Inside America’s ‘best coastal town’ – the ‘under-the-radar’ Florida city boasts a river walk and a historic downtown
IT should come as no one's surprise that America's best coastal town is in the Sunshine State — but it's not Miami or Key West.
Stuart, Florida, along the state's southeastern coast, may have been revered by locals but is no longer an underrated travel destination.
USA Today awarded Stuart the top spot as the best coastal small town in the country, besting competitors like Key West and Newport, Rhode Island.
"Part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, with the impressive Roosevelt Bridge to its north, is the under-the-radar town of Stuart," the outlet said.
Alongside a panel of experts, the top ten spots were chosen by publication readers who voted for their favorite.
The town, formerly a well-kept secret with a population of around 18,000, is about to see much more traffic after the word has spread.
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Life in Stuart, Florida, according to Treasure Coast MLS Search, "feels like a continuous vacation."
The town, known as the "Sailfish Capital of the World," boasts a historic downtown, an arts scene, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Not only that, but residents have given the town full-throttled approval, with tens across the board.
Coastal Living Magazine named the town "America's Happiest Seaside Town" in 2016.
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"Stuart is an Old Florida–style treasure that stood out as the top among a special list of dreamy towns by the sea," said Coastal Living editor Steele Marcoux in a statement.
Stuart's downtown area is near the St. Lucie River, where visitors can take a short walk to over 50 small businesses, restaurants, and art galleries.
The elevated riverwalk provides unbeatable views of the nearby Stuart Rocks Beach, as well as access to attractions like the Lyric Theatre and Stuart's Heritage Museum.
Downtown also boasts award-winning cuisine, like Chef's Table, a fine dining must for foodies.
The Gafford offers diners Southern hospitality in an elevated setting, with modern twists on classic dishes from the South.
The restaurant was named Indian River Magazine's Best of the Treasure Coast award in 2023.
Visitors don't have to venture far from the boardwalk to get a taste of paradise.
Riverwalk Oyster Bar, located at the center of the town's waterfront, offers expansive views of the water alongside high-quality seafood.
The establishment also offers over 120 selections of wine, over 50 of which are available by the glass, to pair with its seafood, steak, and raw oyster bar.
Those with an affinity for Asian food can look no further than Benihana, a traditional Japanese hibachi experience with talented teppanyaki chefs ready to razzle and dazzle with a meal and a show.
Visitors in search of recreational events can sign up for Treasure Coast River Cruises, which offers private charter or public trips to see Stuart from the best vantage point — directly in the waters.
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Travelers, however, should plan their trips accordingly, as Stuart is prone to South Florida's hurricane advisory, which runs from June 1 through November 30.
The best time to visit, then, would be in the spring to take advantage of Florida's clear weather.
