Things to do in Palm City, Florida

The Allure of the Treasure Coast

Situated on the sprawling St. Lucie River 100 miles north of Miami, Palm City is known as an especially vibrant suburb on the Treasure Coast. Visitors to Palm City will notice the low thrum of outboard motors, the splashing of a golden retriever off a private dock, and the slow, brackish crawl of the river. This is the sound of leisure.

Florida’s Treasure Coast (comprising Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties) is a region that feels like a well-kept secret, leaning heavily into its history and its old Florida charm. Palm City, located within Martin County, has implemented stricter zoning laws and height restrictions on buildings compared with its Treasure Coast counterparts further north, successfully preserving its small-town feel.

Curious about this city that takes exception to the typical “Disney and neon” Florida stereotype but not sure where to begin? You’re in the right place. Like any good city guide, let’s begin with how to get around.

Things to do on the Treasure Coast: The Meridian Marina Experience

While Palm City lacks the ancient stone bridges of Venice, it shares the Italian city’s most essential truth: to truly understand this place, you must leave the pavement behind. In both cities, the “real” experience doesn’t happen on the sidewalk–it happens on the water. 

Boaters and the boat-curious alike call Palm City’s Meridian Marina—the only marina in Palm City—home. Meridian Marina is a premier destination located on 11.75 acres along the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. The facility features 140 new outdoor storage racks and an expansive 62,000-square-foot indoor dry stack. This covered building is hurricane-graded and can securely store boats up to 45 feet in length.

Where to Snorkel and Birdwatch near the St. Lucie River

Located between the southern tip of Sewall’s Point and Sailfish Point (approximately 27.1894º N, 80.1744º W) is Stuart Sandbar. Also known by locals as “The Crossroads,” Stuart Sandbar is a series of shallow tidal flats and small spoil islands where the St. Lucie River, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Interested in snorkeling and birdwatching? Go to Stuart Sandbar on a weekday. Looking for a more lively social atmosphere? Head over during the weekend. Whenever you go, you can count on crystal-clear, shallow waters that are sure to delight.

Things to do with kids near Palm City

If you are looking for a reliably family-friendly destination and would prefer public amenities, check out Sandsprit Park. Beautifully located on the entrance to Manatee Pocket facing the St. Lucie Inlet and the Indian River Lagoon, Sandsprit Park has restrooms, walking trails, a playground, and pavilions—all with an incredible view of the Treasure Coast’s blue waters. Boaters are welcome to dock at the park and are encouraged to rent a pavilion in advance for large gatherings.

Palm City Restaurants

Need a bite to eat before venturing further? Two Georges Dockside Grille and Shrimpers Grill and Raw Bar come highly recommended from the folks at Meridian Marina. Just continue south in Manatee Pocket and dock right at either restaurant.

Treasure Coast Nature and Wildlife

While the waters of Palm City’s South Fork boast incredible sights, wildlife enthusiasts find travel beyond the riverbanks worthwhile. Consider the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center of Palm City, whose mission is “Wildlife Recovery and Human Discovery,” and where you can see rehabilitated raptors, reptiles, and bobcats while learning about the region’s native ecosystem.

Should you prefer to remain waterfront, it’s worth traveling down to the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge “contains the largest contiguous section of undeveloped beach in Southeastern Florida and is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the Southeastern United States.” If you fancy seeing endangered species, you are in for a treat at Hobe Sound. The biodiverse Refuge is a sanctuary for nearly 40 species that are listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern and—like any good Treasure Coast destination—boasts a picturesque 3.5-mile stretch of Atlantic Ocean beach.

On the Green in Palm City

Should you need to ground yourself after maritime adventures or wildlife encounters, Palm City is home to some of the nation’s best golf courses. For those looking to tee off in Palm City, these two legendary clubs offer distinct experiences tailored to your style of play. 

The Hammock Creek Golf Club is a premier Jack Nicklaus-designed masterpiece that winds through protected wetlands. It has long, inviting fairways with signature white sand bunkers. Playing a round at Hammock Creek feels a lot like taking a tour through nature.

In contrast, Martin Downs Golf Club provides a classic, parkland-style challenge across its two 18-hole courses. Notably, Martin Downs is a former PGA and U.S. Tour-qualifying course.

While just outside of Palm City, the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie is a global destination for golf enthusiasts. It features 54 holes of championship golf across three distinct courses designed by legends Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.

Palm City’s Parks

Just need a place to zen out? Consider Hutchinson Island’s Bathtub Reef Beach. This site features a unique offshore worm reef (yes, “worm,” referring to the sandy structures built by Sabellariid sea worms that create a “bathtub effect” in its waters).

Leighton Park is another hangout that also happens to serve as the scenic gateway to Palm City and offers the community’s best access to the St. Lucie River. Leighton Park is the premier destination for viewing Florida’s iconic riverfront sunsets.

Treasure Coast shipwrecks

Resting a mere 100 yards off the coast of the House of Refuge (the oldest structure in Martin County, built as a shipwreck life-saving station in 1876),  the Georges Valentine Shipwreck is an unforgettable Underwater Archaeological Preserve. This site is accessible to both divers and snorkelers and serves as a vibrant artificial reef teeming with tropical fish, eels, and occasional sea turtles.

Palm City: A Town of Mystique

Should your independent exploration leave you wanting more historical context for Palm City’s mystique, head over to Stuart Heritage Museum. Housed in a charming 1901 general store, the Museum serves as a treasure trove of local lore, from pioneer artifacts to pineapple farming relics. Those who dare enter will quickly learn that the Treasure Coast has an eccentric history.

In that same vein, the Lyric Theatre—originally a 1926 silent movie house—is a gorgeous restored landmark that remains the crown jewel of nearby downtown Stuart. Today, the intimate performance venue hosts everything from classic films to national music acts, providing a sophisticated evening of entertainment under its ornate ceilings.

No matter what your goal is during your time in Palm City, you can depend on Meridian Marina as your headquarters. Our informative and approachable staff is here to support you in the heart of Palm City. Whatever questions you may have about your time on the St. Lucie River and beyond, our knowledgeable team is ready to help at or call us directly at 772-221-8198.