Located along Florida's “Treasure Coast” just north of Port St. Lucie and a bit south of Vero Beach, Fort Pierce offers residents an Old Florida feel without sacrificing any of the benefits of modern living.
Like many communities along the Atlantic Coast, residents here enjoy a wide range of water activities, several parks and preserves, and some of the best fishing in the entire country.
Along with great wildlife experiences, Fort Pierce also has lots of history and culture, a spunky shopping scene, and an exceptional collection of high-quality, yet casual, restaurants.
Fort Pierce History
The city of Fort Pierce was named after the Fort Pierce Army post, which was built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War and named after Army officer Benjamin Kendrick Pierce. In addition to his exemplary military service, Benjamin Pierce was also well known for being the brother of President Franklin Pierce.
Known as “The Sunrise City,” Fort Pierce is considered to be the sister city to San Fransisco, California, which is often called “The Sunset City.”
Fort Pierce Lifestyle
Relaxing by the water is what life is all about in Fort Pierce, and there are plenty of places where you can do just that. Four of the most popular local attractions are Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, Jetty Park, Pepper Park Riverside, and North Causeway Island Park.
Each of these parks offers their own unique twists, but they are all excellent options for exploring the local wildlife while strolling along the waterfront.
Another popular was to pass the time in Fort Pierce is to charter a deep sea fishing boat.
With options like Last Mango Fishing Charters and Fort Pierce Lady Deep Sea Fishing available, spending the day casting a line off the back of a big boat in the middle of the ocean has never been easier to schedule.
Fort Pierce Culture
Keeping with the water-themed lifestyle that the Sunrise City is known for, one of the biggest cultural attractions you will find in Fort Pierce is the Navy Seal Museum. The museum was built on the grounds where the original Navy combat divers were trained, and visitors can learn just about everything they ever wanted to know about the history of the United States Navy SEALS.
As a way to preserve the history of downtown Fort Pierce, the community itself operates the Sunrise Theatre for the Performing Arts. Here you can find a wide range of cultural experience throughout the year including concerts, comedy shows, plays, and musicals.
Fort Pierce Shopping
If you are looking for a relaxed shopping experience, downtown Fort Pierce is the place for you. Here you will find an eclectic collection of boutique stores that range from fashion and jewelry to art galleries and spas.
Anyone who enjoys fresh produce will want to be sure to attend the Fort Pierce Farmers' Market downtown every Saturday morning. But if you need something quick during the week, you can always swing out to Nelson Family Farms and find exactly what you are looking for.
Fort Pierce Dining
Casual dining is the name of the game in Fort Pierce, and there are a number of excellent restaurants to choose from in that area. One of the best local seafood options is 12A Buoy.
In addition to 12A Buoy, one of the highest rated places to eat in Fort Pierce is Costa Azul Mexican Restaurant.
2nd Street Bistro also gets consistently high marks.
Fort Pierce Area Communities
Just south of Fort Pierce in Port St. Lucie is where you'll find Valencia Parc at Riverland, the newest 55+ community on Florida’s East Coast.
Check out Valencia Parc's 51,000 sq. ft. Wellness & Fitness center, featuring world-class facilities unlike any other. Enjoy tennis and pickleball courts at the 24-acre Sports & Racquet club, while a state-of-the-art gym offers top-tier equipment and instructor-led fitness classes. If you are looking to explore the arts, the Arts & Culture center at Riverland provides a range of different classes from painting to cooking, each sure to bring out your inner creativity. Connecting residents throughout Riverland are scenic greenways and the exclusive Paseo roadway, reserved for golf carts, making transportation convenient and enjoyable within the 4,000-acre master-planned community.
Sound like it might be the place for you? Request more information right here:
Valencia Parc at Riverland Information Form
Final Thoughts
While the area certainly has something for everyone, Fort Pierce will specifically appeal to the nature lover and fishing enthusiasts who are looking for a relaxed, casual environment to call home.
If that sounds like the right fit for you, then the “Sunrise City” would be happy to have you!
Interested.