Stuart Beach, Hutchinson Island

Stuart Beach is a happening area with tons of young people walking around. It is located at a gorgeous sea grape forest. By the forest there are sand volleyball and basketball courts, plus a gazebo for gatherings. Little paths covered in golden sea grape trees abound. One path leads under a canopy of sea grape trees to the sand. The beach itself is very exposed with bright, blinding sand- come in the early morning or at sunset to avoid getting burned. Turquoise water beckons you to jump in the warm Atlantic ocean! Young women and surfer guys hang on the beach, and families sit under colorful beach umbrellas. This is a fun spot, so come and enjoy the scene!

A counter-service beach concession called Seaside Cafe, under a giant grass shack, provides shade and amazing views while you have basic food, an ice cream sandwich or a drink. Watch the gorgeous water if it's too burny on the beach. See hours below.
Before or after your beach time, enjoy some AC at the Elliott Museum across the street. In this large modern building are great temporary exhibits, a high-tech historic car exhibit, and baseball card room, all backed by huge windows looking out on pretty views. Across the road check out the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, a breezy and beautiful place you can visit for some sealife education.
You can walk north along the sand from Stuart Beach to Tiger Shores Beach and then one mile up, to Virginia Forrest Beach, for a more quiet scene.
A nice rectangular walk to do is to park at Stuart Beach, walk along the sand to Tiger Shores Beach, exit the beach on the wooden boardwalk, and then walk back to your car along Highway A1A, admiring the mansions and landscaping. This is a 1.2 mile walk. It is best done in the morning when there is a littile shade. You can walk three miles all the way to Jensen Beach, along Highway A1A, with sidewalk on both sides, so that you can choose the shadiest side depending on the time of day!
Soak up some local surf culture at Ohana Surf Shop on your way home. It is a two minute drive away. Island Trader Surf Shop is next door.
Benihana, with its blue tile roof and spot right on the river, between the two bridges to the island, is a very fun place to eat. It has low roofs, but a cozy atmosphere. The cooks make the food in front of you, performing tricks with their knifes, lighting fires, or flinging food into their hats! It is very entertaining. The food is delicious. You get miso soup, salad with yummy memorable dressing, rice, hibachi meat, and tea with your order of around $25-30.

Directions

The driveway for Stuart Beach is located at 825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart FL 34996, shared with the Elliott Museum.
From Highway 95, exit at Kanner Hwy and turn right at the exit. Follow Kanner Hwy for six miles and then turn right on NE Ocean Blvd. Head five miles over the two causeways and continue going straight until you see the large brown museum building and sign on your right. Immediately after you pass the museum, turn right on the Stuart Beach entry road and park along the road or in the beach parking lots. Parking is hard on weekends so come early.
Seaside Cafe, open Tues-Fri 9-4, Sat and Sun 8-4, and closed Monday.

Click on map for interactive view