Florida's Family-Friendly Treasure Coast Gem Is One Of The Best Beach Towns Of 2026

As the old saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover — the same applies to unassuming Stuart, Florida when you see it on a map. Despite not having the same reputation as Delray Beach, Florida's "village by the sea" that rivals the Caribbean, Stuart is one of the state's top beach destinations. It's especially ideal for families who want to enjoy the best of Florida all in one place – low-key vibes, beautiful beaches, and fun attractions. It was ranked the second-best coastal small town in 2026 by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Technically speaking, Stuart is a small city, with a population of roughly 20,600.

Stuart is nestled along Florida's Treasure Coast, the site of nearly a dozen Spanish shipwrecks centuries ago. The area was once known for its pineapple crop and was even called "the pineapple capital of the world" in the late 19th century. At that time, downtown Stuart was little more than pineapple fields. Now, the heart of the city is full of dozens of intriguing local shops and eateries, and retains a charming "Old Florida" atmosphere. Along the city's beautiful Riverwalk beside the St. Lucie River, you'll find people of all ages taking in the scenery and enjoying year-round events, such as concerts, festivals, and sidewalk sales.

Stuart is a 45-minute drive north of Palm Beach International Airport, the nearest major travel hub. If you're flying in, renting a car at the airport offers the most flexibility, but the city is also served by the Martin County Public Transit System. Downtown Stuart is walkable, but if you'd prefer to rest your legs, the city provides a free tram service to popular attractions that arrives at each stop every 20 minutes. 

The Sunshine State is blessed with incredible beaches and islands, such as the delightful Amelia Island, a perfect spot for a family-friendly vacation. In Stuart, you'll find both. For a dose of sand and sun, head to Hutchinson Island, where you'll find miles of shoreline without big crowds. The 23-mile-long island is covered from end to end with sandy beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. One of the most popular beaches on the island is Stuart Beach, a haven for families. The beach is guarded and has plenty of amenities for a fun day in the sun, including a volleyball court, snack bar, and a picnic area. Parking at the beach is free, though visitors should remember to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside.

Next to Stuart Beach is the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. During the day, the center offers an interactive touch exhibit with stingrays, educational programs, and various aquariums home to Florida's native species. At night, join a guided sea turtle walk for a special family experience. The center has secured a special state permit for these trips, which are led by staff during the nesting months of June and July. The experience requires quite a bit of walking, without a guarantee that you'll see a turtle, but it's an incredibly unique learning experience. Reservations are required in advance and can be booked on the center's website. 

Hutchinson Island serves as a convenient home base for families visiting Stuart. On the island, you'll find several vacation rental properties and family-friendly resorts near Stuart Beach. The Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort has all kinds of amenities, including a golf course, tennis courts, beach access, and daily activities for kids. Plus, kids aged 10 and younger eat for free at three of the hotel's restaurants with the purchase of an adult meal. 

Stuart has been called "America's happiest seaside town," according to Visit Florida, and your kids will find plenty to smile about at Sailfish Splash Waterpark. Though not as large as Virginia's newest waterpark, opening later in 2026, Sailfish Splash provides a local feel and good value. On the waterpark's website, day passes cost $20.95 for visitors aged 13 to 54, at the time of writing. Past visitors note on Tripadvisor that the park has something for everyone. Little ones will enjoy splashing in the shallow area, while older children – and parents — can fly down the four-story twisty slides or relax on the lazy river.

You'll no doubt be hungry after a day of waterslides. Hudson's on the River, located near the Riverwalk, serves up seafood, sushi, ribs, and kid-friendly favorites, including burgers, chicken fingers, and grilled cheese sandwiches. On Tuesdays, the restaurant offers a free kids meal with every adult meal purchase. Two other popular restaurants, CoLab Kitchen Restaurant and Dune Dog Cafe, both have outdoor play areas for the kids to burn some energy. If you're looking for a treat, Kilwins has something to satisfy your sweet tooth, including ice cream, Mackinac Island fudge, and caramel corn.

On those stormy or sizzling hot days, Stuart has several indoor museums that are worth visiting. Little ones will enjoy exploring the 16th-century pirate ship at the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast. American military history buffs will get a kick out of the Road to Victory Museum, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The Elliott Museum is another must-see, with a roster of fascinating exhibits, guided tours, and occasional art classes for adults and kids.