Fort Pierce: The Sunrise City
Fort Pierce — known as the "Sunrise City" — is the oldest community on Florida's Treasure Coast and one of the most authentic Florida towns you'll find. While tourists flock to Miami, Naples, and the Keys, Fort Pierce quietly offers everything that makes Florida special: incredible wildlife, beautiful waterways, fresh seafood, a growing arts scene, and that genuine small-town warmth that's disappearing from most of coastal Florida.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Fort Pierce, ranked by a local who's been exploring these waters for years.
1. Jet Ski Dolphin Tour on the Indian River Lagoon ⭐
The #1 thing to do in Fort Pierce. Our guided jet ski dolphin tours take you through the Indian River Lagoon — the most biodiverse estuary in North America — where you'll ride alongside wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. With a 95% sighting rate and water-level encounters, this is an experience you simply can't get anywhere else in Florida.
Tours depart from Fort Pierce and last 1.5–2 hours. No experience necessary. Book your tour here.
2. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
This 340-acre state park at the northern tip of Hutchinson Island offers some of the best beaches on the Treasure Coast. The jetty rocks are excellent for snorkeling and fishing, and the beach is rarely crowded. The park also has nature trails through coastal hammock habitat.
3. Sunset Cruise on the Indian River Lagoon
A BYOB sunset cruise on the Indian River Lagoon is pure Florida magic. Watch the sun set over the lagoon while dolphins play around your boat. Our private pontoon cruises accommodate up to 6 guests and are perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or family celebrations.
4. Visit the Manatee Observation & Education Center
Fort Pierce's Manatee Center is a free attraction where you can observe Florida manatees in their natural habitat. The center sits on the shore of the Indian River Lagoon, and during cooler months (November–March), manatees gather in the warm water discharge area. It's educational, family-friendly, and completely free.
5. Explore Downtown Fort Pierce & the Farmers Market
Downtown Fort Pierce has undergone a renaissance in recent years. The Fort Pierce Farmers Market (every Saturday, 8 AM – 12 PM) is one of the best in Florida, featuring local produce, fresh seafood, artisan goods, and live music. After the market, explore the murals, galleries, and shops along Indian River Drive.
6. Fish the Indian River Lagoon
Fort Pierce sits at the heart of some of the best inshore fishing in Florida. The Indian River Lagoon offers world-class fishing for snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, and flounder. Whether you fish from shore, a kayak, or a charter boat, the lagoon delivers.
7. Visit the Navy SEAL Museum on Hutchinson Island
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is located on the actual beach where the first Navy frogmen trained during World War II. It's the only museum in the world dedicated to Navy SEALs, and it's a fascinating, moving experience regardless of your military background.
8. Paddleboard or Kayak the Mangroves
The mangrove-lined shores of the Indian River Lagoon near Fort Pierce are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. You'll glide through tunnels of red mangroves, spotting manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and incredible bird life.
9. Heathcote Botanical Gardens
This 3.5-acre botanical garden in Fort Pierce features a Japanese garden, a rain garden, native plant collections, and a children's garden. It's a peaceful escape and a great spot for photography.
10. Catch a Show at the Sunrise Theatre
The historic Sunrise Theatre in downtown Fort Pierce hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, and community events throughout the year. Built in 1923 and beautifully restored, it's a cultural gem on the Treasure Coast.
11. Snorkel at Bathtub Reef Beach
A short drive south to Stuart, Bathtub Reef Beach offers some of the best snorkeling on the Treasure Coast. The natural worm-rock reef creates a calm, shallow pool perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
12. Visit the A.E. "Bean" Backus Museum & Gallery
Fort Pierce native A.E. "Bean" Backus is considered the dean of Florida landscape painting. His museum and gallery showcases his work along with rotating exhibitions from other Florida artists.
13. Go Deep Sea Fishing
Fort Pierce Inlet provides easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, where deep sea fishing charters target mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish, kingfish, and more. The Gulf Stream runs relatively close to shore here, making for shorter runs to productive fishing grounds.
14. Explore the St. Lucie County Aquarium
Located at the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystem Exhibit, this aquarium features a 3,000-gallon reef tank and exhibits focused on the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. It's small but excellent, and very family-friendly.
15. Beach Day at Pepper Park
Pepper Park Beach on Hutchinson Island is a local favorite — less crowded than the state park beaches, with picnic pavilions, grills, and a playground. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed beach day.
Start Your Fort Pierce Adventure
Fort Pierce has something for everyone, but if you only do one thing, make it a dolphin tour on the Indian River Lagoon. It's the experience that defines the Treasure Coast.
Book your dolphin tour or call (772) 300-9506.
