If you are visiting the Treasure Coast of Florida and looking for a beach that is not as crowded as the more popular Stuart, Jensen, or Bathtub Beach look for Santa Lucea Beach. Just as you cross the Ernest Lyons Bridge on A1A to get onto Hutchinson Island from Stuart and Sewall’s Point take a right at the first light on MacArthur Blvd. Take the wooden boardwalk from the free parking lot to the beach. There are no lifeguards at this beach, but the views are outstanding.

Take a right on the beach and walk down to the limestone formations for some great photographs as waves crash against the rocks. Tip: Time it so that you arrive about an hour before high tide for the best pictures. If you like you can keep walking south to the House of Refuge. This house and museum is the oldest building in Martin County and for being on the ocean during hurricane season, that is saying something. It is quite a hike on the beach or you can get in the car and drive there. That may be quicker. If you walk left at the beach from the boardwalk path, you will find a more level beach for sunbathing and picnics.

WAVES CRASHING AGAINST LIMESTONE FORMATIONS

Set up some chairs and your beach blanket and enjoy your day in the sun building sandcastles, fishing, playing frisbee, or swimming but watch for the rip currents & rocks, and don’t forget your sunscreen. There are no restrooms but they do have showers to wash the salt & sand off.