Active Pursuits in Stuart and Jensen Beach
Beaches in and around Jensen and Stuart, Florida
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.
Jensen Sea Turtle Beach (aka Jensen Beach Park), 4191 NE Ocean Blvd., Jensen Beach (tel. 772/288-5451), is a handsome beach with a wide stretch of sand, volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, and a café.
Canoeing and Kayaking near Jensen and Stuart, Florida
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the most popular area for canoeing. The Jonathan Dickinson State Park Environmental Education and Research Center 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 $32 for 2 hours, $7 per additional hour; kayaks are $25 for single, $35 for double or triple for the first two hours and $7 per additional hour and are available through the concessions stand (tel. 561/746-1466; daily 8:30am-5pm). The park is also an excellent area to hike.
Fishing from Jensen and Hutchinson Island, Florida
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. 772/283-1122), which maintains a half-dozen charter boats for fishing excursions year-round. A bait-and-tackle shop is on-site, as is a knowledgeable, helpful staff. Other reputable charter operators include Reel Candy Fishing at the Sailfish Marina, 98 Lake Drive, near Jupiter in Palm Beach Shores (tel. 561/797-9769) and Crossroads Charter Fishing, operating in Jupiter and Stuart (tel. 562/723-6589).
Golf in Stuart, Florida
The Champions Club at Summerfield, on U.S. 1, south of Cove Road in Stuart (tel. 772/283-1500), is a championship par 72, 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio. This rural course, the best in the area, offers glimpses of wildlife amid the wetlands. Greens fees range from $31 to $79.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling off Hutchinson Island
Four 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 Georges Valentine, designated as one of Florida's shipwreck preserves in 2006, sits in shallow waters a few hundred feet behind Gilbert's House of Refuge. 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.
