How to spend a day on Treasure Coast beaches

Sometimes you just need a beach day. Located on the South Fork of the St. Lucie River, Meridian Marina provides ready access to some of the best Treasure Coast beaches. Thanks to the marina’s close proximity to the St. Lucie Inlet, members can decide between two very different beach days. 

Head north to the wide, natural beaches of Hutchinson Island, where sea turtles nest, shorebirds patrol the surf, and long stretches of wild coastline foster a slower pace. Or turn south toward the beaches of Jupiter Island, where calm mornings, excellent fishing, and beautiful Atlantic views make it easy to spend an entire day outdoors. No matter which direction you choose, you’re only a short cruise from some of Florida’s most beautiful shorelines.

Choose your Treasure Coast beach

Despite only being a few miles apart, the beaches surrounding the St. Lucie Inlet offer distinct personalities. If you’re looking for solitude and natural scenery, head north toward Hutchinson Island. If you prefer access to amenities while still enjoying beautiful Atlantic beaches, travel south toward Jupiter Island.

Option one: Explore the natural beaches of Hutchinson Island

Leave Meridian Marina early and enjoy a peaceful cruise down the St. Lucie River before passing through the St. Lucie Inlet. Once you’re in the Atlantic, turn north toward the southern end of Hutchinson Island, where you’ll find some of the Treasure Coast’s most scenic beaches, including Bob Graham Beach, Ross Witham Beach, and the undeveloped shoreline surrounding St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park. 

Start your morning at Bob Graham Beach. This quiet county beach is known for its wide shoreline, soft sand, and relaxed atmosphere. Find a spot to sink your toes in the sand, take a walk along the shoreline, or simply enjoy the serenity of lapsing waves before the beach gets busier later in the morning.

Continue north toward Ross Witham Beach, where sea oats and natural dunes frame the coastline. This stretch of beach is especially popular for shell collecting, wildlife viewing, and its historical significance as the location of the Georges Valentine Underwater Archaeological Preserve Shipwreck Dive Site. Here, dolphins are often spotted just offshore, while pelicans, ospreys, and terns scan the shoreline overhead. During sea turtle nesting season – generally from March to October – marked nests line portions of the beach, making it especially important to stay off the dunes and respect protected nesting areas. 

If you’re craving even more solitude, continue toward the beaches surrounding St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park. With much of the shoreline undeveloped, a peaceful Treasure Coast beach experience is guaranteed. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, beach chairs, and a packed lunch, as there are very few commercial amenities nearby. Spend the afternoon swimming, beachcombing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves before making your way back toward the inlet.

Option two: Spend the day exploring Jupiter Island beaches

If you’re looking for a beach day with a few more amenities, cruise south toward Jupiter Island. This stretch of coastline is framed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Jupiter Inlet, and the Loxahatchee River, creating a variety of beach experiences within a relatively small area. 

Begin your morning at Jupiter Beach Park. Here, wide sandy beaches and clear blue-green water invite you to swim, walk the shoreline, or simply settle under an umbrella with a good book. The park’s jetty is a favorite hangout for anglers casting into the inlet and for visitors who enjoy watching boats pass between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic. Shelling is excellent here, and the changing tides often reveal new treasures along the beach. 

When you’re ready for a change of pace, continue to neighboring DuBois Park. The calm, shallow lagoon provides a relaxing contrast to the Atlantic surf and is ideal for wading, floating, or snorkeling. Wander the shaded boardwalk, spread out a picnic beneath the palms, or take a break from the surf to explore the historic DuBois Pioneer Home before cooling off in the water again. With restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, and plenty of shoreline to enjoy, it’s an easy place to spend the rest of the afternoon. 

If you plan to spend much of the day in the water, you’ll appreciate that the swimming areas at Jupiter Beach Park are guarded year-round during posted hours. At nearby DuBois Park, guarded swimming areas are available daily during summer break and on weekends throughout the school year.

Try surf fishing along the Treasure Coast

The beaches surrounding the St. Lucie Inlet are well known among surf anglers, making them an excellent destination whether you’re an experienced fisherman or trying surf fishing for the first time. Bring medium to heavy surf tackle, sand spikes, and fresh bait or artificial lures depending on the season. Depending on the time of year, anglers regularly catch whiting, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, crevalle jack, and snook when the season is open. If you’d like to explore more fishing opportunities, read our guide to fishing the St. Lucie River. 

A valid Florida saltwater fishing license is generally required unless an exception applies, so check the current regulations before heading out. It’s also worth reviewing the latest size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures. Fishing is often most productive during the first few hours after sunrise and again before sunset, when temperatures are cooler and many species become more active.

Know the beach rules before you go

Love the dunes and pristine shoreline of the Treasure Coast? Be sure to do your part to preserve these beaches for future visitors. Stay off dunes and other sensitive vegetation, leave sea turtle nests undisturbed, and fill in any holes before leaving the beach. Further, be sure to pack out all trash, fishing line, and bait containers, and check local regulations before bringing pets, consuming alcohol, or starting fires.

Always review the latest marine forecast before heading through the St. Lucie Inlet. Ocean conditions can change quickly, particularly during the summer months. If you’re visiting during sea turtle nesting season, avoid using bright lights after dark, as artificial lighting can disorient nesting turtles and hatchlings making their way to the ocean. 

End the day back at Meridian Marina

One of the biggest advantages of boating from Meridian Marina is how quickly you can transition from the open Atlantic back to the comfort of the marina. As the afternoon winds begin to settle, make the short cruise back through the St. Lucie Inlet and into the calm waters of the South Fork. 

From secluded stretches of Hutchinson Island to the family-friendly parks of Jupiter Island, Meridian Marina places some of South Florida’s finest beaches just minutes away. Whether you’re planning your first beach excursion or your fiftieth, you’ll find that the best beach days often begin – and end – right here on the St. Lucie River.