This Small Florida Beach Town is the Ideal Blend of Low-Key and Upscale

Last Updated on August 18, 2025 by Marybeth

Known for its Old-Florida fishing village atmosphere, Fort Pierce has always offered low-key fun: surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and fishing along one of Florida’s best all-weather inlets. Horseback riding on the beach, or just strolling the waterfront at Jetty Park.

For those of you in search of the nostalgic simple pleasures a small beach town offers, Fort Pierce – “The Sunrise City” – should be on your next-visit list. During our recent stay the funky bars in former military shacks from the 1940s, the cultural centers and museums, and the hidden gem diner-style breakfast cafés took us back to summer holidays we remember from childhood. The days when we sat seatbelt-free in the back of our giant station wagon, inhaling secondhand smoke from Mom and Dad.

And for those of you who are seeking something a little more swanky and cosmopolitan, we’ve noticed a slow and steady influx of style-savvy modern coastal businesses dotting the landscape. These biz owners are as friendly and plugged in as the timeless places that have been thriving since the olden days.

There is something for everyone in Fort Pierce.

Hidden Gem. Best kept secret. Something for everyone. We use (over-use?) these terms often, and while searching for alternatives I found that something for everyone, especially, is “lazy writing,” and nothing should be rewarded for being “as universally beloved as white bread.” Yikes.

But we’re keeping it. Call me lazy.

PLAY

“Play,” in Beaches, Bars, and Bungalows’ world, always means (after a beach day or a leisurely paddleboard) food & drink!

Archie’s Seabreeze

Established in 1947, Archie’s was a one-room military shack serving beer to soldiers. 78 years later Archie’s has expanded to a funky/fun, colorful restaurant that retains a shack feel but offers not just beer (thankfully) but a full food menu and full liquor bar. Located across South Ocean Drive from the ocean, you can’t see the sea because of the dunes and Sea Grapes, but yes, there is that breeze.

Little Jim Bait & Tackle

During WWII only soldiers being trained as Navy Combat Demolition Units – later known as Navy Seals – and other authorized personnel could cross the bridge to the barrier island. Today’s bait shack at Little Jim was the guard shack and checkpoint for the bridge.

Another shack! Just that word conjures up rustic, ramshackle, and even rakish – “slightly disreputable in appearance.” Meant in the best possible way, you two former military shacks! You’ve both gotten better looking but we’d still be happily frequenting your establishments even if you hadn’t.

Little Jim has gone beyond bait shack to add outdoor, under cover dining area, and the even newer beach-style seating, above. You’ll find an extensive food menu as well as a full bar. Check out their live entertainment schedule, here.

Crabby’s Dockside

The Crabby’s Group bought the old and much revered The Original Tiki Bar in 2019. The structure was torn down, to the outcry of many locals who appreciated the 20-plus years the whimsical, happy place operated. Many were disappointed the treasured restaurant was being replaced by a chain restaurant.

As huge fans of locally owned businesses, we normally steer away from chains, but Beachside Hospitality Group is owned by a Florida native. Reading about their high standards and determination to build back after much hurricane damage to several of their properties, we are big admirers and were glad we checked this place out.

Crabby’s Dockside may look nothing like The Original Tiki Bar, but the bright, open atmosphere is just as fun, and the upstairs dining area is spectacular. There is a lot to be said for fresh, new, thoughtful design. The food is great as well; Crabby’s menu is seafood-forward but offers many non-seafood options as well. The drink menu includes specialty cocktails and frozen options.

Cobb’s Landing

Sister restaurant to Little Jim Bait & Tackle, Cobb’s Landing is located overlooking the Fort Pierce City Marina. The tiki bar vibe is enhanced by daily live music and daily specials (think Margarita Mondays and Wine Down Fridays.) During our visit the atmosphere was celebratory and the food and service were outstanding.

Old Florida Coffee Co.

Built in the 1880s as a trading post, the P.P Cobb building did a stint as an oyster cannery, and later as a general store. Now home to Old Florida Coffee Co., whose interior will make you feel as if you’re stepping back in time. (But not back to the oyster biz days.) Serving sweet and savory crepes like the Strawberries and Creme Crepe, the Cracker Trail Crepe (with the option of a crepe-free, zero carb Power Bowl), as well as sweet and savory fresh pastries, and of course multiple hand crafted drinks, including their signature Floridaccino.

Upstairs the Budd Adams-Cobb Cultural Center‘s exhibition space recounts the course of the surrounding waterways as they shaped local history. Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free.

Sailfish Brewing Co.

From modest beginnings in a little yellow house to the airy, modern space pictured above, Sailfish Brewery has grown in size and popularity with locals and visitors. But popular doesn’t mean their welcoming and inclusive atmosphere has changed. Sailfish is a great place to hang out with friendly brewers, servers, and bartenders. You’ll find multiple spots to settle in and get cozy with core beers (and a tap list that changes regularly), cocktails, and wine. The menu is one of the most varied we’ve seen at a brewery! Choose from specialty pizzas, flatbreads, stromboli, snacks/appetizers, handhelds, salads, chicken wings and more.

Square Grouper Tiki Bar

The original Square Grouper Tiki Bar site dates back to the early 1890s in Jupiter, when Gus Miller built a hotel and saloon for travelers and builders of the nearby Jupiter Lighthouse. Affluent tourists (including President Cleveland) came by yacht, stayed overnight and enjoyed dances, celebrations, or a quiet drink at the saloon. Ownership changed several times in the early 1900s, and the travelers coming through the inlet looked more like pirates, rum runners, and drug smugglers. The name Square Grouper came, surprisingly, from the US Coastguard: bales of marijuana thrown from boats or planes and washed up along the Jupiter Inlet and other south Florida waterways. The Square Grouper Tiki Bar in Jupiter was the site of Alan Jackson’s music video It’s Five O’clock Somewhere featuring Jimmy Buffet.

Fort Pierce’s Square Grouper Tiki Bar came to life more recently, and despite the rustic nods to the orginal Square Grouper shack, has a modern feel. All seating is outside, some under cover. The view of the Fort Pierce Inlet is the reason to come, and the staff, food and drinks are the reasons to stay awhile. The beer list is long, the wine list smaller but varied, and signature cocktails plus frozen drinks round out the drink menu. There is no table service; order and pick up your Snacks & Handhelds, Burgers and Hotdogs, Sandwiches and More and choose a table. Live music every day. 21 and over only.

Sunrise City Café

One of the highest rated hidden gems with diner-style food, Sunrise City Café is a couple of blocks from the waterfront and just down the street from Sailfish Brewing Co. (Coffee first? Then beer?) Yes, diner style – shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles – but also more novel food and drinks like the Strawberry Nutella Waffle, Shrimp Avocado Provolone Omelette, Cuban Burrito, Gingerbread Frappé, and their Pumpkin Cold Foam Latté.

Tilli’s Coffee

We can never resist a cute food truck! Tilli’s Coffee is a little north of downtown and the waterfront, and worth the five minute drive. Tilli’s offers coffee & espresso, teas, signature drinks such as their Coastal Cowgirl: Caramel & Coconut Latte with Whipped Cream & Caramel Drizzle. Get a Quick Bite like a Sausage Breakfast Sandwich or Vegan Bean & Rice Burrito, plus several types of waffles. Order ahead online at tilliscoffee.com.

STAY

Fort Pierce has several lodging options with varying degrees of online reviewers’ satisfaction. Our experience for accommodations near the water and downtown hasn’t led us to recommend one here on our website. We receive numerous direct messages asking for recommendations of places to stay (because where you stay sets the tone for your whole visit) and I always advise our fellow travelers to read as many reviews as possible. For some, “Dated” or “Service could have been better but wasn’t bad” isn’t enough to make them stay away. Choices made while traveling are certainly subjective.

We have had the opportunity to experience a nearby Airbnb that has a magical staycation vibe. For those of you seeking a romantic retreat that offers total tranquility, and don’t mind a bit of a drive to the beach (and all the places to “Play”), we highly recommend The Enchanted Cottage.

The Enchanted Cottage is found down charming garden pathways amidst tropical fruit trees, palms, art objects, recycled items used to house bees and birds, beautiful statuary, and repurposed garden tools. The owner is a Master Gardener, upcycling expert – she started and ran The Treasure Coast Reuse Center for five years – antique collector and merchant. She is a certified plant nursery specialist and plants are available for purchase on site.

This tropical oasis offers not only the 1950s Florida style detached cottage, but also a large tiki hut perfect for relaxing with coffee or wine, a fire pit, and a multitude of outdoor nooks to sit and read or just enjoy nature. The swimming pool attached to the main house is available for guests to use upon request.

The one bedroom, one bath cottage is open concept accommodating two guests. The kitchenette is stocked with complimentary tea and coffee. The hosts have provided albums full of photos and descriptions of the plants on the property, including their healing properties, such as soursop (known for anticancer properties, and is helpful for sleep issues) and Holy Basil (an adaptogen herb.)

Almost everything that has made its way here has a cool story, such as the kitchen countertop, created from a German church pew acquired from a neighbor for free.

Art classes are available on-site, and an artisan gift shop is on the property where guests can browse and purchase handmade goods.

The Enchanted Cottage is located in Port St. Lucie, in a quiet residential neighborhood about 25 minutes from downtown Fort Pierce. As much as we enjoy walkable vacation spots – where the bungalow, the bar, and the beach are within walking distance of each other – this magical haven spoke to us, saying “Rest and recharge.”

Our recent visit to Fort Pierce was to participate in an ocean race, crewing on our friend’s gorgeous Island Packet sailboat. Navigating the Fort Pierce Inlet* was exciting, and being able to view, from the water, the plethora of things to do and see gave us a new perspective. Along the South Causeway is The St. Lucie County Regional History Center, The St. Lucie County Aquarium/Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, Museum Pointe Park, restaurants, hotels, a yacht club, and the serene Jetty Park waterfront walkway.

There truly is something for everyone packed into the small Florida beach town of Fort Pierce! Whether you choose to be low key, or seek upscale, or something in between…

Shall we try to retain its best-kept secret status? Should I not click that Publish button?

*When I say “navigating the inlet was exciting” I mean “sitting there taking in the view while someone else navigated.” Thankfully my responsibility for our races was mostly releasing the jib sheet while everyone else did the tougher, more intense work of the helmsman, or furiously cranking in the jib sheet, easing the main, minutely adjusting the sails, plotting the course, reading the wind, keeping an eye on the depth sounder, and avoiding crashing into other boats. Sounds like work, doesn’t it? But we came in FIRST one of the two days, which was an exhilarating experience, and the pride in our teamwork and camaraderie is indescribable. Thank you to our Melbourne Yacht Club friends, Clyde and Diane Berry, for including us in this epic race weekend!