Weekend in Martin County, Fla., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Martin County communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound and Hutchinson Island boast of having 13 beaches and more than 70 parks. Building restrictions have limited structures to four stories, preserving views throughout the county and offering Old Florida charm and Key West style. Upcoming events include the Sailfish Regatta in May and the Jensen Beach Pineapple Festival in October. Visit www.DiscoverMartin.com for trip planning.
Getting there: Martin County is 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport (from $118 Delta, nonstop), an hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (from $78 Spirit, nonstop), 90 minutes from Miami International Airport (from $49 Frontier, nonstop).
BUDGET
Stay: Step back in time to Old Florida with a stay at the family-owned and -operated Driftwood Motel. Built in 1958, this property offers a setting on the banks of the Indian River with lodging from efficiencies to three-room apartments. All have full kitchens. Rates from $109 include free Wi-Fi. The Atlantic Ocean is 2 miles away; a half mile to quaint downtown Jensen Beach, and walking distance to Conchy Joe's seafood restaurant. 4150 N.E. Indian River Drive, 772-334-2237, http://driftwoodmoteljensen.com.
Eat: Knock your seafood socks off at Gettin Crabby. It's tiny (five tables), friendly and often standing room only. Appetizers, $8-$12; entrees, $18-$24. Live music on weekends. 4110 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart, 772-463-1166, www.GettinCrabby.me.
Experience: On Hutchinson Island, visit the 57-acre Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center for a family-friendly day of fun and learning — with aquariums, guided walks on nature trails, a lagoon, butterfly garden, touch tanks and a children's pavilion; $12 adults; $6 ages 3-12. 890 N.E. Ocean Blvd., 772-225-0505, www.floridaocean.org. Grab a mask for a snorkel adventure at Bathtub Reef Beach, where a man-made reef extends into the ocean while remaining in a protective area.
MODERATE
Stay: Built in 1914 in historic downtown Stuart, the Old Colorado Inn is a couple of hundred feet from the St. Lucie River that leads to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean and a short walk to waterfront dining and entertainment. Choose from modern studios (from $159 through April 30), suites, a two-bedroom cottage (from $239), or rooms in the historic guest house. 211 S. Colorado Ave., 772-215-3437, www.oldcoloradoinn.com.
Eat: The Landing is an open-air Key West-style restaurant located at the Nettles Island Marina (the gate guard will let you in). Lunch specialties include Mahi Reuben and Mandarin Salad (to $14); dinners, $17-$22. 9801 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, 772-229-0246, www.thelandingrestaurant.net.
Experience: Touted as the most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere is St. Lucie Inlet — a habitat for over 4,300 species of plants and animals, including more than 30 threatened and endangered species such as manatees, wood storks, sand hill cranes and peregrine falcons. Located between Hutchinson Island and Jupiter Island, it's one of six inlets into the Indian River Lagoon and a best-kept South Florida secret. Take a three-hour guided kayak tour through a mangrove forest in search of manatees and dolphins; $75 per person. 772-201-5899, www.tckayakfishing.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: The Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort features an 18-hole golf course, marina, tennis, three outdoor pools, nature and biking trails and a front row on the Atlantic beach. Rates from $229. 555 N.E. Ocean Blvd., 772-225-3700, www.marriott.com.
Eat: Take a Southern food adventure at District Table & Bar, where guests chat up the chefs in the open, collaborative kitchen. Locally sourced fisherman and farmer products influence the ever-evolving menu; $9-$29; turf to $42. 900 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, 772-324-8357, www.districttableandbar.com.
Experience: Stuart is famed for its historic and pedestrian-friendly downtown with a river walk and eclectic boutiques. Shop for fresh ingredients to live music every Sunday at the Green Market near City Hall (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). It's also home to the landmark Lyric Theatre, built in 1926 as a silent movie house. Performances range from headliners (Judy Collins, Poco) to film and stage productions (ticket prices vary to $80). 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., 772-286-7827, www.LyricTheatre.com.
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