Port St. Lucie, Florida, is a medium-sized city that offers large amounts of fun! Located about two hours south of Orlando along the east coast of Florida, Port St. Lucie is a hidden gem that is fast becoming one of the most sought-after living destinations in the United States. Offering everything from world-class golf courses, nature preserves, and white sandy beaches, Port St. Lucie is the vacationer’s dream. If you are looking for a weekend full of sun, sand, and saltwater, here is the perfect 3-day Port St. Lucie itinerary for you!
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Table of Contents
How Do I Get To Port St. Lucie?
There isn’t a major airport in Port St. Lucie, but many are just a short drive away. Palm Beach International is the closest; however, you aren’t more than a hundred miles away from whichever airport you choose.
- Palm Beach International Airport – 45.1 miles away
- Orlando – Melbourne International Airport – 58.8 miles away
- Ft. Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport – 85.4 miles away
- Orlando International Airport – 98.0 miles away
Tips! After arriving, head to baggage pick up as quickly as possible. Due to the large size of the airports, getting your luggage can be difficult, and beating the crowds is your best bet to getting out of the airport in a decent amount of time. Also, have your GPS set the moment you enter your vehicle to avoid getting lost in the maze of the airport’s parking lot.
You will need to rent a car since no public transportation is readily available to get to Port St. Lucie. Once there, you can use the trolley system, but it is not the ideal way to get around and may not go to all the destinations you want to visit.
Tip! Use the Discover Cars Search Engine to find the best rental car deal!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Port St. Lucie?
As with most cities in south Florida, Port St. Lucie sees a lot of sunshine. Although beautiful, the sun shining means hot temperatures. Depending on your vacation goals, the best time to visit will vary. If you’re looking to spend the day at the beach, tanning, and swimming, summer is ideal for you. Winter may be your best bet when the temperatures are milder if you want to get in a round of eighteen holes. Here is a list of seasons, with their temperatures and weather patterns, to see which is best for you.
- Summer (June – August) – 75 – 90 degrees. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but typically only last around thirty minutes. The humidity is high, and the sun sets around 9:00 P.M.
- Fall (September – November) – 64 – 89 degrees. Thunderstorms are less common, and the humidity begins to drop. Sunset is around 5:30 P.M.
- Winter (December – February) – 55 – 76 degrees. Limited rainfall and humidity. Sunset is around 6:20 P.M.
- Spring (March – May) – 60 – 85 degrees. Afternoon thunderstorms begin again, with more full rainy days occurring. The humidity begins picking up, and sunset is around 8:11 P.M.
A fantastic aspect of Port St. Lucie is the number of festivals thrown for almost any occasion. The fourth of July is noteworthy, as the fireworks display lasts over thirty minutes and is beautiful. There are festivals for St. Patrick’s day and Oktoberfest, and many celebrate different ethnic foods and traditions.
Where Should I Stay In Port St. Lucie?
Booking.comThere are many choices for lodging in Port St. Lucie, so to find the perfect place for you, you simply have to decide what you enjoy doing the most.
If you enjoy going to festivals and shopping, staying near the city center is your best bet. The town hub for all activities is the civic center located smack dab in the middle of downtown. All the shopping you could ever want is right there, including the mall, tourist shops, and specialty stores. The only downside to staying near the city center is its distance from the beach and the golf course.
Recommended Lodging in the City Center:
Staying along the beach is a beautiful and popular option. Whether you choose to stay in quaint Jensen Beach, historic Ft. Pierce, or high-end Hutchinson Island, you can select many beachfront hotel options. Staying beachside means access to all the fun the water has to offer. Kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, and of course, swimming are all right outside your door. Keep in mind if you choose to stay near the beach, you are farther from the state parks, which offer hiking, bird and gator watching, and cycling. You are also the farthest distance from the golf courses.
Recommended Lodging Beachside:
- Beachfront Inn – South Hutchinson Island
- Old Colorado Inn – Downtown Stuart
- River Palm Waterfront Cottages – Historic Ft. Pierce
Port St. Lucie is home to the fabulous award-winning PGA Village, which offers world-class golfing and amenities. There are hotels located along the course, or you can choose to stay at an Airbnb, which is an excellent option for larger groups. Many restaurants are located nearby in St. Lucie West and the Tradition area, which is also known to hold festivals throughout the year. The only downside to choosing this location is its long distance to the beach.
Recommended Lodging near the PGA Village:
- Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort
- Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village
- Airbnb PGA Village
Sample 3-Day Port St. Lucie Itinerary
Day 1 in Port St. Lucie:
Morning:
Savannas Preserve State Park (estimated time 8:00 am – 10:00 am)
Savannas Preserve offers hiking trails, kayaking, and bird-watching. The pier is a beautiful place to sit with your morning coffee and watch the animals waking up along the lakes. It’s not uncommon to spot gators, herons, and otters.
The National Navy SEAL Museum (estimated time 10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
The National Navy Museum is the only museum dedicated to preserving the United States Navy SEALS history. With indoor and outdoor exhibits, it’s a must-stop location for anyone interested in learning more about the Navy SEALS.
Afternoon:
Jensen Beach (estimated time 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Jensen Beach is the local’s beach of choice. It boasts a quaint restaurant and boardwalk, volleyball courts, pavilions, bbq stations, and miles of white sandy beaches. The ocean here is almost always clear and ideal for swimming.
River Park Marina (estimated time 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
River Park Marina offers boat and kayak rentals as well as fishing and a playground for kids. The boat dock launches along the beautiful tree-lined waterways of the St. Lucie River Estuary. You will enjoy watching the wildlife as you paddle peacefully down the calm watershed.
Evening:
New England Fish Market (estimated time 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Another local favorite, the New England Fish Market, offers fresh-caught seafood cooked to perfection. Although slightly on the pricier side, the portions are generous, and the quality is second to none.
Downtown Stuart (estimated time 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Downtown Stuart offers exciting nightlife with a small-town feel. Listen to free a concert from an amphitheater overlooking the St. Lucie River or peruse the many small shops, restaurants, and bars. Meander your way along streets lined with twinkling lights as you take in the ambiance and excitement.
Day 2 in Port St. Lucie:
Morning:
PGA Golf Club (estimated time 8:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Spend the morning with 18 rounds on the award-winning PGA golf course. From the impeccably manicured lawn to the beautiful scenery, this will be one of the most memorable rounds of golf you’ve ever played.
Afternoon:
Tradition Towne Square (estimated time 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
Tradition offers a small-town environment without sacrificing modern conveniences. Have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, then get ice cream and walk through the park as you take in the beautiful lake views. There are playgrounds for kids and often fun festivals to visit.
PopStroke (estimated time 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
Continue your golf-themed day with mini golf at PopStroke. With a bar and T.V.-lined eating area, you can relax and unwind while having a blast on the fun-filled course.
Evening:
Sunrise Theater (estimated time 5:00 pm – 10:00)
Take in a show at the historic Sunrise Theater. Step back in time with the velvet-lined seats and gorgeous architecture.
Day 3 in Port St. Lucie:
Morning:
Scenic drive along A1A (estimated time 8:00 am -12:00 pm)
Enjoy the views as you drive along this water adjacent road. Stretching for miles, you will feel like you stepped into a movie with stately houses and winding turns.
Afternoon:
Elliot Museum (estimated time 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Classic car lovers will rejoice in this modern set museum. Take in row after row of cars from a bygone era.
Urban Air Adventure Park (estimated time 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Family-friendly and exciting, release your inner child at this all-inclusive adventure park. Ziplines, trampolines, and bounce houses are only some of the fun awaiting you.
Evening:
Historic Downtown Ft. Pierce (estimated time 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Walk along the historic downtown Ft. Pierce cityscape and take in the beautiful sights and sounds Ft. Pierce has to offer.
Keep Reading:: The Best Things to do near Orlando BESIDES the Theme Parks!
Other Things To Do In Port St. Lucie:
Honorable mentions for activities in Port St. Lucie include:
- Mulligans Bar and Grill – Another favorite local restaurant. Prices range from $ to $$. Arrive early to guarantee seating.
- Treasure Coast Mall – Enjoy shopping and dining. Prices range from $ to $$
- Horseback Beach Tours – Ride along the beach on horseback. Price $$
- First Data Field – Spring training field for the New York Mets. Price $
Tips To Know Before Visiting Port St. Lucie:
Having a vehicle is essential, as most destinations are too far apart to walk, and public transit does not go to every location. Allow enough time to travel in between destinations when planning your schedule.
Port St. Lucie Packing List:
Below is a list of a few items to bring when vacationing in Port St. Lucie.
- Walking shoes
- Sunblock
- Camera (and maybe a gopro for some cool underwater pics)
- Sunblock
- Hiking shoes (Keens are my favorite…waterproof and comfy!)
If you made it this far, I am sure you are completely ready to spend one weekend in Port St. Lucie. With the sparkling beaches, charming boardwalks, and unique restaurants, you may never want to leave!
Come share your Port St Lucie pictures and memories with me on Instagram!
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