Maybe it’s a bachelor party where a bunch of high school and college friends are getting together to send off a beloved buddy into wedded bliss. Or perhaps the group of guys have a few gray hairs and grown kids, but still feel the need to gather to bring up the old days and make a few new memories, too. Either way, Martin County has more than a few options for that long overdue get together of old pals seeking a few days of rest, relaxation and reminiscing. Here are few trip ideas:
Golf Trio
Golf. Many guys dig golf, plain and simple. And Martin County is a great destination for golfers with 28 golf courses located within county borders. At least four of those are exclusively private where one has to know someone to get on the same fairways walked by Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Greg Norman (all at Medalist), Michael Jordan (at The Grove XXIII), Michael Bloomberg (McArthur) and Jim Crane, owner of the Houston Astros, President Barack Obama, Clyde Drexler and Alonzo Mourning (The Floridian National).
So you probably won’t receive an invitation to tee off alongside one of the GOATs of American sports, but even so, there are plenty of publicly accessible courses to enjoy a great round of 18.
Disc Golf. Halpatiokee Regional Park, 8303 SW Lost River Rd., Stuart, has a 10-hole professionally designed disc golf course with work underway by the Fall of 2020 to expand the course to 18 holes.
FootGolf. This relatively unknown, but challenging and fun sport combines elements of golf, kickball and soccer into a good time spent outdoors. The Shores of North River Golf Course, 1827 NW Pine Lake Dr., Stuart, a well-maintained and challenging par 66 golf course, also added a full 18-hole FootGolf course during the summer of 2020. Tees and holes are set off to the sides so as not to conflict with players who are golfing. Green’s fees are the same, but the FootGolf is limited to Saturday and Sunday after 2 p.m.
Some groups may wish to have a tournament of all three types of golf in one weekend.
You can learn more about golfing in Martin County, Florida here.
The Big Catch
Lake Fishing. Lake Okeechobee offers 730 square miles of some of the best bass fishing in the United States. Anglers can catch the trophy bass of their lifetimes here fishing with some of the best guides on the water.
Inshore Fishing. Stuart is known for another fish (see Offshore), but it could just as well have been called “Snook City.” Some of the world’s biggest snook, up to 40-pounds plus, are caught in the waters of the St. Lucie River, St. Lucie Inlet and Indian River Lagoon. Tarpon, redfish, pompano, bonefish and tripletail are some of the other fun inshore targets available for anglers fishing on a six-pack charter or aboard a couple of boats.
Offshore Fishing. The nickname Sailfish Capital of the World was earned by Stuart charter fishermen in January of 1938. But sailfish live in these waters year-round providing fishing thrills for anglers along with more than a dozen other prized catches. A group of guys can charter one of many expert charter crews or head out on a party boat for some snapper fishing fun.
Some groups will have a fishing mini-tournament fishing in each of the three fisheries on separate days to see which can claim the title of the best overall angler ever.
You can learn more about fishing in Martin County, Florida here.
Water World
Kayak. There are several kayak rental businesses in Martin County and plenty of water to paddle on along with fish, birds, dolphins and manatees.
Jet Ski. Want to feel the spray in your face as you hurtle down the Intracoastal Waterway? Get the guys out of jet skis at one of the jet ski rental operators in Martin County.
Boating. How about a day at the Sand Bar? Easy to do with boat rental and sales locations throughout the area.
Paddleboard. Two paddleboard rental stores will provide the group with a cool way to get out on the water and enjoy a little core muscle exercise at the same time.
Surfing. Didn’t pack the quiver? No worries. If surf’s up, stop by one of the three surfboard shops in the county.
You can learn more about water-based activities local operators in Martin County, Florida here.
Craft Beer Sampling
After having spent the day enjoying golf or the water, how about rinsing it all down with a new IPA or your favorite porter? Here are four places to meet the guys for a craft beer.
Ocean Republic, 1630 SE Federal Highway, Stuart. Martin County’s only brewery which has its own tap room, too. Try the Krueger Kolsch.
The Crafted Keg, 555 S. Colorado Ave., Stuart. A cool, laid back spot to try more than 64 craft beers.
Castaways Gastropub, 911 NE Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach. Great food, plenty of big screen TVs for sports and more than 50 craft beers on tap.
The House of Brews, 3311 N.E. Main Ave., Jensen Beach. There are 69 craft beers on tap and even more craft beers available for purchase in cans and bottles, plus pool tables, dart boards and foosball.
You can learn more about the bars, restaurants, and cafes in Martin County, Florida here.
– Written by Ed Killer for the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing