"the treasure coast is a special place for me and my family. we have a family home just north of vero beach where we gather for the holidays. with everyone scattered about, it feels like heaven on earth to have all of our loved ones together on the beach.
i am so grateful to be able to watch my son grow up on these beautiful beaches! with every visit, he gets a little older. but it is a privilege to be making our memories in the surf and the sand!
as a family, we feel right at home in the treasure coast where florida's southern hospitality meets its fresh coastal charm.
named for sunken treasure in a 1715 spanish fleet shipwreck, the treasure coast hosts some of the best surfing and fishing in the world. here, the atlantic ocean meets salt water lagoons, where there is an abundance of fresh local seafood, citrus groves and countless beautiful beaches.
florida's east coast has long stretches of white sand beaches and hosts the most significant area for loggerhead sea turtle nesting in the world. the morning larks and the night owls in our family can sneak out of the house to catch baby sea turtles during the turtle season," shares alexandra, minnows wholesale manager.
the beach towns on florida's east central coast are relatively uncrowded, glittered with mom and pop shops and restaurants offering a great variety of family activities.
where to stay :
if you prefer to explore the treasure coast from the south, there is no better place to stay than the iconic breakers hotel in palm beach, florida. luxurious seaside glamour awaits the guests. an incredibly child-friendly staff warmly welcomes families and provides numerous activities for your little ones!
photos via palm beach lately
the darling historic hotel of melbourne beach puts you right on the east central coast and gives you great access to the treasure coast. the port d'hiver was transformed from a historic landmark, but still boasts its original sand chimney, fireplace, french doors, longleaf pine floors, exposed ceilings and courtyard. enjoy a glass of locally grown fruit juice and their vegan-friendly breakfast before hitting the beach!
where to eat :
breakfast
lemon tree, vero beach, florida :
serving breakfast all day, this quaint vero beach favorite is right across the beach and has the energetic vibe of the community gathering on saturday mornings. sip on the locally grown lemon water and order the lobster eggs benedict or lemon blueberry pancakes!
gilbert's coffee bar, stuart, florida :
situated right on the water, start your day here with early morning boaters. open to the sunset bay marina and anchorage, antique nautical maps cover the walls and an inclusive menu gives parents and kids alike something to be happy about.
lunch
osceola street cafe, stuart, florida :
a downtown stuart staple, enjoy homestyle favorites with fresh flair!
dinner
u-tiki beach, jupiter, florida :
this waterfront restaurant has fresh seafood and spectacular views of boats and the jupiter lighthouse. charter a boat before or after eating at the docks nearby!
date night
cobalt, vero beach, florida :
enjoy fresh modern seafood beachside. delight in live music on weekends and take a romantic stroll on the beach after dining. cobalt is environmentally conscious and accommodates sea turtles on its beach by turning off their outdoor lights during select times during turtle season.
to see + do
it's all about the beach here! but some of the notable day trips near the treasure coast you'd be sure not to miss are the kennedy space center, the natural preserves and walt disney world.
bathtub reef beach :
protected by a reef, this family favorite beach has very tranquil conditions which makes it perfect for young children. pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon dipping in the fresh salt water.
sebastian inlet surfing :
for serious surfers, head to the sebastian inlet. a number of pro-surfers have hung ten here, and it's known as one of the best locations for surfing in the world.
fishing :
local fisherman's tip : fish from the shore when the wind is blowing out to sea. wind blowing out to sea brings fish into the shoreline.
mckee botanical garden :
get a glimpse of old florida as you drive through 18 lush acres of palm groves, enormous banyan trees, and a huge collection of water lilies and orchids.
image on left via nassimbeni photo
citrus groves :
the treasure coast is known for its premiere citrus industry. our family favorite is country citrus! if you visit their storefront, you can order fresh juices and soft serve. it's also a perfect place to pick up lovely gifts.
to shop
matilda's in stuart, florida :
this "little shop of coastal elegance" carries brands such as lola hats, calypso st. barth, persifor, tory burch, roberta roller rabbit and wiggy kit, to name a few. the interior designer owner, dana small, has curated her fresh take on floridian coastal style with an array of services: lifestyle, wedding, home and style for mama and her little ones. you will find the boutique's team warm and inviting and are to be to excited by all the treasures you will find!
