Your Guide to Hutchinson Island, Florida
Leave the heavy lifting (read: vacation planning) to the experts. This all-inclusive guide to Hutchinson Island, Florida was curated with you in mind by locals who know the ins and outs of “America’s Happiest Seaside Town.”
Sibling Opal resorts, Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa and The Lucie are both just a hop, skip and jump away from Jensen Beach and Stuart, two of Florida’s most charming and historic towns. So step back in time while learning sports of the future (winging, anyone?) and enjoying the presents of the sea at creative and eclectic eateries. These Opal-curated experiences guarantee your Florida vacation on Hutchinson Island will be a grand experience.
Top Hutchinson Island Landmarks
Downtown Stuart
From the old-fashioned barbershop and the colorful clothing stores to the historic homes of Seminole Street and the Sunset Bay Marina docks, downtown Stuart deserved being named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine. After embarking on the charming Riverwalk boardwalk, check out the restored Lyric Theatre for year-round live entertainment and the 50 locally-owned shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Jensen Beach Park
While there are 17 public beaches on Hutchinson Island, our pick is Jensen Beach Park, thanks to its playground, volleyball courts, beach rentals, snack bar, picnic pavilions, and beaches on the Indian River.
4191 NE Ocean Blvd,
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
House of Refuge
Shipwrecked sailors and Florida travelers once found havens in the Houses of Refuge along the coastline, and this is the last remaining structure of its type. Discover how the 1876-built life-saving station altered the course of Florida’s future; it’s also just 100 feet from the Georges Valentine wreck, where you can snorkel to see the buried treasure.
301 SE MacArthur Blvd,
Stuart, FL 34996
Florida Oceanographic Society
After completing an extensive renovation to include event space, a children’s activity pavilion area, and new exhibits, the Florida Oceanographic Society provides educational and restoration programs that support Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Visitors can take part in programs centered on sea turtles, stingrays, and gamefish feedings Wednesday-Sunday and walk along the immersive one-mile loop through the mangrove swamp to the Indian River Lagoon and back.
Most Popular Things to Do on Hutchinson Island
Snorkeling at Bathtub Reef Beach
Named for the reef system that breaks up the waves from the Atlantic Ocean, Bathtub Reef draws beach bums to its beautiful sandbars. Don a mask and snorkel to see the unique reef (built by Sabellariid worms) and some of the 500 marine species that make their home here.
1585 SE MacArthur Blvd,
Stuart, FL 34996
Get on the Water with Next Level Sports
Time to tick that “learn how to kiteboard” item off your bucket list? Head to this Stuart-based outfitter, whose guides will teach you and your family how to kiteboard and wakeboard or take you tubing. Visitors can even experience the thrill of flight in new twists on water-based sports such as eFoiling, hydrofoiling, and winging (holding a wing on a hydrofoil—it’s cool, trust us).
555 NE Ocean Blvd,
Stuart, FL 34996
Jammin’ Jensen Thursdays
Imagine pulling out your picnic chair, kicking back with a cold cocktail or iced coffee, and listening to live music in between perusing local artisans’ wares and enjoying local eateries. This is Jammin’ Jensen, happening every Thursday from 6 to 9:30pm.
1912 NE Jensen Beach Blvd,
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
The Best Restaurants on Hutchinson Island
Obviously, no trip here is complete without eating your way through the restaurants of Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, including the Dune Beach Bar, neighboring their poolside spot, Reflections Pool Bar, as well as the signature Drift Kitchen & Bar.
Drift Kitchen & Bar
Crispy calamari with housemade pomodoro. Day boat scallops with shrimp & corn risotto and key-lime butter sauce. Blue crab-crusted grouper. These are just a couple of the specials at this coastal-sleek Italian-inspired restaurant that also serves breakfast (go for the crab cake benedict) and lunch, when you can order fish tacos while watching the ocean from your sunlit perch.
3793 NE Ocean Blvd,
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House
Inspired by her love for the Polynesian Islands, the famous 1930’s movie star, Frances Langford, created this charming waterfront spot with panoramic views and unique seafood dishes. They’re famous for their signature menu item, Dolphin Ala Dolphin: fresh dolphin dipped in a herb parmesan egg wash and topped with a lemon butter caper sauce with a side of grilled asparagus. Visit this historic spot for impeccable seafood food, a welcoming atmosphere, and expansive views from the Stuart Causeway up to the Jensen Beach Causeway Bridge.
1401 NE Indian River Dr,
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
Kyle G’s Prime Seafood
Let’s start with dessert: Sunshine key lime pie, chocolate mousse cake and tiramisu (made with a signature recipe of Myer’s dark rum, Kahlua and espresso-soaked ladyfingers) are a few of the sweet endings to a savory dining experience at Kyle G’s. A two-pound steamed Maine lobster, 24-ounce, 40-day dry-aged cowboy ribeye and hearty chopped kale salad? We’ll take all three.
10900 S Ocean Dr,
Hutchinson Island, FL 34957
A Local’s Favorites on Hutchinson Island
Historic Downtown Jensen Beach
The tree-lined streets of this nationally acclaimed district draw visitors in with it’s “Old Florida” charm. Historic downtown Jensen Beach is a unique riverfront town is over a century old and offers art galleries, antiques stores, live entertainment, and nearly 20 restaurants and bars.
Bunkhouse Coffee Bar
Found in a cheery yellow house, Bunkhouse Coffee Bar pulls freshly ground espresso shots, hand-crafts açai bowls with the freshest of Florida fruits, and bakes such vegan and gluten-free goods as carrot-cake cupcakes. Sit under the palm trees as you sip the morning away.
3181 NE West End Blvd,
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
Jensen Beach Golf Club
This 18-hole, par-72 course, formerly known as Eagle Marsh, was designed by Tommy Fazio and boasts incredible views of the ocean, rolling greens, and convenient proximity to the best of Jensen Beach. An on-site restaurant means you and your fellow travelers can stay and play all day.
3869 NW Royal Oak Dr,
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
Whether you’re lingering over a creamy Gelato Trio at Drift Kitchen & Bar, listening to live music in downtown Jensen, or discovering new ways to play on the water with Next Level Sports, the ideal Florida vacation destination begins at Hutchinson Shores.
