Activities to Enjoy on Hutchinson Island, Florida:
Nestled almost halfway between Miami and Orlando, off the lower East coast of Florida, lies the picturesque Hutchinson Island - part of the Treasure Coast. This long, thin strip of land is home to a variety of beaches, including Jensen Sea Turtle Beach and Stuart Beach, making it an ideal destination for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
One of the most popular resorts on the island is the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, offering a beachfront setting and heated pools for relaxation and family fun. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, paddling and eco-tours are highly recommended. The thriving mangrove tunnels can be explored by kayak or paddleboard, immersing visitors in the rich biodiversity of the area and offering the chance to spot local wildlife like manatees and dolphins.
The Ohana Bus offers unique paddleboarding tours on Hutchinson Island, transporting visitors in a hippy-fied school bus. The Coastal Tour with Riding the Waves is another fantastic way to explore the Treasure Coast, offering adventure activities like kite surfing off the coast of Hutchinson Island.
For those with a passion for golf, the Ocean Club Golf Course provides opportunities for golf enthusiasts, while pickleball and tennis are popular recreational options at local resorts.
Cultural attractions nearby include the Elliott Museum, featuring exhibits including vintage cars, old toys, and unique art displays, and the House of Refuge Museum, offering engaging insights into local history. The House of Refuge on Hutchinson Island is the only remaining House of Refuge from ten that originally stood along Florida's Treasure Coast. It has been converted into a small museum and offers insights into the history of Hutchinson Island and the storms that have affected the area.
Visitors to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center should approach touch-tank exhibitions carefully to avoid stressing the animals. Some stingrays do enjoy being petted, but only gently and only on their terms. The Center focuses on restoration projects, including native plant restoration and an Oyster Restoration programme.
Tours with The Ohana Bus cost $75 for two hours, and lessons cost $65 for 30 minutes. Riding the Waves offers boat tours in nearby Stuart, with longer Coastal Cruising tours taking visitors around the waterways close to Hutchinson Island. These tours allow participants to drive their own private, two-seater catamaran and learn about the local ecosystem while bouncing over the waves. Be prepared to get very wet.
New properties on Jensen Beach include the Hutchinson Shores Resort and Spa, featuring an amazing restaurant and pool. Bathtub Beach, one of the nicest beaches on the island, features a sheltered lagoon and a reef popular with divers.
Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Hutchinson Island offers a well-rounded destination for visitors, combining beach days, active outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences to create a memorable vacation.
- The Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, one of the most popular hotels on the island, provides heated pools for relaxation and family fun.
- For travelers seeking an adventurous experience, kayak or paddleboard tours through the mangrove tunnels offer a glimpse into the area's rich biodiversity and chance to spot local wildlife.
- The Elliott Museum, a cultural attraction near the island, features vintage cars, old toys, and unique art displays, offering insights into the local lifestyle and history.
- The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center focuses on restoration projects, including native plant restoration and an Oyster Restoration programme, educating visitors about the importance of preserving the local ecosystem.
- To explore the waterways near Hutchinson Island, consider Riding the Waves' boat tours, where you can drive your own private catamaran and learn about the local environment while enjoying the thrill of bouncing over the waves.
