From beaches to recreation areas and historical nature preserves, Fort Pierce has plenty to offer any outdoor enthusiast. With several tour companies offering visitors a chance to experience the outdoors up close and personal, this guide will help you find the perfect places to explore in and around town. So, without further ado, these are just some of the incredible things you can do during a weekend in Fort Pierce, Florida.
1. Navy SEAL Museum
Visit the National Navy SEAL-UDT Museum; it’s the only one of its kind dedicated solely to preserving the history of the SEALs. Before heading inside, take a turn on the obstacle course modeled after the BUD/S course in Coronado, California. Inside the museum, climb aboard the lifeboat where Captain Richard Phillips was held hostage for 5 days after the cargo ship Maersk Alabama was seized by Somali pirates on April 8, 2009. Gaze at the incredible memorial that honors Navy SEALs and frogmen, then check out the centerpiece of the memorial — a bronze sculpture of a modern Navy SEAL combat swimmer. You’ll also have a chance to see the Mark V Special Operations Craft — an 82-foot-long, 52-ton boat that was used as a medium-range insertion and extraction platform for special operations forces.
2. Get Up And Go Kayaking
One of the most unique opportunities in Fort Pierce is the Get Up and Go Kayaking excursion. Launch your 100 percent clear kayak into the water and prepare to be amazed at the beauty. Red mangrove trees and rich flora and fauna line the path to the bay. You might see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and various birds along your water journey.
Trips take kayakers to a sandy area, where they can hop out and explore in the shallow water. You’ll have a chance to see crabs, stingrays, and a variety of fish. Use the nets they provide or your hands to touch and connect with nature. You never really know what you are going to see on these tours!
Pro Tip: Book a GLOW tour, a night trip out with LED lights on the kayaks; you’ll get a whole otherworldly feel as you make your way in the dark through the mangroves.
3. Savannas Recreation Area
Savannas Recreation Area is nestled close to the Indian River and offers a plethora of things to do during trips for the seasoned traveler. Florida is a long state and pulling a camper can be a challenge. Rent an RV from Glampster RV for a stay and book a full hookup site. I can recommend location #43, ideally situated for all activities with laundry and a bathhouse. Every camping location offers a fire ring and picnic table.
Pro Tip: Site #43 gives a good dose of afternoon shade, which was appreciated in the hot summer sun.
One unique feature of this campground is how they offer rental kayaks and canoes. A perfect addition to a stay, walk from your campsite and take a paddle through the canals. The rental rates were reasonable and they had plenty of units available.
Within the Savannas Recreation Area, you can fish the day away just a few steps from your site, with catches of many native fish. Anglers can find bull redfish and spotted sea trout in the river and its deep flats, where the system attracts a lot of shrimp and mullets for feeding. Grouper, snapper, snook, black drum, and tarpon can also be caught in the river. The recreation area offers a short paved hiking trail through the park; bike or walk along the path. Here, you can see the many birds that call Florida home or you might even get to see an alligator!
4. Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve
Visit the Donald B. Moore Heritage Preserve; while it doesn’t look like much from the parking lot, you will be amazed at all the unique things along these short interpretive trails. Delve into the Orange Trail with its markers teaching about flora and fauna of the area. If you finish the Orange Trail and want a little more hiking, enjoy the Green Path. This trail offers a history of the site and plenty more lush views. If you’re going to wander a bit further, you can take the Blue Trail out to the Indian River and check out the kayak stopover and the lagoon kiosk.
This preserve offers plenty of recreational opportunities, which include volleyball, horseshoes, and disc golf. You can have a picnic in one of the various picnic areas, which include tables and charcoal grills. The boardwalks and trails are well-marked and easy to navigate; however, they would not be considered ADA-compliant.
Pro Tip: Want all the ADA accessibility in one location? Try Petravice Family Preserve with a 1.5-mile paved path, accessible bathrooms, and even an ADA-accessible kayak launch.
Hiking Recommendations
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Bug spray for the pesky mosquitos
- SPF 50+ sunblock
- Snacks for energy
- Camera to snap pictures of all the beauty
5. Tours On Horseback
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of riding a horse on the beach. The wind in your hair, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the steady rhythm of your horse’s hooves make for an exhilarating experience. As you gallop along the coastline, you feel a sense of freedom and connection with nature that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, horseback riding on the beach is an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Tours on Horseback offer the best beach excursions; pick one first thing in the morning for cooler temps.
6. Sail Aiki
Hop on board the Aiki with Captain Kyle for a trip out into the Indian River Lagoon. Before your trip, Kyle will coordinate how to make this trip out on the water perfect; choose from a sunrise or a sunset cruise.
The Aiki is a fully restored Condor 40 with three hulls that are 40 feet long and 28 feet wide. With the custom trampolines provided, slip off your shoes and settle into the big comfy pillows for you to recline on during your sail. Music of your choice will fill the air as Kyle and his crew get your trip underway. As you head out toward the Atlantic, close your eyes and let the sun and waves sway you into the perfect state of relaxation.
Blue waters allure you as the current takes you on its weaving path. While on board, keep your eyes open for dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, manatees, and tarpons. Take in the beautiful shoreline of the beach as you cruise along.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for boarding; they will keep your footing sure until you are comfortably seated on the sailboat.
Restaurants On The Water In Fort Pierce
When it comes to dining by the water, there’s nothing quite like the experience of eating at a beachside restaurant. The sound of waves crashing against the shore, the salty sea breeze, and the stunning views make for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood or a casual burger, the beachside restaurants in Fort Pierce offer a unique atmosphere.
Curl your toes in the sand as you order the fresh catch of the day or seafood starters at On the Edge Bar and Grill, a family-owned local hangout. Looking for big flavor with a huge menu? Crabby’s Dockside has everything from landshark favorites to deep-sea treasures, and the Bairdi crab is a house favorite with 1.5 pounds served steamed or grilled with garlic butter and Old Bay seasoning.
Pro Tip: Hop in the car for a short drive to Hutchinson Island, where restaurants on the ocean combine fine dining with stunning views at Kyle G’s. Try one of the Maui poke bowls or the lobster fried rice; truly an experience you won’t forget.
Hotels In Fort Pierce
Some call the Treasure Coast the quiet side of Florida and the places to stay there are perfect for any beachgoer. Stay on the water at one of the plentiful condos located on a sandy beach, or reserve an Airbnb with a pool in one of the gated communities. If you are more of the hotelier, secure a full-service stay along the Atlantic Coast or in the historic Reno Hotel.
Pro Tip: Book your stay well in advance; waterfront hotels book up quickly.
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