.
If you’re a foodie or a fan of local crafts, visit the Stuart Green Market at Flagler Park on Sundays. After picking up fresh produce and unique crafts, stick around for live waterfront music at 4:00 pm. The Market On Main is another must-visit, offering a platform for local growers, crafters, and artists.
For nature lovers, the Stuart waterfront boardwalk is a must-see. It offers free guided eco-tours by the Explore Natural Martin program for a taste of sustainable outdoor recreation.
Adventures and Activities Near Your Stuart Rental
There’s never a dull moment in Stuart, with a plethora of adventures and activities at your fingertips. Whether you’re a fan of water activities, nature exploration, or local festivities, we've got you covered with our Guide to Activities in Stuart.
Envision yourself on an Island Princess Cruise around Hutchinson Island, the wind rustling your hair as you traverse the picturesque waterways. Or perhaps you prefer the thrill of jet skiing or the relaxation of a sunset boat trip with a rental from Salty's Watersports, just down the road from your beach house.
Nature enthusiasts will love the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, and horseback riding on the beach. For a taste of local festivals and Stuart events, check out the Pineapple Festival, the Stuart Boat Parade, or participate in the Marathon of the Treasure Coast, a highlight event showcasing the scenic Stuart landscape.
Riverfront Retreat: Fun by the Indian River
Your vacation rental is situated on a private beach in a quiet neighborhood — there are no condos, high rises, or large public beaches for miles (no crowds, just a beach all to yourself and your group). The ocean is your backyard and the riverside boasts your own deep-water private dock, stocked with all your favorite water toys for the whole family to enjoy (complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, bicycles, boogie boards, inflatable rafts, metal detectors, and more). If you crave serenity and a connection with nature, our retreats alongside the picturesque Indian River Lagoon on Hutchinson Island are just what you need.
Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to cast a line straight from their private dock using the complimentary fishing rods and tackle we provide. And who knows, you might just catch your dinner for the night! Stuart is known as the 'Sailfish Capital of the World', so it's no surprise that fishing is a popular activity here. Check out local charters from Lady Stuart and Sweet Relief Charters for the angling enthusiasts in your group.
Nature lovers rejoice! Your beach house is located directly on the most bio-diverse river ecosystem in all of North America. (Manatees, dolphins, and more variety of marine life than anywhere on the continent!). The Indian River is renowned for its biological diversity, with 2,200 animal species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. So, don’t forget to use our binoculars! You might spot manatees and dolphins frolicking in the water. And the birdlife? It’s nothing short of spectacular with ibis, egrets, herons, warblers, pelicans and more.
Golfers' Getaway: Rentals Adjacent to the Greens
For those passionate about golf, our properties feature private putting greens for honing your skills, with putters and golf balls provided.
Our Stuart vacation rentals offer close proximity to top golf courses. Located just a mile away, the Marriott's Ocean Club offers an 18-hole executive golf course.
And with over a dozen additional courses within a 20-mile radius of your beach home, you’re spoiled for choice. Stuart’s local courses, well-maintained and diverse, cater to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newbie, you’re sure to enjoy a challenging round of golf here. Now that’s a golfer’s dream come true!
Family-Friendly Finds: Kid-Approved Comforts
Traveling with children? Rest easy. Stuart offers family-friendly activities, ensuring an enjoyable stay for everyone. Start your day at 'Bathtub Beach', named for the shallow, calm waters (like a bathtub) that gently shimmer off the nearby offshore reef. The reef blunts large waves, transforming the beach into a 'bathtub' and idyllic spot for children & toddlers to play. Little ones can safely enjoy the perfect Florida beach vacation, under the watchful eyes of the county lifeguard stand literally next door.
For a fun afternoon, visit The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast.
There's never a dull moment at Beach Houses in Paradise, with game rooms filled with ping pong, foosball, and billiards tables, and the outdoors with a heated pool, hot tub, kayaks, and other water toys. For more indoor fun, kids and adults alike will appreciate the Sony PlayStation and Xbox One gaming consoles and free On-Demand movies to keep them entertained.
For the little ones, we provide portable cribs, high chairs, and safety gates. A simple heads-up in advance allows us time to arrange the Pack-n-Play line of portable cribs and bedding in the room(s) of your choice.What Others Say About Stuart, Florida
Not only is the home situated in the most biodiverse marine environment in North America (source: Florida Oceanographic Institute), it's also located in Stuart FL, 2024 winner of the USA Today "Best Coastal Small Towns in America" rankings. (And #1 winner of the "Happiest Seaside Town in USA" award by Coastal Living Magazine!) Locals of a certain age—that remember TV's "The Andy Griffith Show"—proudly call Stuart the "Mayberry of Florida".
- USA Today: #1 Best Coastal Small Town (2024 winner)
- Coastal Living Magazine: #1 Happiest Seaside Town in America (2016)
- House Beautiful Magazine: #1 Most Beautiful Small Town in Florida
- Smithsonian Magazine: Best Small Towns to Visit in the U.S. (3rd place)
- America In Bloom (Audubon group): #1 Most Beautiful City in America
- American Planning Association: #1 City in Florida (2020 winner)
- Oprah Winfrey: "Most charming American towns you've never heard of" (6th place, O Magazine, Jan 2020)
- FindTheHome: #1 Best Place to Retire in the U.S.
- OnlyInYourState: 1 of 8 "Most Beautiful Small Towns in Florida"
- Huffington Post: Top Florida Beach Towns
Key Takeaways
- Beach Houses in Paradise offers a variety of beachfront properties in Stuart, Florida with stunning ocean views close to small town living with a family-friendly downtown.
- There are plenty of local attractions and activities in Stuart, including weekly festivals, markets, and eco-tours, ensuring that you can experience the local culture, cuisine, and natural local beauty.
- Stuart is a haven for different types of travelers; whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach vacation, looking to hit the golf courses, or looking for family-friendly and kid-approved amenities, there’s something for everyone.
Contact Us
Whether you’re looking for beachfront bliss, downtown delights, or a serene riverfront retreat, Stuart has it all. With an array of local events, adventures, restaurants, and activities at your fingertips, you’re guaranteed a vacation filled with fun and relaxation. So what are you waiting for? Contact us and start planning your perfect Stuart getaway today. Stuart Florida is a place for escaping, and for making memories that last longer than tan lines!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What type of vacation rentals are available in Stuart, Florida?
Beach Houses in Florida offers over two dozen ocean-to-river, beachfront, and riverfront vacation rentals on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, Florida. So, you'll have plenty of options to choose from for your stay.
- What activities can I enjoy in Stuart?
You can enjoy water-sports adventures with our complimentary water toys, including paddle boards and kayaks, nature exploration, golfing, and local festivities and activities in Downtown Stuart.
- Are there family-friendly vacation rentals in Stuart?
Yes, our beach house rentals are family-friendly and kid-friendly, offering game rooms, gaming consoles, heated pools, and child amenities like portable cribs and highchairs.
- What can I expect from a Riverfront Beach House in Stuart?
You can expect stunning waterfront views of the Indian River Lagoon (IRC), a private dock, and great opportunities for fishing and boating activities during your stay, as well as private and public beach access to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Are there golf courses near Beach Houses in Paradise in Stuart?
Yes, our vacation rentals are conveniently located close to top golf courses. You'll have over a dozen nearby options to choose from for a great golfing experience.