Sunset chasers are a dime a dozen, but true nature enthusiasts know that sunrises are far superior. Seeing the black night sky slowly fade to twilight, then erupt into a flood of golden yellow and burning orange—it doesn’t get any more awe-inspiring than that. If you’ve been lucky enough to see the sun rise over the Grand Canyon or a Hawaiian island, you’ll want to add another bucket list sunrise to your must-see lineup, and it’s in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Part of Florida’s beloved Treasure Coast, Fort Pierce is nicknamed Sunrise City thanks to its otherworldly shows over the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean that give you an automatic jumpstart to your day. Known for world-class fishing, the vibrant coastal town is worth visiting for stunning public beaches, an active downtown with period architecture, and plenty of chances to get in touch with nature on a wildlife boat tour or aquarium visit. May and June are great months for swimming and water sports, but the offseason months in fall still offer great weather. Here are the best things to do on a trip to Fort Pierce, Florida’s sparkling Sunrise City.
What To Do In Fort Pierce, Florida
Hit The Beaches
If you start your day with a sunrise—and in the Sunrise City, it’s practically illegal not to do so—consider spectating from one of Fort Pierce’s many beaches or the well-traveled Fort Pierce City Marina. Afterward, spend the morning playing in the surf or building a sandcastle at any of the 10-plus beaches that are all part of the Treasure Coast’s 21 miles of white-sand sanctuary. Beaches to check out include Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and nearby Avalon State Park, as well as smaller access points at Pepper Beach Park or South Beach Park. Many parks have boardwalks for catching an even better view of the water.
Visit The Aquarium
More water-focused fun can be had at the St. Lucie County Aquarium, a Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit that features six different living model marine and estuarine ecosystems. Admission is under $5, but if you want the most bang for your buck, time your visit to be there at either 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. for special “feeding frenzy” tours.
stlucieco.gov; facebook.com/SmithsonianSMS; 420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949; 772-465-3271
Go See The Manatees
Courtesy of Visit Florida
For another enjoyable but educational attraction, head to The Manatee Observation and Education Center to learn more about the gentle giants and see them relaxing in Moore’s Creek.
manateecenter.org; 480 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950; 772-429-6266
Get Out On The Water
Once you’ve expanded your underwater knowledge of manatees, test your species recognition skills on a boat tour with Captain Chop of Indian River Lagoon and Swampland Boat Tours—you may also see turtles and dolphins. Outfitters like Get Up And Go Kayaking offer mangrove tours in clear kayaks that will let you catch sight of the wildlife in 360 degrees. For a special experience, take a nighttime tour, where you can see bioluminescent jellyfish.
Check Out Downtown
When you’re ready to trade your sea legs for walking shoes, you’ll have plenty to explore in Fort Pierce’s historic waterfront downtown. The seaside streets are filled with great shopping, dining, and architecture just waiting to be discovered. Seven downtown buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including The P.P. Cobb Building, a late 1800s general store that’s now home to a coffee-and-crepe café called Old Florida Coffee Co.; and The Arcade Building, a 1926 retail building that’s been restored to its former glory.
To learn about another famous Fort Pierce local, travel the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail and visit locations like the acclaimed writer’s former home, gravesite, and the site of the newspaper where Hurston once worked. If you find yourself a little worn out from all the walking around downtown, the city’s Freebee free shuttle service runs seven days a week and is just a call or app request away.
Appreciate The Arts
Courtesy of Visit Florida
Catch a show downtown at the Sunrise Theatre, a 100-year-old venue that hosts regular music performances, plays, and comedy shows. Also make sure to stop in at the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery, which features gorgeous Florida landscapes by native son A.E. “Bean” Backus.
sunrisetheatre.com; 117 S. Second St., Fort Pierce, FL 34950; 772-461-4775
backusmuseum.org; 500 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950; 772-465-0630
Visit The Botanical Gardens
You’ll have to jump in the car to visit Heathcote Botanical Gardens, which lies just outside of the shuttle’s range but is still less than a 10-minute drive. The gorgeous blooms and lush landscaping are more than worth the quick commute.
heathcotebotanicalgardens.org; 210 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34982; 772-464-4672
Learn About SEALS
We’re talking about Navy SEALS, because Fort Pierce happens to be home to the National Navy Seal Museum. The museum is located on the original training ground of WWII Frogmen and includes interactive exhibits and memorials.
navysealmuseum.org; 3300 N. Hwy. A1A, North Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, FL 34949; 772-595-5845
Where To Eat In Fort Pierce, Florida
Courtesy of Visit Florida
Enjoy A Laidback Lunch
For laidback lunch vibes, you can’t beat 12A Buoy or Archie’s Seabreeze for their convivial outdoor patios, cold drinks, and excellent food. Dinner at 12A Buoy is surprisingly upscale with entrees like Australian Rack of Lamb with demiglace and crispy fried onions and Yellowtail Snapper butterflied and pan-seared then roasted in basil oil, white wine, garlic, olives, capers, tomatoes, and spinach. Archie’s is family and dog-friendly, with a motto of “No shirt, no shoes, no problem.”
12abuoy.com; 22 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Pierce, FL 34950; 772-672-4524
archiesftpierce.com; 401 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949; 772-460-3888
Dine On The Waterfront
If you want dinner with a great view, there’s no shortage of great places to sit back, relax, and savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of the coast. Manatee Island Bar & Grill, On The Edge Bar & Grill, Crabby’s Dockside, and Cobb’s Landing are all worthy options to consider.
Sip Local Beers
Don’t leave Fort Pierce without stopping into Sailfish Brewing Company for a pint and maybe even a hand-tossed pizza. The independently owned brewer keeps 18 beers on tap.
sailfishbrewingco.com, 130 N. 2nd St., Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Where To Stay In Fort Pierce, Florida
Courtesy of Visit Florida
Sun On A Private Beach
Whether you want to stay on the water or don’t mind being a little further inland, Fort Pierce has you covered. The comfortable Dockside Inn & Resort on the Fort Pierce Inlet has its own private beach and two outdoor pools.
1160 Seaway Drive, South Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
Stay In A Luxe Hotel
If you want something a little more luxe, The Lucie at nearby Jensen Beach on Hutchison Island might be up your alley. The boutique hotel offers oceanfront views, upscale amenities, and exceptional hospitality. If you prefer to have your own space, home rentals of all sizes are plentiful and easy to book for a long weekend or more.
opalcollection.com/lucie; 10978 S Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957; 772-229-1000
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