Inside America’s ‘Best Coastal Town’ – Florida’s ‘Undiscovered’ Town Has a Riverwalk and Old Town

It should come as no surprise to anyone that America’s best coastal city is in the Sunshine State — but it’s not Miami or Key West.

Stuart, Florida, along the state’s southeast coast, may have been revered by locals, but it’s no longer an underrated travel destination.

USA Today awarded Stuart first place as the best small coastal town in the countrysurpassing competitors such as Key West and Newport, Rhode Island.

“Part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, with the impressive Roosevelt Bridge to the north, is the little-known town of Stuart,” the outlet said.

Together with a panel of experts, the top ten spots were chosen by the publication’s readers who voted for their favorite.

The city, previously a well-kept secret with a population of around 18,000, is about to see a lot more traffic after word gets out.

Life in Stuart, Florida, according to Treasure Coast MLS Search“It feels like a continuous vacation.”

The city, known as the “Sailboat Capital of the World,” has a historic center, an arts scene and a variety of outdoor activities.

Not only that, but residents gave the city full approval, with dozens at every level.

Coastal Life Magazine named the city “America’s Happiest Beach Town” in 2016.

“Stuart is an Old Florida-style treasure that stands out as the first on a special list of dreamy seaside towns,” said Coastal Living editor Steele Marcoux in a statement.

Stuart’s town center is near the St. Lucie River, where visitors can take a short walk to more than 50 small businesses, restaurants and art galleries.

The elevated walkway offers unbeatable views of nearby Stuart Rocks Beach, as well as access to attractions like the Lyric Theater and Stuart’s Heritage Museum.

Downtown also features award-winning cuisine, such as Chef’s Tablean unmissable exquisite dinner for those who love gastronomy.

Gafford offers diners Southern hospitality in an elevated setting with modern twists on classic Southern dishes.

The restaurant was named Indian River Magazine’s Best of the Treasure Coast in 2023.

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Visitors don’t need to venture far from the boardwalk to get a taste of paradise.

The Riverwalk Oyster Bar, located in the center of the city’s waterfront, offers expansive views of the water along with high-quality seafood.

The establishment also offers more than 120 wine selections, more than 50 of which are available by the glass, to accompany seafood, steaks and a raw oyster bar.

Those with an affinity for Asian food can’t look past Benihana, a traditional Japanese hibachi experience with talented teppanyaki chefs ready to dazzle and dazzle with a meal and a show.

Visitors looking for recreational events can register River Cruises on the Treasure Coastwhich offers private charter or public trips to see Stuart from the best vantage point – directly on the water.

Travelers, however, should plan their trips accordingly, as Stuart is subject to the South Florida hurricane warning, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

The best time to visit, then, would be in the spring, to enjoy Florida’s clear weather.

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