Port St. Lucie is an ideal place to visit for a laid-back Florida vacation. In addition to its popular attractions, like the Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden and PGA Village, this pretty city is a haven for nature lovers and families who prefer to avoid the crowds of other, more popular Florida winter destinations like Miami.
Tourists flock here for the sunshine, so it’s no surprise that their favorite points of interest are outdoor venues. Fun things to do include kayaking in search of manatees in North Fork, St. Lucie Preserve, fishing off the Riverwalk Boardwalk, and hiking the trails in The Savannas Preserve State Park. Those who favor a little retail therapy will enjoy spending time in The Landing at Tradition, where they’ll also find a slew of top restaurants.
A relaxing place to visit on the East Coast, Port St. Lucie should be added to every Florida itinerary. Use this ultimate travel guide to discover everything there is to know about this delightful city.
Things To Know Before Visiting Port St. Lucie
River cruises depart from River Park Marina.
- Despite its name, Port St. Lucie doesn’t have a port. A small portion of the city abuts the St. Lucie River, and another tiny area nestles against the Jupiter Inlet. For those hoping to lounge on the sand, the best spot to hit the beach lies about 12 miles away, on pristine Hutchinson Island.
- River Point Marina lies on a tiny island park on the St. Lucie River near the middle of town. Tourists hoping for a relaxing river cruise can jump on one here.
- Port St. Lucie lies on Florida’s Eastern, Treasure Coast. As a result, travelers run the risk of encountering major storms here (and in the rest of the state) during hurricane season between June 1st and November 30th.
- Port St. Lucie is the seventh-largest city in Florida and the third-largest in South Florida. With a population of over 200,000 residents, this vibrant city packs its 120 square miles full of pretty parks, beautiful gardens, and resplendent nature preserves as well as a slew of shops, restaurants, and visit-worthy attractions.
The Best Time To Visit Port St. Lucie
The Spruce Bluff Preserve on a rainy day.
Florida is a hot spot (literally) for Americans looking for a tropical escape from the cold. Those in search of sunny skies and warm temps will find a lot to love about traveling to Port St. Lucie during winter. In fact, the best time to visit Port St. Lucie is between January and early April.
Top Things To Do In Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is peppered with exciting attractions and fun activities. Whether tourists are hoping for a wildlife adventure, a day of golf on the greens, or an afternoon of retail therapy, there are multiple places to visit. Here are a few of the top things to do in Port St. Lucie.
Kayak in North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve
Spotting a manatee while kayaking is a thrill.
It’s easy to see why kayaking through the North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve tops the list of things to do in Port St. Lucie. The sights and sounds of the city become non-existent within this scenic, 16-mile-long preserve. And the best way to enjoy this elysian place is on the water.
While tourists won’t want to fall in (alligators also love this attraction), there is a slew of fun activities to enjoy, including, catch-and-release fishing, boating, wakeboarding, sailing, and water skiing. That said, the ideal method of transportation is a slow paddle in a kayak or canoe.
Manatees have been frequently spotted here, as have wood storks, opossum pipefishes, and blue herons. It’s easier to see them up close from a slow and quiet boat.
There are three main public boat launches in Port St. Lucie:
- Veteran’s Memorial Park at Rivergate
- River Park Marina in Port St. Lucie
- Club Med – Sandpiper Bay
Spot Local Wildlife At Savannas Preserve State Park
A rainbow in the distance at Savannas Preserve State Park.
Wildlife aficionados will be thrilled with the creatures found in Savannas Preserve State Park. This 6,000-acre nirvana is home to hundreds of animals, including a vast variety of birds, gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits, deer, and Florida’s most famous residents, alligators.
It’s easy to spend a day here with so many exciting things to do. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking are the most popular activities.
Have a horse? Bring it along to enjoy the equestrian trail. There are over 15 miles of trails to enjoy here.
- Address: 2541 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to sundown.
- Cost: $3 per vehicle to be deposited into an honor box, which means correct change only.
Take Photos At Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Lush plants at Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens.
Serenity welcomes visitors to the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Whether guests are fans of Bonsai, bamboo, orchids, or butterflies, they’ll find them, and so many more varieties of beautiful flora and fauna to soothe their souls.
There’s no need to rush when visiting this top attraction. The numerous gardens are designed to be enjoyed at leisure, and the scents are so intoxicating, it’s hard not to feel spellbound.
Speaking of magic, Faerie Forrest is the best place to visit with the family. Children of all ages will love looking for the mythical creatures hidden within the ancient oak trees. The Botanical Gardens is also home to adorable wildlife like dart frogs, great blue herons, and tortoises. Pack a camera.
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is located a short walk from the Riverwalk Boardwalk. Wear comfy shoes and visit both picturesque spots in one trip.
- Address: 2410 SE Westmoreland Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Hours: Daily from 8 am to 7 pm.
- Tickets: Admission is currently free.
Go Fishing Off The Riverwalk Boardwalk
The Riverwalk Boardwalk passes mangrove forest on a rainy day.
The Riverwalk Boardwalk is a true gem located near the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. This wide boardwalk is a perfect place to visit for couples in search of a romantic wander, or families looking for a picturesque spot to push a stroller.
The Riverwalk runs along (and above) the St. Lucie River, offering tourists a chance to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the wetlands and its creatures. Boasting over 2,453 feet of boardwalk, this pretty spot is divided into seven sections. The most popular stretch covers about 999 feet from Tom Hooper Park to Veterans Park at Rivergate.
- Address: 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie, Florida
Play Golf at PGA Golf Club
Playing golf is one of the best things to do in Port St. Lucie.
Visiting Florida without playing a round of golf is akin to traveling to Italy and not sampling the pasta, it’s just not done. That’s why hitting the links at Port St. Lucie’s PGA Golf Club is such a popular thing to do.
Three championship golf courses comprise the heart of PGA Village—Wanamaker, Ryder, and Dye. The resort also boasts a Family Short Course, which has a mere six holes, perfect for those traveling with children.
Book a lesson with a pro, play all 54 holes on the property, or grab a bite at the Taplow Pub, there’s no end to the fun that can be had here.
- Address: 1916 Perfect Drive, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Tickets: Greens Fees for all three courses range from $29 to $59, depending on the day and time of year.
Where To Stay In Port St. Lucie
There’s no lack of accommodation in Port St. Lucie. Whether tourists are searching for a luxurious, all-inclusive resort for the family or a budget hotel that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of the best luxury, mid-range, and budget resorts in Port St. Lucie.
Luxury Hotels
Sandpiper Bay Resort
- Address: 4500 SE Pine Valley Street, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Cost: From $479 per family for a junior family suite.
- Amenities: The all-inclusive Sandpiper Bay resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Florida. Its perks include all meals and beverages, obviously, as well as a ton of activities for kids and grownups. Sailing, kayaking, tennis, soccer, ping pong, and paddleboarding are just a few of the fun things to do. The kids’ club is also included—yee haw!
Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort, Port St. Lucie
- Address: 8702 Champions Way, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Cost: From $208 per night for two people.
- Amenities: One- and two-bedroom villas offer plenty of space to stretch out as well as either a kitchenette or a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. An outdoor pool and proximity to PGA Village make this a perfect base for exploring the attractions of Port St. Lucie.
Mid-Range Hotels
Residence Inn by Marriott Port St. Lucie
- Address: 1920 SW Fountainview Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Cost: From $184 per night for two people.
- Amenities: This recently renovated resort features all-suite accommodations. Expect to enjoy a daily breakfast buffet and parking as part of the room rate. Other perks include an outdoor pool, putting green, and fitness center. All suites include full kitchens, making it easy to stay for an extended amount of time.
Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village-Port St. Lucie
- Address: 8540 Commerce Center Drive, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Cost: From $169 per night for two people.
- Amenities: While the outdoor pool is a plus for those hoping to cool off on a hot afternoon, the easy access to golf at nearby PGA Village is particularly attractive for many visitors. The onsite restaurant is great and serves all three daily meals, which can be worked off later at the fitness center.
Budget Hotels
Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition
- Address: 11560 SW Village Parkway
- Cost: From $134 per night for two people.
- Amenities: A hot breakfast is included with every stay at the Tru by Hilton Port St. Lucie Tradition. If that wasn’t enough, a snack shop is also on site. A fitness center, business center, free parking, and pet-friendly rooms are available here as well.
Sleep Inn at PGA Village
- Address: 8501 Champions Way Building B, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Cost: From $100 per night for two people.
- Amenities: Breakfast is included at this budget hotel, as is access to the outdoor pool and fitness center. There’s also a business center onsite. Another plus—it’s pet-friendly.
Where To Eat In Port St. Lucie
Charming shops and Pastaio restaurant line streets in Tradition.
Port St. Lucie is peppered with fantastic restaurants offering dishes so tempting, it’s hard to limit an order to just one. A wide variety of cuisines are on offer at eateries throughout the city, including Asian, Mediterranean, American, Italian, and Thai dishes.
Here are a few of the best restaurants to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Port St. Lucie.
Breakfast
Berry Fresh Cafe
Berry Fresh Café tops the list of best breakfast restaurants in Port St. Lucie. Honestly, the name says it all. Everything is made from scratch at this locally owned and operated restaurant.
One of three chain restaurants in Eastern Florida (the other two lie in Jupiter and Stuart), the chefs know how to use the freshest, local foods to turn breakfast from “hmm” to “YUMMM!”
They even offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch foods for those on vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
- Address: 1718 SW St. Lucie West Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Monday through Friday from 7 am to 2:30 pm. Weekends from 7 am to 3 pm.
- Average Price: $12
- What To Order: Bananas and Blueberries Foster Stuffed French Toast.
Keke’s Breakfast Café
Country diner meets city diner at this popular breakfast chain. Here, guests can grab a classic, like a two-egg combo with home fries, or up their breakfast game with a more inventive dish like stuffed French toast (the turtle stuffed French toast is insane). It’s also open for lunch.
- Address: 3235 Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 2:30 pm.
- Average Price: $12
- What To Order: It’s so hard to choose! The sausage and cheese omelet is delish, and guests aren’t gypped on the meat; the sausage chunks are sizable. The banana, nut, & caramel waffles are mouth-wateringly good.
Lunch
West End Grill
West End Grill is a local hot spot that serves up food as enjoyable as its friendly service. If the locals flock here, it must be good!
While there are tons of palate-pleasing soups and salads, the real crowd-pleasers come in the form of full-sized sandwiches accompanied by fab sides like steak fries, potato salad, or homemade chips.
Sit on the outdoor patio if the weather cooperates, as it’s always nice to enjoy the fresh air. Plus, sometimes there’s live music on offer.
- Address: 1680 Saint Lucie West Boulevard, Suite 107, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Mondays from 11 am to 8 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 am to 9 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 9:30 pm. Closed Sundays.
- Average Price: $18
- What To Order: The Uptown Special sandwich is a fan fave. Don’t miss out on the homemade chips!
Fernando’s Dockside Grill
Diners’ tastebuds are in for a treat at Fernando’s Dockside Grill, which serves up a mix of Portuguese and Mediterranean flavors.
As evidenced by its name, the main dishes revolve around fresh seafood, but those who prefer to dig into a juicy steak won’t be disappointed.
- Address: 2214 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm. Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Sundays from 12 pm to 9 pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Average Price: $22
- What To Order: Seabass Aqua Pazza or Chicken Cognac.
Dinner
Pastaio Handmade Pasta & Pizza
No one will leave hungry from a dinner out at Pastaio Handmade Pasta & Pizza. An Italian gem with a divine menu, this popular spot is located in Tradition Village.
- Address: 10472 Village Center Drive, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Daily from 12 pm to 10 pm
- Average Price: $21
- What To Order: Spaghetti with clams or quattro formaggi pizza.
The Caesar salad comes with kale, so be prepared.
Ristorante Corleone
Another authentic Italian restaurant tops the list of best places to eat in Port St. Lucie. Ristorante Corleone boasts a vast menu featuring dishes that ooze the freshest flavors of Italy.
Everything is good here but be prepared for the prices—they’re high.
- Address: 8621 South Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Opening Hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm. Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Sundays from 5 pm to 9 pm. Closed Mondays.
- Average Price: $35
- What To Order: Abbachio Scottadio (lamb) or Pappardelle al Ragu di Cinghiale (Wild boar ragu)
How To Get Around Port St. Lucie
The Saint Lucie River runs through Port St. Lucie.
The easiest and fastest way to get around Port St. Lucie is by car, but there are other ways to travel from one area to another within the city. Here are the best ways to get around.
By Car
The easiest way to get around Port St. Lucie is by car. While some areas are walkable, like Tradition Village, the city is too spaced out to try to cover the distance on foot. Rentals are easy and usually reasonably priced.
By Bus
There are eight routes covered by Area Regional Transit, the public transportation system for St. Lucie County. These operate every day except Sundays and holidays. Routes 7 and 8 only operate from Monday to Friday.
As mentioned, there are only a handful of neighborhoods worth walking around, and even then, heading out on foot isn’t the best way to get from one attraction to the next. The areas with the highest walk score include Heritage Oaks, The Lakes at Tradition, and Town Park at Tradition.
By Bike
While biking is a great option for touring the neighborhoods in this suburban city, there aren’t many bike lanes in Port St. Lucie. Also, being a large area, some of the main roads include multiple lanes and the traffic is quick, which makes biking dangerous.
Tip: For those determined to bike, stick to quiet neighborhoods or marked bike paths.
The Best Festival In Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie is a hub for fun, which means there is a bevvy of events on offer throughout the year, and enough festivals to keep travelers happily entertained.
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss the Port St. Lucie Seafood Festival. Dubbed the “Premier Seafood Festival on the Treasure Coast,” guests should arrive hungry to this top festival in Port St. Lucie!
Food isn’t the only awesome item on offer at this venue. Cocktails, live entertainment, and numerous arts and crafts vendors are here, too.
The festival takes place over two days at the end of January and kids 12 and under are admitted for free. Pets are also welcome (and free of charge).
The Best Place To Shop In Port St. Lucie
The shops at Tradition Square.
There’s something utterly relaxing about practicing a little retail therapy while on vacation. Even if tourists don’t purchase a thing, it’s fun to wander around boutique stores and window-shop. The Landing at Tradition is the best place to shop in Port St. Lucie. A “master-planned community,” this pristine area resembles its own village within the city—there’s even a town center.
In addition to hundreds of homes, Tradition boasts a 600,000-square-foot shopping area called The Landing at Tradition. Here, shoppers will find all the big box stores they love (like Old Navy, Target, and Bass Pro Shop), as well as cafés and restaurants.
The Best Beach Near Port St. Lucie
A beach on Hutchinson Island, near Port St. Lucie.
Most Florida visitors arrive with dreams of digging their toes into soft, golden sand. Realizing that Port St. Lucie is mostly landlocked can temporarily ruin their dreams of splashing in the warm azure waves. Not to worry!
While there’s no real beach within the limits of Port St. Lucie, there are plenty of beautiful Florida strands just a few miles away, including a handful of very safe beaches that are perfect for families toting young children. In fact, visiting the beach is one of the best things to do on a vacation to Port St. Lucie.
Travelers and locals alike make the short trek multiple times a week to enjoy life by the shore.
The best beach near Port St. Lucie is found on Hutchinson Island. A barrier isle just off the Atlantic Coast, this heavenly beauty is home to 23 miles of beaches so beautiful, it’s hard to choose the top one.
Jensen Beach is particularly popular with visitors from Port St. Lucie. Found in Jensen Beach Park, this busy strand boasts amenities like a boardwalk, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a volleyball court.
Dog-lovers prefer Walton Rocks Beach, on the southern end of Hutchinson Island. It includes a 24-acre off-leash section as well as picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and fishing access.
How To Spend A Perfect Day In Port St. Lucie
Veteran’s Memorial Park is a quiet place for a rest.
The perfect day in Port St. Lucie starts with breakfast at Berry Fresh Café. Once travelers have eaten their fill, it’s time to set off for the North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve. Pack a hat, water, and wear sunblock as a kayak trip through these manatee-laden waters is bound to get hot and sunny.
Dry off and get back in the car for a ride to the nearby Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Here, tourists can take their time wandering around the resplendent flowers and plants, allowing the serenity to soak into their pores.
A lunch stop at West End Grill is in order before heading back to explore the Savannas Preserve State Park. Hike the trails and be sure to have water on hand. Next, it’s time for a little retail therapy at the Landing at Tradition. If there’s money left over from the shopping spree, spend it on a delicious dinner at Pastaio Handmade Pasta & Pizza.
If there’s time, catch a baseball game at Clover Park. Depending on when tourists visit, the New York Mets might be in town for spring training.
FAQ
Q: What Is Port St. Lucie Famous For?
Port St. Lucie is best known for its perfect mix of shopping, entertainment, and natural preserves. As if that wasn’t enough to make it attractive to tourists, Port St. Lucie is home to the Clover Park, the spring training grounds for the New York Mets.
This Treasure Coast city boasts everything a visitor would want in a Florida vacation destination, from parks to Mangrove forests to tasty restaurants to eclectic shopping boutiques.
For those who enjoy a more luxe vacation, Port St. Lucie lies just under an hour north of swanky Palm Beach, which is a perfect day trip destination.
Q: Does Port St. Lucie Have A Beach?
Not really. Despite its name, Port St. Lucie is mostly landlocked. It doesn’t even have a port. While this vibrant city doesn’t have its own soft, sandy beach, it lies close to some of the best beaches in Florida. The city’s proximity to some of Florida’s most fabulous beaches for families is a real draw for visitors and those who’ve decided it’s time to finally move south.
Q: Is Port St. Lucie A Nice Place To Live?
Yes. In addition to its vast array of nature sanctuaries, scenic waterways, and green space, Port St. Lucie is known for its safe and quiet neighborhoods and pristine golf courses. The city is much quieter than other, larger Floridian cities, and though it lacks the beaches in popular destinations like For Lauderdale, the sandy shore is just a short drive away.
