Things to Do in South Hutchinson Island
Twenty miles of lightly built shoreline south of the Fort Pierce Inlet.
See top-rated activities »About South Hutchinson Island
South Hutchinson Island runs from the Fort Pierce Inlet south to the Martin County line, with the ocean on one side and the Indian River Lagoon on the other. State Road A1A, called South Ocean Drive here, follows the island past condominiums, small motels and a long series of county beach parks. Compared with the beaches farther south in Florida, it feels open and uncrowded, and many stretches have no buildings at all behind the dunes.
The north end is the busiest. The South Causeway brings you over the lagoon to Seaway Drive, where a cluster of fish houses and bars sits along the inlet, and where the St. Lucie County Aquarium, also known as the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, shows the reefs, seagrass and mangroves of the lagoon in small tanks. Jetty Park, at the south side of the inlet, has a fishing jetty and a beach where surfers gather when the swell is up. Just south, the city beach and the old Archie’s Seabreeze bar mark the start of the main beach strip.
Farther south, the county parks each have their own character. Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, named for the abolitionist, is one of the few beaches in the region where horseback riding is allowed on the sand. Waveland Beach has lifeguards and marks the start of a paved path that runs along A1A for about 13 miles. Walton Rocks Beach, near the power plant at the south end, is the county’s only beach where dogs are welcome.
The lagoon side of the island is quieter still. Bear Point Sanctuary has a short trail through mangroves, and Little Mud Creek is a launch point for kayaks heading into the shallow lagoon, where dolphins, manatees and wading birds are common. From March through October, sea turtles nest along the whole island, and residents and visitors are asked to keep beachfront lights low after dark.
Don’t Miss
A fishing jetty and beach on the south side of the Fort Pierce Inlet, popular with anglers and surfers; renourishment work closes it at times.
Small tanks that recreate the reefs and lagoon habitats of the area, originally developed with the Smithsonian.
A county beach park with picnic pavilions, where horseback riding on the beach is allowed.
A lifeguarded beach with showers and the start of the paved A1A bike path.
The county’s dog-friendly beach, with a rocky shoreline and a fenced dog park; it has closed after storms in the past.
A mangrove trail and a kayak launch on the lagoon side of the island.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in South Hutchinson Island
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Get free trip quotes »South Hutchinson Island — FAQ
Which beach on South Hutchinson Island has lifeguards?
Waveland Beach and the city beach near the inlet have lifeguards on duty; several other county parks are unguarded, so check flags and conditions before you swim.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
Yes, at Walton Rocks Beach, the only St. Lucie County beach where dogs are allowed. Keep them leashed outside the off-leash area.
