Florida’s Treasure Coast — the Atlantic coastline spanning Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties — is one of the most consistently underrated destinations in the entire state. While tourists flock to Miami, Orlando, and the Gulf Coast, the Treasure Coast offers something genuinely rare in modern Florida: calm, clear water, abundant wildlife, uncrowded beaches, and a laid-back pace that feels like the Florida of 30 years ago. The Indian River Lagoon, which runs the full length of the coast, is the most biodiverse estuary in North America — home to resident dolphin pods, manatees, sea turtles, and world-class fishing, all accessible from the shore.
The single best thing to do on the Treasure Coast is a guided dolphin jet ski tour with Salty’s Water Sports. With a 95% dolphin sighting rate and brand-new Sea-Doo GTX watercraft, it’s an experience that is impossible to replicate anywhere else on Florida’s East Coast. Salty’s has six Treasure Coast locations — Fort Pierce (Hutchinson Island), Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Stuart, and Sebastian — so there’s always a dock within easy reach of wherever you’re staying. Pontoon boat rentals and sunset cruises are also available. Book at saltyswatersports.com or call (772) 448-4516.
One of Florida’s most beautiful and accessible state parks, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park sits at the mouth of the Fort Pierce Inlet on Hutchinson Island — steps from Salty’s main dock. The park offers Atlantic-facing beaches, a nature trail through coastal scrub habitat, excellent fishing from the jetty, and some of the best wildlife viewing on the Treasure Coast. Sea turtle nesting season runs May through October, and loggerhead turtles are commonly spotted from the beach at night. Free parking, no admission fee for beach access.
Fort Pierce is where the original Navy Frogmen — the predecessors to the Navy SEALs — trained during World War II, and the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to their history. The exhibits are genuinely impressive: submarines, weapons, underwater demolition equipment, and interactive displays covering everything from WWII to modern special operations. Plan 1.5–2 hours. It’s the perfect complement to a morning of water sports — Salty’s dock and the museum are minutes apart.
Florida’s largest state park covers 11,500 acres of pine flatwoods, scrub, mangroves, and the Loxahatchee River — one of only two federally designated Wild & Scenic Rivers in Florida. The park offers kayaking, canoeing, guided river tours, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing (manatees, river otters, ospreys, and the occasional Florida black bear). Located in Martin County, about 45 minutes south of Fort Pierce. A full-day destination in its own right.
Vero Beach’s oceanside district — centered on Ocean Drive — is one of the most charming beach towns on Florida’s East Coast. Boutique shops, excellent restaurants, art galleries, and the famous Vero Beach Hotel & Spa line the streets within walking distance of the Atlantic. The beach itself is wide, clean, and uncrowded compared to South Florida alternatives. Combine a morning jet ski session at Salty’s Vero Beach location with an afternoon on Ocean Drive for a perfect Treasure Coast day.
Sebastian Inlet is one of Florida’s most productive fishing spots and a world-class surfing destination — the inlet’s consistent waves attract surfers from across the state. The state park also offers excellent snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The McLarty Treasure Museum, located within the park, tells the story of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet that wrecked along this coastline and gave the Treasure Coast its name. Salty’s Sebastian location is steps from the inlet.
Directly across from Salty’s Fort Pierce dock on the Indian River Lagoon, Harbor Branch is a working oceanographic research institution with a public aquarium and touch tanks. It’s a perfect post-water-sports stop for families — kids can touch live sea creatures and learn about the same dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles they just saw on the water. Free or low-cost admission. Together with Salty’s and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, it forms the ultimate Fort Pierce full-day itinerary.
Fort Pierce is approximately 2 hours southeast of Orlando via Florida’s Turnpike or I-95, and 2 hours north of Miami. Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie are 30 minutes south of Fort Pierce. Vero Beach is 30 minutes north. Sebastian is 45 minutes north via US-1 or A1A. The Treasure Coast is easily accessible as a day trip from Orlando or as a multi-day destination in its own right.
Start with Salty’s Water Sports — book a dolphin tour or jet ski rental at whichever location is closest to your accommodation. Call (772) 448-4516 or book online at any of our six Treasure Coast locations.
Choose your Salty's experience, select the most convenient launch location, and reserve online. Questions? Call (772) 448-4516.