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Stuart!

 

 

“The Sailfish Capital of the World”

Anna Maria Island

Stuart

A City in and the County Seat of Martin County, Florida

 

Stuart, Florida is a picturesque city on Florida’s Treasure Coast in Martin County, known for its small-town charm, historic downtown, and rich maritime heritage. Often called the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is a top destination for boating and sportfishing thanks to its location along the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city blends waterfront beauty with culture, offering unique shops, galleries, and the historic Lyric Theatre. With sandy beaches, nature preserves, and a welcoming community, Stuart is a coastal gem that captures the relaxed, scenic lifestyle of Florida’s east coast.

Sunset in Stuart, Florida

Sunset in Stuart, Florida

Photo by Jimmy69 via Canva

Location & Size

Stuart, Florida, is located on the Treasure Coast of Martin County, along southeast Florida’s Atlantic Coast.

It sits at the meeting point of the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon, about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach and 100 miles southeast of Orlando.

The city of Stuart is about 8.5 square miles.

Founded

The area that became Stuart, Florida, was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ais and later the Seminoles. European settlement began in the mid-1800s, when pioneers were drawn to the region’s rivers, fertile land, and access to the Atlantic Ocean. In the 1870s, settlers began farming pineapples, which became a key crop for the area.

The community was originally known as Potsdam, named after a German settler’s hometown, but in the 1890s the name was changed to Stuart to honor Homer Hine Stuart, Jr., a local landowner and early promoter of the area. Stuart’s growth accelerated with the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1894, which connected the town to other parts of Florida and boosted trade and tourism.

Stuart was officially incorporated in 1914, making it the oldest incorporated municipality in Martin County. It went on to establish itself as a fishing and boating hub, earning the nickname “Sailfish Capital of the World.”

STUART WEATHER

Population

About 18,000 residents (2023 estimate).

Known For

  • Nicknamed the “Sailfish Capital of the World” for its sportfishing.

  • Historic downtown with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries.

  • Scenic waterfront views along the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon.

  • Strong cultural scene with events, festivals, and live music.

  • Proximity to nature preserves and outdoor activities.

Cost of living

  • Median household income: around $65,000.

  • Median home price: about $420,000.

  • Median rent: approximately $1,900 per month.

 

 

Things to do

  • Stroll through Historic Downtown Stuart with its shops and restaurants.

  • Visit the Elliott Museum and Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.

  • Fish or boat along the St. Lucie Inlet and Atlantic waters.

  • Relax at Stuart Beach or Bathtub Reef Beach.

  • Enjoy concerts and plays at the Lyric Theatre.

  • Explore local trails, parks, and eco-tours.

Fun Facts

  • Stuart holds the official title of “Sailfish Capital of the World” due to its abundance of sportfishing opportunities.

  • Its historic downtown was named one of the “Most Beautiful Main Streets in America.”

  • The area was once part of Florida’s pineapple farming belt in the late 1800s.

  • Stuart is located along the Treasure Coast, named after the Spanish treasure fleet that sank offshore in 1715.

Nearby Cities

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