Looking for the perfect backdrop in Martin County for your Instagram photos? You don’t have to look far in Stuart, Florida, because there are many choices. Here are 25 of the Best Photo Spots in Stuart, Florida.
I have lived in Stuart for over 25 years, and I constantly hear from younger folks that there is nothing to do here. Well, grab a camera because there are endless places to take pictures here on the Treasure Coast of Florida that will make most people green with envy.
#1 The Roosevelt Bridge
One of the most recognizable locations is the Roosevelt Bridge. Spanning the St. Lucie River, the perfect time to photograph this bridge is at twilight when the lights on the bridge come on. This ranks number one on my list of 25 Best Photo Spots in Stuart, Florida.
#2 Stuart Riverwalk
This boardwalk on the St. Lucie River takes you on a stroll through Downtown Stuart. This is a very popular place to take a walk after dinner. The walk takes you past charming homes and restaurants to the Roosevelt Bridge. Walk under the railroad bridge to Gilbert’s Coffee Bar for the perfect evening cup of Joe.
#3 Gilbert’s Coffee Bar
One of my favorite coffee shops in Stuart is Gilbert’s Coffee Bar. It is located right on the waterfront. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or get up early for a morning walk along the river with Gilbert’s as your destination.
#4 Downtown Stuart Dock
Just across from Stuart City Hall is the Riverwalk Dock, which is beautifully lit at night.
#5 Downtown Stuart
Number 5 in our countdown of 25 of the Best Photo Spots in Stuart is the hub of it all. Downtown Stuart has a sprinkle of everything, with shops, restaurants, museums, and the historic Lyric Theatre lining the downtown streets.
Many cute shops serve as a backdrop to snap that special photo for the gram.
#6 The House of Refuge Mural in Downtown Stuart
This beautiful mural graces the location on the SW corner of Osceola Street and the roundabout. This mural was painted by artist Christopher Vitale.
#7 Courthouse Gazebo
Gazebo Park is a small park in downtown Stuart. At the center of the park is a beautiful, large gazebo. Other park amenities include benches and a paved walkway. The park hosts concerts, art shows, and events.
#8 Stuart Heritage Museum
The Stuart Heritage Museum houses the most comprehensive history of Stuart and Martin County. It is in a charming turn-of-the-century general merchandise store called the Stuart Feed Supply.
#9 The House of Refuge
Built as one of ten refuges along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, it is the only remaining House of Refuge on the East Coast. Sailors used to be rescued from stranded ships in hurricanes or shipwrecks. Food, medicine, clothing, and a bed were provided to victims found after a storm. The house is the oldest building in Martin County and is set up just as you would have found it when it was used.
#10 Gilbert’s Bar at The House of Refuge
Many photographers use the House of Refuge as a background for fashion photography and weddings. If you time your visit to arrive about one hour before high tide, you will get a terrific show of the waves crashing against the rocks.
#11 Boardwalks to the Beaches
Peppered throughout Hutchinson Island are several beach entrances for the public to access the water. The wooden structures that carry you across the dunes make great backdrops for your Florida vacation.
#12 Santa Lucea Beach
Santa Lucea Beach is just north of the House of Refuge. Take the wooden boardwalk from the free parking lot to the beach. Be careful, and don’t park next to clumps of trees as there have been reports of thieves hiding in the forage ready to break into cars unseen. There are no lifeguards or facilities here, but the views are outstanding.
#13 The Elliott Museum
The Elliott Museum is a curious location on Hutchinson Island. I caught Brenda dreaming of herself in a new car.. The Elliott Museum has a racking system that holds over 50 vehicles and is the only one of its kind in an American museum. Select the car you want to see, and the system will retrieve the desired vehicle and display it on a turntable front and center for you to admire. I think Brenda had her heart set on this Thunderbird.
This General Store from the late 1800s & early 1900s includes an Apothecary Shop, Barber Shop, Ice Cream Soda Fountain, Post office, and more. Put yourself in any of these locations for that perfect shot. Don’t forget your vintage clothing.
#14 The Stuart Water Tower
We continue our list of the Best Photo Spots in Stuart, Florida, at the iconic water tower. The tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Stuart. Painted with an American Flag, this is small-town Americana at its best.
#15 Confusion Corner
One of Downtown Stuart’s most notable tourist attractions is the intersection, known as “Confusion Corner”. A bit of bewilderment befuddles drivers approaching this intersection. This complicated crossing is the coming together of eight different streets. Flagler Avenue, East Ocean, West Ocean Blvd, Colorado Avenue, A1A North & South, and Dixie Highway create one of the most confusing intersections a driver could imagine.
#16 Sunset at Shepard Park
Shepard’s Park is one of Stuart’s best spots to watch the sun sink into the St. Lucie River. Pair that with sailboats in the foreground, and you have that perfect photograph that lets all your friends up north know that you are in Florida. Wish you were here!
#17 The Old Colorado Inn Entrance
Picture yourself in the doorway of the Old Colorado Inn in Downtown Stuart.
#18 The Archway at 18 Seminole Street
This small but cozy restaurant is a cottage-style Italian Bistro.
#19 The Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre is one of Stuart, Florida’s crowning jewels. It provides the community with a 500-seat showplace hosting many local, regional, and national artists. The only thing missing from this photograph is you next to the street lamp on your night out in Stuart.
#20 Luna Italian Cuisine
Sit outside and enjoy a slice of pizza at Luna Italian Cuisine in Downtown Stuart.
#21 The Stuart Boathouse
The colorful Stuart Boathouse makes a backdrop for your Stuart Instagram photo.
#22 Port Salerno & The Manatee Pocket
Port Salerno on the East Coast in Martin County is a sheltered branch of the St. Lucie River known as the Manatee Pocket. It is a picturesque bay with restaurants, bait shops, marinas, and a bustling art center.
#24 Kibbey Wagner Law Office Courtyard
This beautiful courtyard reminds me of New Orleans or the alcoves in Palm Beach. Kibbey Wagner is a personal injury law firm in Downtown Stuart. You can find this flowered patio at 73 Flagler Avenue.
#24 Coffee Bar, Blue Door
Coffee Bar, Blue Door is a fun, eclectic coffee/beer/wine bar in a beautiful courtyard setting. Order a specialty coffee brew, espresso, mochas, lattes, or a cappuccino. Sit outside under the stars to enjoy your brew. The Blue Door is a popular Instagram location.
#25 The Stuart Sailfish Fountain
The 19-foot bronze sculpture in the middle of “Sailfish Circle” represents Stuart, Florida. Why a sailfish? Offshore of Stuart and the Treasure Coast is known worldwide as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” This monument by wildlife artist Geoffrey Smith is located at the roundabout circle of SW Joan Jefferson Way.
These are my pics for the 25 Best Photo Spots in Stuart, Florida, but what are yours? I know I must have missed something. Do you know of more spots that deserve to be on this list of prettiest places in Stuart? Let me know in the comments below!
