About Us
The Sailfish Capital of the World
Stuart is located on Florida’s East Coast, which borders the St. Lucie River and the Indian River. The climate is pleasant with mild winters and warm summers. Stuart is famed for its inshore and offshore sport fishing with anglers traveling from all around the world for the experience.
Located close to the Gulfstream, offshore anglers don’t have to travel far to hook up on sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, and more. Stuart also offers inshore anglers a vast assortment of bays, flats, and backcountry waterways creating an excellent environment for targeting a broad range of fish species. Holdover fish such as snook, redfish, and trout are caught all year using light spin and fly tackle. Certain game fish are known to pause their travels along the St. Lucie River as they migrate North or South. This includes tarpon, pompano, cobia, and mackerel. What’s unique, is that much of the fishing in Stuart can also be targeted without a boat. With its beautiful causeways and waterfront parks that hold our famous dock lights, fishing is accessible and easy.
Come Visit Our Historical Downtown
While you’re in town, don’t forget to check out our Historical Downtown. Winner of the title “Most Beautiful City" from “America In Bloom”, Historic Downtown Stuart truly embodies everything that the phrase "Tropical Paradise" brings to mind. Our Historic Downtown is filled with quaint shops and galleries selling antiques, art, gifts, jewelry and collectibles. We also have a wide variety of fine restaurants as well as the historic Lyric Theater and Stuart Heritage Museum. And don't forget, the river is our back door. There is a Riverwalk Stage, Free Fishing Pier, a Boat Dock as well as a beautiful Boardwalk where you can take a stroll along the rivers edge.
Arts, Culture, History, Shopping and Dining - all waiting for you to come and visit! Come by car or boat, it's a GREAT place to spend an afternoon, weekend or a lifetime! We have pristine un-crowded beaches that rival the best in the world. If you’re a golfer, you probably know that there is no shortage of fine courses all over the area as well. Come discover for yourself all that Stuart has to offer. Just visit us once...and you'll be "hooked"!
A Little Bit of History...
The Treasure Coast gets its name from the found remains of several Spanish galleons. While departing from America in the 18th century, they were hit by a hurricane while carrying unknown quantities of gold and silver. All of the ships sank leaving behind stones and coins for current residents to seek.
Foreigners began to settle down in Stuart near 1870. In 1875, a United States Lifesaving Station was built on Hutchinson Island to help with shipwrecks and stranded travelers. Through WWI and WWII, they provided food, clothing, transportation, and shelter to those in need. Known today as Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge, it stands as the oldest building in Martin County and was fully restored in 1976. Guests are welcome to tour the building and learn more. Also, the patio can be scheduled for parties and events with a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Stuart was incorporated as a town in 1914 being driven by farmers and commercial fishermen. During the Prohibition of Alcohol from 1920-1933, illegal trafficking took place with “Rum Runners” and the well-known “Ashley Gang” using Stuart as a hub. When they weren’t smuggling alcohol, the Ashley Gang was robbing banks, which lead to a historic police shoot-out.
As the population slowly grew, Stuart was chartered as a city in 1925. This became the county seat of the newly created Martin County and has continued to grow ever since.