Active Pursuits

Beaches

Hutchinson Island, one of the most popular beach destinations of the Treasure Coast, is the area just north of Palm Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Some 70 miles of excellent beaches and laid-back, Old Florida ambience make for an idyllic, frozen-cocktail-on-the-beach resort vacation. The best is Bathtub Beach, on North Hutchinson Island. The calm waters here are protected by coral reefs, and visitors can explore the region on dune and river trails. Pick a secluded spot on the wide stretch of sand, or enjoy marked nature trails across the street. Facilities include showers and toilets open during the day. To reach Bathtub Beach from the northern tip of Hutchinson Island, head east on Ocean Boulevard (Stuart Causeway) and turn right onto MacArthur Boulevard. The beach is about a mile ahead on your left, just north of the Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort and Marina. Parking is plentiful.

Canoeing

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the most popular area for canoeing. Although the park experienced a major blow with 2005's Hurricane Wilma, all has been repaired and restored. In 2006, the park debuted the new Jonathan Dickinson State Park Environmental Education and Research Center, which hosts educational programs and activities. The route winds through a variety of botanical habitats. You'll see lots of birds and the occasional manatee. Canoes rent for $14 for 2 hours and $5 for each additional hour, available through the concessions stand (tel. 561/746-1466) in the back of the park; it's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm.

Wildlife Exploration: From Gators to Manatees to Turtles

One of the most scenic areas on this stretch of the coast is Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 12 miles south of Stuart at 16450 S. Federal Hwy. (U.S. 1), Hobe Sound (tel. 772/546-2771). The park intentionally receives less maintenance than other, more meticulously maintained parks in order to resemble the rough-around-the-edges, wilderness-like environment of hundreds of years ago, before Europeans started chopping, dredging, and "improving" the area. Dozens of species of Florida's unique wildlife, including alligators and manatees, live on the park's more than 11,300 acres. Bird-watchers will be delighted by glimpses of rare and endangered species such as the bald eagle, the Florida scrub-jay, and the Florida sandhill crane, which still call this park home. You can rent canoes from the concessions stand to explore the Loxahatchee River on your own. Admission is $4 per car of up to eight adults. Day hikers, bikers, and walkers pay $1 each. The park is open from 8am until sundown.

Close to Jonathan Dickinson State Park is Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge, on North Beach Road off S.R. 708, at the north end of Jupiter Island (tel. 772/546-6141). This is one of the best places to spot sea turtles that nest on the shore in the summer months, especially in June and July. Because it's home to a large variety of other plant and animal species, the park is worth visiting the rest of the year as well. Admission is $4 per car, and the preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Exact times are posted at each entrance and change seasonally.

For turtle walks on Hutchinson Island, call tel. 877/375-4386. These walks take place from May 22 to July 22 at 9pm on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are necessary and should be made well in advance (they're accepted as of May 1); each walk is limited to only 50 people.

Fishing

Several charter captains operate on Hutchinson Island and Jensen Beach. One of the largest operators is the Sailfish Marina, 3565 SE St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart (tel. 772/221-9456), which maintains half a dozen charter boats for fishing excursions year-round. Also on-site is a bait-and-tackle shop and a knowledgeable, helpful staff. Other reputable charter operators include Hungry Bear Adventures, Inc., docked at Indian River Plantation Marriott Resort, 4730-1 SE Teri Place, Stuart (tel. 772/285-7552; www.hungrybear.net); and Bone Shaker Sportfishing, 3585 SE St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart (tel. 772/286-5504; www.boneshakercharters.com).

Golf

Try the Champion's Club at Summerfield, on U.S. 1, south of Cove Road in Stuart (tel. 772/283-1500; www.championsclubsummerfield.com), a somewhat challenging championship course designed by Tom Fazio. This rural course, the best in the area, offers great glimpses of wildlife amid the wetlands. Winter greens fees are around $65; carts are mandatory. Reservations are a must and are taken 4 days in advance.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Three popular artificial reefs off Hutchinson Island provide excellent scenery for both novice and experienced divers. The USS Rankin lies 7 miles east-northeast of the St. Lucie Inlet. The Rankin is a 459-foot ship that lies on its port side in 80 feet of water. This ship was used in World War II for troop transportation and was sunk to create the reef in 1988. Deck hatches on the wreck are open and allow exploration. Inside there are thousands of Atlantic Spiny oysters, and a cannon is attached to the bow. The Donaldson Reef consists of a cluster of steel tanks and barrels sunk in 58 feet of water to create an artificial reef. It's due east of the Gilbert's House of Refuge Museum . The Ernst Reef, made from old tires, is a 60-foot dive located 4 1/2 miles east-southeast of the St. Lucie Inlet. Local dive shops have tips on the best spots, along with rules and regulations for safe diving.