North America / USA / Florida / South Florida / Treasure Coast

Planning a trip to Treasure Coast

Getting Around

A car is a necessity in this large and rural region. Although heavy traffic is not usually a problem here, on the smaller coastal roads, such as Fla. A1A, expect to travel at a slow pace, usually between 25 and 40 mph.

Getting There

Because virtually every town described in this section runs along a straight route by the Atlantic Ocean, we've given all directions below.

By Plane -- The Palm Beach International Airport (tel. 561/471-7420), about 35 miles south of Stuart, is the closest gateway to this region if you're flying. If you're traveling to the northern part of the Treasure Coast, Melbourne International Airport, off U.S. 1 in Melbourne (tel. 321/723-6227), is less than 25 miles north of Sebastian and about 35 miles north of Vero Beach.

By Car -- If you're driving up or down the Florida coast, you'll probably reach the Treasure Coast via I-95. If you're heading to Stuart or Jensen Beach, take exit 61 (Rte. 76/Tanner Hwy.) or 62 (Rte. 714); to Port St. Lucie or Fort Pierce, take exit 63 or 64 (Okeechobee Rd.); to Vero Beach, take exit 68 (S.R. 60); to Sebastian, take exit 69 (County Rd.). You can also take the Florida Turnpike; this toll road is the fastest (but not the most scenic) route, especially if you're coming from Orlando. If you're heading to Stuart or Jensen Beach, take exit 133; to Fort Pierce, take exit 152 (Okeechobee Rd.); to Port St. Lucie, take exit 142 or 152; to Vero Beach, take exit 193 (S.R. 60); to Sebastian, take exit 193 to S.R. 60 east and connect to I-95 North.

If you're staying in Hutchinson Island, which runs almost the entire length of the Treasure Coast, you should check with your hotel or see the listings below to find the best route to take.

Finally, if you're coming directly from the west coast, you'll probably take S.R. 70, which runs north of Lake Okeechobee to Fort Pierce, up the road from Stuart.

By Rail -- Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com) stops in West Palm Beach, at 201 S. Tamarind Ave.; and in Okeechobee, at 801 N. Parrot Ave., off U.S. 441 North.

By Bus -- Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) serves the area with bus terminals in Stuart, at 1308 S. Federal Hwy.; in Fort Pierce, at 7005 Okeechobee Rd. (tel. 772/461-3299); and in Vero Beach, at U.S. 1 and S.R. 60 (tel. 772/562-6588).