Fort Pierce City Marina, Florida

With easy access to the Atlantic for fun day trips of diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and world-class fishing, and only a short distance from The Bahamas, the nearly 80-year-old Fort Pierce City Marina, Florida, located on the Indian River near the Fort Pierce Inlet, has stood the test of time.

It was shaken down last in 2004 when Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne blasted the Treasure Coast destroying the marina’s slips in the outer basin and damaging many in the inner basin. What followed was a 10-year restoration project—nearing $31 million—spearheaded by Bellingham Marine that led to a refurbished waterfront that included the construction of 13 barrier islands and the addition of 137 wet slips to the marina for a June grand opening. The islands that sit about 700 feet off shore—the largest one is 14 acres—provide critical storm surge protection and serve as a sanctuary for juvenile fish. Mangroves and oyster shells were also planted to attract birds, oyster larvae, fish, and other marine life.

Centrally located and within walking distance from downtown Fort Pierce, the marina offers many amenities including onsite boat and yacht sales, fishing charters, a farmer’s market, two restaurants, and a supply store. Stop by The Original Tiki Bar for an open-air dining experience of bacon-wrapped shrimp, paella and drinks under an authentic Tiki thatched roof, or make your way to Cobb’s Landing for fresh catch choices and its very own Pineapple Mojito at the Mojito Bar.

Head out to the deep blue for world-class sport fishing where barracuda, blackfin tuna, mahi, flounder, kingfish, sailfish, snapper, tarpon, wahoo, and more abound. And if you think that a bit of competition is healthy for the heart, check out Southern Kingfish Association for updates on the latest tournaments. fishska.com

Then when you’re ready for a bit of dry land action, take your pick: play a round at the Indian Hills Golf Course, travel through time at the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery with paintings of Fort Pierce native A.E. “Bean” Backus, or stroll through the Heathcote Botanical Gardens that boast the largest public display of tropical bonsais in the U.S.

Amenities