Stuart Florida Retirement Guide

Known as “The Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is located along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, north of West Palm Beach and just south of Port St. Lucie. This area of Florida is also known as “The Treasure Coast” because so many ships have been lost here fighting to survive storms over the years.

Stuart History

The area that would eventually become Stuart was once noted as “Gilbert’s Bar” on nautical charts after the famous pirate, Pedro Gilbert. Legend has it that Gilbert would use the large sandbar outside of Stuart to hide his ship before chasing down and looting merchant ships.

In 1893, the area was named Potsdam by local landowner Otto Sypmann, who was originally from Potsdam, Germany. It was then renamed after Homer Hine Stuart, Jr. in 1895, following the completion of the Florida East Coast Railway.

You aren’t likely to find any Pirates strolling through Stuart these days, but the lifestyle here still starts and ends with the beach and the water. On any given day, you are almost certain to find residents enjoying themselves at Stuart Beach, Sandsprit Park, and Bathtub Reef.

If you are looking to explore some inland waterways or take in some local wildlife, Halpatiokee Regional Park is definitely the place you are going to want to start. And don’t forget about all of the local fishing charter companies that will gladly show you why Stuart is known as “The Sailfish Capital of the World!”

Stuart Culture

One of the most interesting museums in Stuart is The House of Refuge Museum, which is the former site of Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge. This historic building has weathered more than its fair share of storms over the years while providing a safe haven for sailors whose ships were not so fortunate.

The Fish House Art Center is just a few miles south of town and the boardwalk there features local artists, an AirBnB, an art gallery, boat charters, a marina, and more.

Stuart Shopping

Like most small towns, Stuart offers a collection of boutique shops and independent businesses that carry a wide range of handmade crafts and other unique products. You can start your shopping trip in City Hall parking lot and head down SW Osceola Street on foot.

You’ll also want to check out the Market on Main by the water at Flagler Park every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. Here you will find a complete farmers’ market and more!

Stuart Dining

As a small town located along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, the dining scene in Stuart is definitely focused around seafood. One of the favorite local spots to grab some crab legs and listen to a live band is Gettin Crabby. They might have the best blue crabs in all of Florida.

If oysters are your seafood of choice, then Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar is going to be your favorite restaurant in town. They offer a great selection of oysters on the half shell, as well as Oysters Romanoff, Oysters Rocka”Feder,” Cornmeal Crusted Fried Oysters, and Oyster Stew.

Another great oyster spot is District Table & Bar. However, you are going to want to order more than just oysters here because the food is out of this world. This is one of those places where the menu is constantly evolving, so you probably want to try whatever special they are currently serving!

Stuart Area 55+ Communities

Just north of Stuart, Valencia Parc at Riverland is one of the newest 55+ communities on Florida's East Coast. Located in Port St. Lucie, Valencia Parc at Riverland brings together GL Homes' famous 55+ resort-style living within the amazing 4,000-acre master-planned community of Riverland to create a Florida lifestyle that's second to none! In this new community, you'll find a million ways to have fun with everything connected through miles of eco-friendly greenways without ever having to get in your car. Walk or ride your golf cart to all the amenities right within your own neighborhood and to nearby shops and restaurants or enjoy a car ride to spend the perfect day at the beach.

Sound intriguing? You can request more information right here:

Final Thoughts…

Whether you are looking for a great little place right in Stuart or a home in one of the nearby communities like Valencia Grove, having access to the lifestyle, culture, shopping, and dining in Stuart is a fantastic way to enjoy life.