Stuart, Florida

Stuart, Florida


Best Known For:
Stuart, known as the Sailfish Capital of the world, is also full of Old Florida charm! The city was also named as Coastal Living's Happiest Seaside Town of 2016!

Year Established: 1914

Population: 16,000

What is Stuart most known for?

Stuart was just named Coastal Living's 2016 Happiest Seaside Town in America! Read more on Coastal Living.

Stuart is the Sailfish Capital of the World and life in Stuart is uniquely tied to the water, being located on the Indian River Lagoon, the most bio-diverse estuary in the world, and the St. Lucie Inlet. Stuart is also known for its Old Florida Charm. Although just north of the Palm Beaches and less than 2 hours from Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale, Stuart has a laid back friendly vibe that you won’t find anywhere else. The water, historic buildings, and friendly character combine to make you feel like you have gone back in time to the way Florida once was.


What is the most surprising fact about Stuart?

Stuart's original name was Potsdam! As railroads extended into the area, the engineer would call the town name in a sing-song voice. What was intended to be “pots-dam, pots-dam,” came out “damn pots, damn pots.” People were mortified. People complained. So the name was changed. Read the story.


Does your community have any famous former or current residents?

President Cleveland loved Stuart's fishing so much he bought property here! Read the story.


What are the biggest annual events in Stuart?

We have some spectacular events here. Next up will be the 29th annual Dancin’ in the Streets street party and music festival on August 20. ArtsFest and the Downtown Stuart Art Festival are in February. Marathon of the Treasure Coast in March. The Stuart Air Show and Stuart Seafood Festival in November. And the Stuart Christmas Parade the first Friday in December is one of the longest running lighted Christmas parades in the country – over 50 years old!

Check out all of the events Stuart has to offer!


What do you want visitors to discover in your community?

Everything! Seriously. Our tourism website is even called Discover Martin!

You have to explore our beaches. The Historic Downtown is an amazing place for shopping, dining, or catching a performance at the restored Lyric Theatre – plus we also have a spectacular Riverwalk boardwalk that extends the entire length of the downtown waterfront from A1A to Colorado Avenue. You can fish, catch a free open air concert or just dolphin watch right in the downtown!

There is amazing history throughout Stuart and the surrounding area. Be sure to visit Stuart Heritage Museum, The House of Refuge, and the Elliott Museum. A free Downtown Tram tour is also a great way to learn about the local history.


What initiatives is Stuart currently working on?

A new development at the intersection of A1A and Joan Jefferson Way on the old Triangle property is now in the planning and approval phase. It will bring over 40 new residential units to the downtown area.


Where would you take someone on a first date in Stuart?

Rock’n Riverwalk! These free outdoor concerts are a great way to enjoy the waterfront every Sunday afternoon year round. Grab a seat under the shade sails and bring a lawn chair and set up on the lawn. After the show you can stroll through downtown, enjoy dinner at one of our restaurants, or just grab an ice cream cone while you shop. Or take a sunset cruise aboard The Schooner Lily.


Which superhero or superpower would most help in your downtown development efforts?

It doesn’t take one super hero – it takes a whole community of them! We are incredibly fortunate to have people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life working together to ensure this community’s success!



Want to learn more? Visit the links below

City of Stuart

Downtown Stuart - Facebook / website

Discover Martin

Stuart Main Street

Stuart Martin Chamber of Commerce







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