If you desire a peaceful beach getaway in Florida and enjoy starting your day at sunrise, look no further than Fort Pierce. Nicknamed “The Sunrise City,” Fort Pierce sits approximately 110 miles north of Fort Lauderdale along Florida’s east coast, offering breathtaking morning views that make waking up early well worth it.
However, that is merely one facet of Fort Pierce that renders it an ideal destination for a getaway.
Florida is brimming with remarkable, accolade-filled beaches.
And Fort Pierce lives up to expectations with its abundant sunshine, ocean views, and sandy shores. East of downtown, spanning across the Indian River Lagoon, you’ll find some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. These include Blind Creek Beach on Hutchinson Island, known for its dunes and welcoming atmosphere for naturists; Blue Heron Beach, great for activities like swimming, fishing, and lounging under the sun; and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, a sprawling 340-acre haven where underwater life thrives, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving due to depths reaching up to 20 feet with typical visibilities ranging from 11 to 15 feet. Northward lies Round Island Beach Park, a tranquil location suited perfectly for serene nature hikes and bird watching.
Moreover, Fort Pierce offers more than just its shores. The town presents an engaging destination with a quaint atmosphere and numerous alluring eateries, entertaining boutiques, and cultural sites worth visiting.
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Striking Downtown Fort Pierce, Florida
Unwinding at the beach might unexpectedly spark your appetite, particularly after activities like swimming or snorkeling. Fortunately, Fort Pierce offers an abundance of excellent dining options. One such spot is the waterside Archie’s Seabreeze, a beloved hamburger restaurant popular among motorcyclists featuring a spacious retro-themed open-air beach bar with the slogan “no shoes, no shirt, no problem.” If you’re craving fresh-caught seafood, head over to 12A Buoy located on Fisherman’s Wharf; they’re renowned for dishes like oysters, clams, lobster club sandwiches, and New England clam chowder. For genuine Mexican cuisine, check out Sonora right downtown—it not only has a bakery but also serves fantastic hot dogs along with classic tacos and other traditional Mexican fare.
When visiting Fort Pierce, be sure to stop at the charming Wanderlust Book Boutique, an independent bookstore operating from Wednesday to Saturday during spring and summer months where you can find perfect beach reading material. Also notable is Rosslow’s, a long-standing family-run department store that has been providing high-end design items, accessories, clothing, and much more to residents and tourists alike in Fort Pierce since its inception in 1950.
Galleria of Pierce Harbor is a must-visit in Fort Pierce, which, in addition to offering restaurants and bars, is the home of a changing roster of art exhibits, designer shops, and beauty services. In the evening, be sure to check out the Sunrise Theatre, a retro venue staging fun musical concerts, stand-up, and more.
Visiting Fort Pierce
Fort Pierce is served by the Treasure Coast International Airport (FPT), situated at 3000 Curtis King Boulevard within the city limits. This airport is only about a 12-minute drive away from downtown Fort Pierce. Despite receiving approval for commercial operations in 2024, its current offerings remain somewhat restricted for typical travelers. As an alternative, consider flying into neighboring Vero Beach (VRB); this option requires merely a 25-minute journey along the coastline. Another choice would be landing at West Palm Beach/Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). From PBI, one could either make their way north via car or opt for public transportation such as taking the bus, with travel time estimated around four hours.
If you’re looking for a charming beach getaway in Fort Pierce, consider reserving a bungalow at the Hotel Seahorse Beach. This place features a lovely garden, direct beach access, and even barbecue amenities. The Oceanfront Inn on Hutchinson Island provides accommodations with balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean—perfect for enjoying serene sunrises every morning—and also boasts an island beach bar and restaurant.
When it comes to outdoor adventures, Fort Pierce has plenty of campsite choices. The centrally situated Fort Pierce Downtown KOA Journey is one option, complete with easy access to all the natural beauty around. Alternatively, head over to Savannas Recreation Area where you can pitch your tent along with renting canoes and kayaks. If convenience close to town suits your style better, check out Easy Livin’ RV Park just nearby.
If you’re still looking around for precisely where to head in Florida, make sure to explore
This vibrant town featuring shoreline stores and eateries nestled between Tampa and Sarasota.
And while you’re at it, make sure to take some time to get acquainted with
the most common and worst mistakes people make on a Florida vacation
— So you can do the exact opposite.
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