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 plenty to choose from. 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, I say, grab a camera because there are endless amounts of places to take pictures here on the Treasure Coast of Florida that will make most people green with envy.
#1 The Roosevelt Bridge
Probably one of the most recognizable locations that illustrated that you are in Stuart, Florida is the Roosevelt Bridge. The bridge spans the St. Lucie River in Stuart. 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 of the 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 the Stuart City Hall on the Riverwalk you will see the Riverwalk Dock. The dock is lit up beautifully at night. It is easy to get a water view of someone standing on the dock from the Riverwalk. If there happens to be a derelict sailboat nearby, you get extra photo points.
#5 Downtown Stuart
Number 5 in our countdown of 25 of the Best Photo spots in Stuart Florida 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.
There are many cute shops that serve as a backdrop to snap that special photo for the gram.
#6 The House of Refuge Mural in Downtown Stuart
This beautiful mural titled “House of Refuge” graces the Downtown Stuart area. It is located 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. During the year the park hosts concerts, art shows, and events.
#8 Stuart Heritage Museum
The Stuart Heritage Museum claims that it has the most comprehensive history of all of Stuart and Martin County, Florida. It is located 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 East 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 that were found after a storm. The house is the oldest building in Martin County and is just like it was in times 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 along with the sand dunes each have their own personality and 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 at this beach, but the views are outstanding.
#13 The Elliott Museum
The Elliott Museum is a curious location on Hutchinson Island. Dream of yourself in a new car? The Elliott Museum has a 3-level-car-robotic racking system that holds over 50 vehicles and is the only one of its kind in an American museum. Select the car you would like 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.
Old-time store displays are on exhibit in the General Store from the late 1800s & early 1900s including 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
As we continue our countdown of 25 of the Best Photo Spots in Stuart, Florida we land 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 an intersection – known as “Confusion Corner”. There is always a bit of bewilderment as I approach this intersection. This complicated crossing is the coming together of eight different streets as Flagler Avenue, East Ocean, and West Ocean Blvd, Colorado Avenue, A1A North & South, and Dixie Highway come together to create one of the most confusing intersections a driver could ever 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 that hey, I’m 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 Cusine in Downtown Stuart.
#21 The Stuart Boathouse
The colorful Stuart Boathouse makes a great backdrop for your Stuart Instagram photo.
#22 Port Salerno & The Manatee Pocket
Port Salerno on Florida’s East Coast in Martin County is a sheltered branch of the St. Lucie River known as the Manatee Pocket. It is a picturesque bay that includes restaurants, bait shops, marinas, and a bustling art center.
#23 Bridge Road
OK, this is not technically in Stuart, but if you drive the scenic Bridge Road in Hobe Sound, Florida it will take you under an enchanting canopy leading you to Jupiter Island and Hobe Sound Beach. Bridge Road on Jupiter Island is about as magical as it sounds. Centuries-old Banyan trees line each side of the road casting their shade and creating a storybook setting. Park at the beach parking lot and take the sidewalk that runs next to the road under the shade of the banyans. You can really appreciate the enormity of these huge trees. The soft green grass and scattered park benches provide perfect settings to take that shot for the gram.
#24 Coffee Bar, Blue Door
Coffee Bar, Blue Door is a fun, eclectic coffee/beer/wine bar in a beautiful courtyard in downtown Stuart, Florida. They offer specialty coffee brews, espresso, mochas, lattes, and cappuccinos. The blue door is a popular Instagram location.
#25 The Stuart Sailfish Fountain
The 19-foot bronze sculpture in the middle of “Sailfish Circle” is a symbol of 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 of the Best Photo Spots in Stuart, Florida. OK, now it’s your turn. 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!
