Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Port St. Lucie, Florida, United States
1. St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
Explore diverse habitats including salt marshes, mangrove forests, and sand dunes. Offers opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and fishing.
- Wildlife Abundance: Home to over 300 bird species, manatees, and dolphins.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs about the local ecosystem.
2. Hutchinson Island Beach State Park
Relax on pristine beaches or take a hike through coastal hammocks. Enjoy fishing, picnicking, and swimming.
- Coastal Ecosystem: Home to sea turtles, dolphins, and various bird species.
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages.
- Beach Accessibility: Features multiple access points along the island.
3. Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway
Experience the natural beauty of the Indian River Lagoon while driving along this scenic byway.
- Waterfront Views: Provides stunning views of the river and its wildlife.
- Historical Sites: Passes by historical sites, museums, and parks.
- Eco-Tourism Activities: Offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
4. Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Explore over 100 square miles of forests, wetlands, and scrublands. Offers camping, hiking, and canoeing.
- Camping Opportunities: Provides tent and RV campsites for overnight stays.
- Wildlife Observation: Home to black bears, alligators, and various bird species.
- Historical Sites: Features a historic homestead and World War II training site.
5. Norton Park
Enjoy outdoor recreational activities like biking, fishing, and picnicking at this beautiful park.
- Picnic Facilities: Offers various picnic sites with tables and grills.
- Fishing Opportunities: Features a fishing pier and access to the St. Lucie River.
- Bike Trails: Provides bike trails for leisurely rides.
6. Oxbow Eco-Center
Learn about the local ecosystem and enjoy nature walks at this educational center.
- Educational Programs: Offers programs for all ages, including school groups and families.
- Nature Walks: Provides guided nature walks to explore the local ecosystem.
- Wildlife Viewing: Features wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and various bird species.
7. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Discover a variety of tropical plants and gardens in this peaceful oasis.
- Tropical Plant Collection: Features over 500 species of tropical plants.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the local ecosystem and conservation.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful environment for relaxation.
8. Manatee Observation and Education Center
Learn about manatees and observe them in their natural habitat.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational exhibits, videos, and interactive displays.
- Manatee Observation: Features a viewing area to observe manatees up close.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports manatee conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
9. Pine Grove at Savannas Preserve State Park
Explore a unique pine flatwoods ecosystem and enjoy nature walks.
- Pine Flatwoods Ecosystem: Features a rare sand pine scrub habitat.
- Nature Walks: Offers guided nature walks to explore the park.
- Wildlife Observation: Features wildlife such as bobcats, deer, and various bird species.
10. St. Lucie County Aquarium
Explore marine life from the Indian River Lagoon at this aquarium.
- Marine Life Exhibits: Features exhibits with sharks, sea turtles, and various fish.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about marine conservation.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports the conservation of local marine life.
11. St. Lucie River and Canal
Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or bird-watching along this beautiful waterway.
- Water Activities: Offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
- Wildlife Observation: Features various bird species, manatees, and other wildlife.
- Historical Significance: Is a historical waterway with a rich history dating back to the early settlers.
12. Savannas Preserve State Park
Explore diverse ecosystems including pine flatwoods, marshes, and hardwood hammocks.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Features a variety of ecosystems, including rare sand pine scrub habitats.
- Nature Walks: Offers guided nature walks to explore the park.
- Wildlife Observation: Features wildlife such as bobcats, deer, and various bird species.
13. St. Lucie County Fairgrounds Conservation Area
Enjoy hiking, biking, and wildlife observation in this conservation area.
- Recreational Opportunities: Offers hiking trails, a bike trail, and equestrian trails.
- Wildlife Observation: Features wildlife such as alligators, deer, and various bird species.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for local wildlife and habitats.
14. Tall Ships Challenge Park
Learn about maritime history at this park featuring tall ships and exhibits.
- Maritime History: Features historic tall ships and exhibits about maritime history.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about shipbuilding, navigation, and sailing.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides opportunities for boat tours, fishing, and picnicking.
15. Turtle Coast Sanctuary
Learn about sea turtles and their conservation at this sanctuary.
- Sea Turtle Education: Offers educational programs about sea turtles and their conservation.
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation: Provides rehabilitation for injured sea turtles.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports the conservation of local sea turtle populations.