Martin County may be known for its uncrowded beaches and “Old Florida” charm, but don’t let that fool you. Our tucked-away South Florida escape has plenty of exciting news to look forward to in 2021. From upgraded parks and beaches to new attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages, discover why Martin County is worth adding to your travel bucket list in the New Year!
Exciting developments are on the horizon!
Seaside Café:
Martin County is gearing up to welcome a brand-new treasure to its ever-changing culinary scene. The soon-to-debut Seaside Café is almost complete and will overlook the serene shores of Stuart Beach. Seaside Café will offer everything from delicious appetizers to filling entrees, all served with breathtaking ocean views. Visitors can choose to enjoy their food on the deck or take it to the beach, just steps away. For those who prefer a hassle-free beach experience, Seaside Café will offer beach chair and umbrella rentals and beachside food and drinks delivery service. But that’s not all – Seaside Café’s oceanfront Tiki Bar will also boast an impressive selection of drinks, including frozen daiquiris and margaritas to help you beat the Florida heat. It will all come together to create the perfect relaxing vibe that will compliment your tropical vacation.
Jensen Beach Mooring Field:
The upcoming Jensen Beach Mooring Field will be a 56-vessel mooring facility located just offshore the Jensen Beach Causeway that will be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. The facility will feature moorings constructed of high-quality anchors and upline/buoy systems designed to safely accommodate vessels up to 50 feet. The highly anticipated Jensen Beach Mooring Field welcomes transient and long-term moorage customers, and offers a variety of services and amenities, including restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, dinghy dock with vehicle and bicycle parking, trash pickup, and boat ramp. The Jensen Beach Mooring Field is expected to become a top destination for boaters looking to enjoy Martin County’s pleasantly warm temperatures, especially during the winter months. With countless restaurants and sites to visit in Martin County, the Jensen Beach Mooring Field will offer a scenic and convenient location for vessels to anchor and explore.
Sailfish Sands Golf Course:
Martin County is already known as a golfer’s dream destination, but 2021 will usher in a new era for the region when Sailfish Sands officially opens. The new attraction will replace the former Martin County Golf Course, and after a complete redesign, promises to bring a new golfing experience to the lovers of this traditional sport. With a championship 18-hole course and one of the few reversible courses in the United States, Sailfish Sands is definitely out of the ordinary. The walkable, regulation, 9-hole reversible golf course is sustainable, fun, and particularly designed to help grow the game. The course will be able to be played clockwise or counterclockwise on specific days, and will feature tee boxes that can accommodate children, senior citizens, as well as seasoned and new golfers alike. Sailfish Sands will also offer a 13-acre driving range with low level lights for evening play and interactive LED targets that will take the practice routine to a whole new level. With all these opportunities for golfers and non-golfers to get engaged, Sailfish Sands is the perfect destination for couples, families, and friends to enjoy the time-honored sport.
Florida Oceanographic Society, Ocean EcoCenter:
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is ideally located in Stuart on Hutchinson Island. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the 57-acre parcel is one of Martin County’s top attractions, housing the Society’s headquarters, extensive nature trails, 750,000-gallon Game Fish Lagoon, Sea Turtle Pavilion, Children’s Activity Pavilion, Sea Star Touch Tank Pavilion, Rays on the Reef Ray Pavilion, the Frances Langford Visitors Center, and more. The Coastal Center will be expanding in 2021 with the opening of the brand-new Ocean EcoCenter. The components of the expansion will engage the community in ways that were never before possible. The new Ocean EcoCenter will further enable visitors to understand and protect Florida’s coastal ecosystems while expanding the Society’s mission through interactive exhibits, play-based learning activities, and educational programming. The facility will include a dedicated indoor classroom space and an Ocean Deck that will be used for lectures and special events. In addition to the new Ocean EcoCenter, the center will also add Lagoon Bridges to carry visitors to the island and give a unique point of view of the facility. The eclectic gift shop will be also benefit from the expansion, growing from 300 square feet to 1,100 square feet.
Stuart Brewery and Distillery:
Martin County visitors will soon have another place to wet their whistle. Stuart Brewery & Distillery is slated for a soft opening in the next few weeks ahead its grand opening in early 2021 (an exact date has yet to be announced). The upcoming brewery-distillery combination is the marriage of award-winning brew master Ford Pearson (making his triumphant return to South Florida) and celebrated distiller Jeff Mackay, all the way from San Diego, CA. Visitors can look forward to creative beers like Mango Milkshake IPA (with notes of vanilla and organic mango); Salted Caramel Russian Imperial (with a hint of coconut); and Raspberry Berliner (made using fermented organic raspberries). On the spirit side, guests can expect bold flavors such as Carolina Reaper Pepper Vodka and Coffee Infused Whiskey. It is expected to be folded into the Treasure Coast Wine and Ale Trail and represent Martin County along with Ocean Republic Brewing Company (also located in Stuart).
The Ripple Project:
The Ripple Project is not your typical storm water treatment project. This exciting new development in Old Palm City is set to debut in 2021. This partnership between the Arts Council and Martin County’s Community Redevelopment Agency will combine unique eco-art and educational elements in addition to serving a critical function as an environmental asset as well. The Ripple Project will reconnect the Old Palm City neighborhood with the St. Lucie River at three distinct sites along SW 28th and 29th Streets. Ripple is part of only a handful of projects across the county to receive grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.