Martin: Discover Nature, Water and Culture
Accommodation in Martin
Martin is a destination for anyone who wants to combine experiences in nature, water and culture. The designated paddling trails in Martin County extend for 37.7 miles along the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie River. The system also includes a 2.6-mile branch through St. Lucie Inlet State Park. Those who enjoy an active holiday can therefore base their search for a holiday apartment on their own preferences: extended days of paddling, walks through protected areas or cultural discoveries.
Lagoons, Rivers and Protected Nature
The Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge defines the natural character of the region. It encompasses the largest contiguous undeveloped beach in southeastern Florida and is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the southeastern United States. This landscape is an important attraction for travelers who want to spend their stay not only by the water, but also in a distinctive coastal and natural setting.
There are also diverse ways to experience nature inland and along the lagoons. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the largest state park in southeastern Florida and encompasses 16 natural habitats. The Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, flows through the park. On a ranger-led tour to the 1930s pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson, you can experience the surroundings by pontoon boat.
For shorter nature outings, Kiplinger Preserve and Peck Lake Park are ideal options. The 164-acre Kiplinger Preserve has a one-mile trail through pine flatwoods, mangroves and wetland swamps. A boardwalk leads to the St. Lucie River; there is also a floating dock for fishing and launching kayaks or canoes. The 70-acre Peck Lake Park leads along a nearly one-mile trail, mostly consisting of a boardwalk, to the Indian River Lagoon. The trail ends at an observation platform with a covered pavilion for wildlife viewing. Along the way, you can experience pine flatwoods, baygall wetlands, oak groves and mangrove forest.
Water Experiences and Outings with Children
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located on a 57-acre site between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Nature trails, visitor pavilions and a 750,000-gallon game fish lagoon are part of the site. In an interactive touch exhibit, visitors can touch a stingray. This adds an informative encounter with marine life to an outing by the water.
The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is located in Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach and offers children and families interactive exhibits and hands-on learning programs. The Fishing & Boating exhibit provides knowledge about natural resources and boating safety through interactive activities. Captain Henry Sewall’s House is also located in the same park. It was built in 1889 as the home of local pioneer and developer Henry E. Sewall and was opened to the public in November 2012 after years of restoration by Martin County. Indian Riverside Park has approximately half a mile of shoreline, walking paths, a fishing pier, an interactive water play fountain, picnic pavilions and a butterfly garden.
Twin Rivers Park is located at the St. Lucie Inlet and the Indian River Lagoon. It offers opportunities for walking, docks and a large lawn. For an outing with a historical and maritime touch, the shipwreck Georges Valentine lies 100 yards offshore from the House of Refuge. It is accessible for diving or snorkeling via an entry point reachable on foot. The House of Refuge is also the oldest structure in Martin County.
Culture and Regional History
The Elliott Museum displays the 1889 Elliott Hickory Quadricycle, the first vehicle with Elliott’s steering system. The museum also presents exhibits on local history, as well as collections of classic cars, baseball, art and Americana. Free guide ID devices are available in English, French, Spanish and German. This means a stay in Martin can remain varied even when a nature or water outing is not scheduled every day.
When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first decide which of these types of experiences should define your holiday. A holiday apartment or holiday home is a suitable search direction for a stay in which you want to combine different daily plans and explore the region independently. In addition, CoLab Farms offers insights into different cultivation methods: aeroponic towers, coco peat and conventional soil are used there. Farm tours take place on Wednesdays or by appointment.
More Places to Search
If you would also like to compare neighboring places, you can find more destinations here: Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port Mayaca, Palm City, Indiantown and Hobe Sound.
For the higher-level travel overview: Florida.
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