20 Things To Do In Port St. Lucie

If you’re looking for a low-key place to visit in the Sunshine State, you may want to add Port St. Lucie to your list. This small town on the East Coast of Florida offers a charming atmosphere, family fun attractions, plenty of green space to explore, and access to some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. 125 miles (201 km) to the southeast of Orlando and 113 miles (182 km) to the north of Miami, there are a few interesting things to do in Port Lucie.

The name “St. Lucie” comes from a settlement near Jupiter Inlet, founded on St. Lucia’s day in 1566. In the 1890s, a pioneer founded the Spruce Bluff settlement along the St. Lucie River. This consisted of a community of several families with a school, post office, pineapple plantation and sawmill.

Today, Port St. Lucie is a popular destination for hiking in its plentiful environmental preserves and parks, paddling through lush rivers, soaking in the sun at nearby beaches, observing wildlife, watching the New York Mets spring training, and playing championship golf. This article will cover the top 20 things to do in Port St. Lucie. So keep reading to learn more about this Florida hidden gem.

Port Lucie, Florida

Top Tour

Port St. Lucie Prowl Scavenger Hunt – discover the secrets of Port Lucie and have fun at the same time.

20 Things To Do In Port St. Lucie

1- Catch A Game At Clover Park

Clover Park has gone by a few names, such as First Data Field and Tradition Field.

The stadium was built in time for the 1988 season and holds 7,160 people.

The stadium is the home for the spring training location for the New York Mets, as well as Port St. Lucie’s Rookie League team.

Each year, millions of fans travel to this stadium to catch a glimpse of their favourite team members.

If you’re visiting during training, this is a great way to catch a game without paying New York prices.

When the players aren’t in town, the Sports Complex is used for various events ranging from festivals, concerts, tournaments, RV shows and religious services.

Clover Park is at 31 Piazza Dr., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

2- Hike Through Savannas Preserve State Park

The Savannas Preserve State Park has over 6,000 acres (2,428 ha) of preserved land and 15 miles (24 km) of trails winding through these peaceful grounds, providing the perfect backdrop for visitors to fish, hike, bike, kayak, or even ride a horse.

There are plenty of different ecosystems and wildlife to observe during your visit, including native species of plants, alligators and bobcats.

The grounds are also home to the Education Center, which hosts guided walks and canoe trips. Be sure to check the website for an up-to-date schedule.

The park is open from 8 am to sundown, 365 days a year, and charges a $3 fee for each vehicle entering the park.

Savannas Preserve State Park is at 2541 SE Walton Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

3- Make Friends With Manatees

Veterans Memorial Park offers many fun outdoor activities that you won’t want to miss on your visit to Florida’s Treasure Coast.

The park was established in 1984 and features military memorials and a ceremonial pentagon to honour various branches of the military, including Iraq and Afghanistan War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans wall, the World War II Memorial, the Korean Memorial, the Purple Heart Memorial, and Gold Star Family Memorial.

Here, you’ll also find the North Folk St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve, a 2,972 acre (1,202 ha) haven for state-protected animals like the American alligator, manatee, and opossum pipefish.

Rent a canoe or kayak and view all the beauty of the St. Lucie River, as well as wakeboard, water ski, and fish here.

Veterans Memorial Park and North Folk St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve is at 2100 SE Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

4- Stop To Smell The Flowers At Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

Port St. Lucie’s Botanical Gardens is a great free/low-cost option for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.

The gardens span over 20 acres (8 ha) and feature some amazing exhibits such as an ancient garden, bamboo garden, butterfly garden, and an orchid room.

Plenty of fun and memories can be made in these enchanting gardens. Be sure to check the website for special exhibits and events happening.

Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is at 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

5- Kick Back At Hop Life Brewing Co.

Hop Life Brewing Co. is Port St. Lucie’s best locally owned and operated brewing company.

The founders at Hop Life are dedicated to using only the finest ingredients for their specialty-made, hand-crafted beer.

The brew house spans over 2,000 sq. ft. and features unique beer combinations you won’t find anywhere else.

On the beer menu are ales, lagers, IPAs and porters.

They also offer tasty bar fare from the scratch kitchen, including Cajun Cheese Curds, Pretzel Nugs, and a Build Your Own Smash Burger.

If you’re a frequent visitor, you can also become part of the “Mug Club,” a membership that offers a variety of discounts and perks.

Hop Life Brewing Co. is at 679 NW Enterprise Dr Suite 101, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

6- Cruise Around Indian River Lagoon

Although Port St. Lucie is “technically” landlocked, a quick drive outside the city lines will take you to Fort Pierce, a beautiful oasis that offers access to the Indian River and Hutchinson Island beaches off of the Atlantic Ocean.

Here, you can participate in various cruises, including educational tours, scenic tours, romantic sunset cruises, or jet ski and pontoon rentals to take your own adventure.

Whichever way you decide to explore, being out on the clear blue waterways is the best way to interact with the diverse marine life on the East Coast.

Many companies offer this service, but we’ve listed some popular ones below.

• Indian River Lagoon Boat Tours is at 1 Avenue A, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
• Salty’s Watersports and Boat Rentals is at 125 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
• Dolphin Watch Boat Tours is at 613 N Causeway, Fort Pierce, FL 34949

7- Talk A Peaceful Walk In Hillmoor Lake Park

Hillmoor Lake Park, also called Woodstock Trail by Port St. Lucie locals, is a beautiful 75-acre (30 ha) park established in 2007.

The park has many amenities to enjoy the outdoors, such as a 1.8-mile (2.8 km) sidewalk trail with plenty of benches around the property, fitness stations, and two observation/fishing decks.

Hillmoor Lake Park is free to visitors and opens from 8 am to sunset.

Hillmoor Lake Park is at 1957 SE Hillmoor Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

8- Appreciate The Arts At The Civic Center Art Gallery

The mission of the Civic Center Art Gallery is to “enhance and sustain the cultural and artistic life within our community.”

The gallery connects visitors with a 2,000 sq. ft. space filled with local and regional artists’ work, including paintings, photography, and other mediums.

It rotates its collections seasonally and partners with local organisations to bring the community together in the pursuit of the arts.

Civic Center Art Gallery is at 9221 SE Civic Center Pl, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

9- Visit The Treasure Coast Model Railroad Club

The Treasure Coast Model Railroad features rotating and ever-updating models of gas stations, stores and train stations.

The train stations are modelled after those that existed between the 1940s to the 1970s and feature all types of trains.

This private club is open to the public on Saturdays between 10 am and noon.

The Treasure Coast Model Railroad Club is at 273 Southwest, SE Becker Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953.

10- Flutter With The Butterflies At Oak Hammock Park

The Sunshine State has plenty of parks to appreciate wildlife and Oak Hammock Park is the perfect spot.

This 48-acre (19 ha) park offers a canal boat ramp, a large pavilion for gatherings, a kid’s playground, two fishing piers, three miles (4.8 km) of walking trails, and a beautiful butterfly garden that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

If you want to spend the day outdoors, this is the perfect place to do it.

Oak Hammock Park is at 1982 SW Villanova Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953.

11- Go To A Concert At The MIDFLORIDA Event Center

The MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center is in the middle of Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, which brings a widespread number of events that roll through.

Plus, the facility features two ballrooms, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a gymnasium, making it the perfect location for any event.

Any night, you’ll find a live performance of musicals, sporting events, trade shows, plays, or concerts.

Be sure to check the calendar on their website for a list of events and buy tickets prior, so they don’t sell out.

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center is at 9221 Southeast Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

12- Kayak Around St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is a barrier island off the coast and only accessible by boat, but well worth the trip.

Surf, snorkel, scuba dive and kayak the crystal clear waters without the usual Florida crowds.

You can also walk the boardwalk through mangrove forests and paradise trees.

The summer months are a special time to visit, as this is a known site for turtle nesting.

Loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles come on shore to lay their eggs here until they hatch.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is at 4810 SE Cove Rd, Stuart, FL 34997.

13- Play A Few Rounds On A PGA Golf Course

Any golfer will be thrilled at the chance to play on this championship course.

The PGA Village features three first-class courses.

If you’re not a pro, take a lesson. You can also bring the kids along and book the Family Short Course.

PGA Golf Club at PGA Village is at 1916 Perfect Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

14- Spend The Day At Sea Turtle Beach

What better way to enjoy a Florida day than at the beach? Sea Turtle Beach, or Jensen Beach, is a short drive from Port St. Lucie in Stuart, Florida.

The public beach is on Hutchinson Island, which has some of the best beaches in the area.

Locals love Jensen Beach for its amenities, such as picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, showers, and restrooms.

Sea Turtle Beach is at 4191 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996.

15- Exercise Your Brain At Escape Room PSL

Put your brain to the challenge at Escape Room PSL.

This is one of Port St. Lucia’s newest family attractions.

Each room features a different theme, clues and stories.

Explore through the room and use your problem-solving skills to find hidden secrets and make your escape.

This is a perfect way to spend a rainy day bonding with the family.

Escape Room PSL is at 1022 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.

16- Chow Down On Local Cuisine At My Brother’s BBQ

My Brother’s BBQ is one of the top-rated, locally owned and operated restaurants in the Port St. Lucie area.

This small, unassuming restaurant packs a big punch on flavour, and you’ll discover that eating local is a fabulous way to get a feel for the community.

Everything on the menu is handmade “with love.”

The menu features classic BBQ items such as brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.

Each meal comes with cornbread and two hearty sides, which don’t disappoint, such as baked beans, candied yams, collard greens, corn nuggets, fried okra, green beans or onion rings.

My Brother’s BBQ is at 302 SW Tulip Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953.

17- Shop Around At The Landing At Tradition

Tradition is a collection of neighbourhoods built on nature preserves.

In addition to some stunning homes, you’ll also find The Landing at Tradition, which is the community’s town centre.

This central hub is home to a local farmers market, seasonal concerts, delicious restaurants, and plenty of shopping.

Among these shops are some classics such as Ulta, Target and DSW.

The Landing At Tradition is at 10512-10914 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987.

18- Travel Back In Time At Elliott Museum

The Elliott Museum is the best attraction for the history lover in your family.

The museum features a variety of historic collector’s items, including classic cars, bicycles and boats.

Exhibits, events and lectures rotate seasonally at the Elliott Museum, so check the website for the latest happenings.

The museum was named after Sterling Elliott, an inventor from South Florida.

The original museum opened in 1961 and was open until 2011.

In 2013, a new state-of-the-art facility opened to honour and celebrate the genius inventor.

Elliott Museum is at 825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996.

19- Take The Whole Family To Superplay USA

Superplay USA is the premier indoor entertainment centre in the area and if you want to stay busy on a rainy day, look no further.

The giant entertainment facility features bowling lanes, laser tag, batting cages, air hockey, and an arcade.

Save your coins and take advantage of their Triple Play Tuesday Deal, which offers a game of bowling for just $3.33.

Superplay USA is at 1600 NW Courtyard Cir, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.

20- Visit The City’s Oldest Settlement At Spruce Bluff Preserve

In the late 1800s, Spruce Bluff Preserve was the site of a pioneer village that consisted of the first community known to the area.

Throughout history, various homes, grocery stores and businesses were built surrounding the preserve to create the urban city we know today.

Travel back in time while you wander along the site’s trails winding through the forest, wildlife habitats and freshwater marsh.

Spruce Bluff Preserve is at 611 SE Dar Lane, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986.