Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by Marybeth
We’ve heard a number of people say “I’ve driven through Stuart……” and yes, if you drive by on not-beautiful Route 1 you could be in Anywhere, Florida. Keep Driving, Florida. On Your Way to Somewhere Better, Florida.
If you make the mistake of bypassing the Sailfish Capital of the World, not only will you be missing out on every type of fishing imaginable, also boating, beaching, and strolling the waterfront, you’ll be missing some of the best outdoor dining around.
THE BUNGALOW
211 S. Colorado Ave. • 772-215-3437
The Old Colorado Inn is located on a quiet street across from the river and is part of the downtown historic district. The peaceful location, just steps away from the main street, makes it the perfect destination for relaxing in between exploring the waterfront, shops, restaurants, and beaches.
The first brick structure built here, in 1914 – when Stuart was incorporated – its owner is rumored to have been the getaway driver for the Ashley Gang, whose bank robberies and rum running menaced south Florida for years. Early Florida Man Bandit’s Nephew Sneaks into Local Bank Dressed as a Woman and Makes Off With Thousands: Carries Stash in a Pillowcase. True story. (Or actually stories; I may have mashed two stories into one headline.)
The main Inn offers spacious 1-2 bedroom suites, with partially or fully equipped kitchens, large living areas, outdoor sitting areas, and can accommodate up to 6 guests.
Also on site is a collection of historic cottages all carefully restored (and one was shipped up the river on a barge to become part of this family!) some of which open up to a lovely, secluded swimming pool. These particular cottages alone have access to the pool and would be perfect for family gatherings. All accommodations offer luxuries like 700-count Egyptian cotton linens, deluxe mattresses, designer bath products, in-room K-cup brewers and more.
Part of the collection with pool access is Stuart’s oldest home, The Ernest Lyons House, which is a Designated Florida Literary Landmark honoring the author and editor of the same name. The home was the site of the first schoolhouse, and later the town’s first wedding, and Stuart’s first baby was born here! Most recently it was our vacation sanctuary for our visit to Stuart.
More photos from around the Old Colorado Inn:
THE BAR
Here at Triple B our team usually chooses one bar as the bar, one that checks all the boxes (satisfyingly fun beach bar vibe, outdoor seating, happy hour specials, live music) and it is almost always within walking distance of something – either the beach or the bungalow. This trip we chose two. One is right down the street from the Old Colorado, and is a pleasant walk either along the Riverwalk, or down the narrow, historic street past cute cottages. Our other choice is a short drive, on the opposite shore.
49 SW Seminole St. • 772-266-4586 • Open Fri-Sat 11-10; Sun-Thurs 11-9
At just 0.1 miles away (practically just next door) the Stuart Boathouse, with its expansive river views, outdoor seating high above the water, and fresh nautical feel is our #1 choice for dining close to your bungalow.
Known for their signature sushi menu and fresh seafood, the Boathouse also offers options for land lovers such as Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Mimi’s Meatloaf, Loaded Mac and Cheese, flatbreads, burgers, tacos and wraps. We had the most delicious Steak and Mushroom Flatbread we have ever had in our lives, no exaggeration.
Happy Hour is Mon-Fri 1-6, and live music on the Riverwalk Stage Sundays from 1-4. Check out their Instagram for daily specials and updates.
TideHouse Waterfront Restaurant
915 NW Flagler Ave. • 772-444-3166 • Open Wed, Thurs & Sun 11:30-9; Fri- Sat 11:30-10
Also high above the St. Lucie River, overlooking the Harborage Marina, TideHouse is the perfect destination for a leisurely lunch or dinner with breezy outdoor seating beneath an umbrella or on their spacious covered porch. The indoor dining area has an open feeling as well with high ceilings and well-spaced tables if you choose to dine inside.
While quality food, innovative menu choices, and attentive service make an experience worth raving about, aesthetics – colors, graphics, furniture, lighting, art, even the shirts the servers wear – play a huge part in that satisfied afterglow we feel as we leave an extraordinary restaurant. All of this was part of our experience at TideHouse! (I actually want to live here…)
Offering Share Plates – Small Bites, New Classics, Dips and Things – Flatbreads, Big Salads, Sandwiches, and Big Plates – with an even balance of seafood, burgers, chicken, and some vegetarian options, TideHouse has something for everyone (including a kids menu.) I was in a flatbread mood this trip, and Grandpa’s Flatbread (bacon, sausage, fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce and parmesan) was more than this grandma could finish, and some came happily home with me. The Fish Reuben was also a winner, and our 1/2 price Wine Wednesday chardonnay was so good I wish I’d written down the name to look for it later.
Happy Hour is 4:30-6 Wed-Sun, live music is most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visit their Instagram for more details on bands and dining/drink specials.
THE BEACH
There are multiple public parking beach access points in Stuart, some with restrooms (we choose those!) and some are more secluded with fewer people (largely the ones without restrooms!) One of our favorites, Bathtub Reef Beach, at the southernmost point, is closed for dune replenishment at the time of publication. Because of the reef this beach often has that bathtub effect, keeping the waves small and gentle, but also because of the reef – and its fragility – this beach is more prone to erosion during fall, winter, and storms.
Check the Martin County Beaches website for updated info, which beaches have facilities, and the hours lifeguards are posted.
And if I haven’t give you enough reasons to not keep driving through Stuart, I’ll leave you with a bunch more!
Downtown:
Around the waterfront:
And some cute houses, one of which was for sale last week but when I checked this morning it’s been sold! Real estate during a pandemic! Everyone wants to move to Florida. Yikes…
Stuart is on Florida’s Atlantic coast, about an hour south of Vero Beach and under an hour north of Palm Beach.
