Located off the coast of Martin and St. Lucie counties, Hutchinson Island is a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Indian River on the west. Here you will find 21 miles of beautiful, mostly undeveloped sandy beaches with numerous free public access points and plenty of parking.  On Hutchinson Island, relaxation comes naturally. You can spread a blanket on the sun-kissed sand and picnic without distraction. There are horses for rent to ride along the beautiful shoreline.

The story of Hutchinson Island and the Stuart area is a colorful one.  Peaceful Native American tribes, rum runners, farmers, and pirates were all drawn to the area for its unparalleled beauty, abundant fishing, and exotic coastal living.  The waters along the coast of southeast Florida once served as a popular route for Spanish galleons returning from Mexico laden with treasure. While the shallower coastal waters were less dangerous than the open sea, peril lurked in the reefs along the Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties, also known as the Treasure Coast. The area earned its nickname after a Spanish treasure fleet sank here in 1715. That shipwreck and others that followed introduced explorers to the earliest known inhabitants of Hutchinson Island, the Native American Ais tribe.  By the mid 1700s, disease, warfare and slavery had decimated the Ais tribe; so in 1811, the Spanish governor of Florida issued a land grant for the area to James Hutchinson, who moved to the small barrier island to escape raiding Seminoles. Unfortunately for Hutchinson, after whom the island is named, marauding pirates pillaged his island retreat, destroying both his crops and his lush plantation.

This down-to-earth island offers cultural events and activities for the whole family. The island also is a great place to enjoy Florida wildlife at its finest. A true jewel, Hutchinson Island is a wonderful place to fish, play golf or just stare at the enchanting Atlantic.  This barrier island offers numerous public beach access points. Check out Walton Rocks Dog Beach if four-legged friends are travel companions.

If you’re on the island in June or July, you may be interested in going on an FP&L Turtle Walk, where you’ll have the privilege of watching a sea turtle lay her eggs in the sand. Reservations are required, so call 800-334-5483 starting May 1.