Fort Pierce isn't the kind of place that tries too hard. It’s not West Palm, and it’s definitely not Orlando. Honestly, that’s exactly why people love it. You’ve got this gritty, authentic fishing-village-meets-art-haven vibe that feels rare in Florida these days.
People call it the "Sunrise City," and while that sounds like a cheesy tourism slogan, stand on the South Jetty at 6:30 AM and you’ll get it. The sky turns this wild shade of neon violet.
If you are figuring out what to do in Fort Pierce, you have to start with the water, but don't end there. There is a weirdly deep history here, from secret WWII training grounds to a legendary group of self-taught painters who changed American art.
The Saturday Morning Ritual
You haven't actually been to Fort Pierce if you haven't done the Farmers Market. Every Saturday, rain or shine, Marina Square fills up. It’s huge. We're talking 70+ vendors.
Most people go for the produce, but you go for the apple cider doughnuts or the spicy pickles. It’s a sensory overload. You’ve got live jazz playing, the smell of fresh kettle corn, and the breeze coming off the Indian River Lagoon.
Why the Downtown Farmers Market is different:
- It's right on the water (literally at 101 Melody Lane).
- You can find weird, exotic plants you won't see at a Big Box store.
- It’s dog-friendly. Everyone brings their golden retrievers.
- The "Friday Fest" happens right in the same spot on the first Friday of every month if you prefer beer and street food to organic kale.
Getting Lost in the Indian River Lagoon
The Lagoon is the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. Basically, it’s a big deal. You can rent a clear kayak—which is a total game-changer—and see manatees or stingrays swimming right under your seat.
If you're lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the "Lungs of the Lagoon"—the mangroves. There are these tiny, narrow tunnels you can paddle through where the light barely hits the water. It feels like you’re in a prehistoric jungle.
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Speaking of prehistoric, check out the Manatee Observation and Education Center. It’s right downtown. In the winter months, the manatees huddle up in the warmer water of the power plant discharge nearby, and you can see them bobbing like giant floating potatoes. It’s adorable and kind of majestic at the same time.
The Navy SEAL Connection
Most people don't know that Fort Pierce is the birthplace of the Navy SEALs. During World War II, the "Frogmen" (UDT) trained right here on North Hutchinson Island.
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is sitting on the actual ground where they trained. It’s not just a boring room with dusty plaques. They have a Black Hawk helicopter you can walk around and a Mark V Special Operations Craft.
In early 2026, they are running some pretty intense events, like the First Annual Combat Team Competition in February. If you’re there on a Thursday in early 2026, look for the "Dogs of the K9 Project" demonstrations at noon. Watching these specialized dogs work with their handlers is incredible.
Art You Can Actually Feel
You can’t talk about this town without mentioning the Florida Highwaymen. Back in the 50s and 60s, a group of Black artists, led by Alfred Hair and mentored by A.E. Backus, started painting the Florida landscape.
Because of Jim Crow laws, they couldn't sell in galleries. So, they sold paintings out of the trunks of their cars along Highway 1.
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The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery is the heart of this. In early 2026 (specifically through March 1st), they’re running an exhibition called Florida Highwaymen: Journey. It’s got over 50 paintings from private collections. If you’re around in mid-February, they do a "Highwaymen Celebration Weekend" where you can actually buy vintage paintings. They aren’t cheap anymore, but they’re stunning.
The Beach Situation
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is the gold standard here. The water is usually clearer than the beaches further north because of the inlet's flush.
Surfers hang out at "the north side." If the swell is right, it’s some of the best surfing on the East Coast.
If you want something quieter, head to Jack Island Preserve. It’s about a mile north of the State Park. There are 15 miles of trails. Climb the observation tower. You’ll get a 360-degree view of the Indian River that makes you realize just how much of Florida is still wild.
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Where to Eat (The Local Picks)
Don't go to a chain. Just don't.
- 12A Buoy: Tucked away in a marina. The fried shrimp is basically a religious experience.
- Cobb’s Landing: Great for a mojito and smoked fish dip while watching the boats dock.
- Chuck’s Seafood: A classic. It’s been there forever. Sit by the window and watch the inlet.
- On the Edge Bar & Grill: It’s literally on the edge of the water. Try the Gator Bites. Yes, they taste like chicken, but with a better story.
Botanical Weirdness at Heathcote
Heathcote Botanical Gardens is home to the largest public display of tropical bonsai in the U.S.
Some of these trees are decades old but look like miniature ancient forests. It’s peaceful. They also have a "Pioneer House" which is a replica of a 200-year-old Florida cracker house. It’s a good reminder of how tough people had to be to live here before air conditioning was a thing.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Tide: If you're kayaking the mangroves, go at mid-to-high tide. Low tide can get muddy and shallow.
- Book the SEAL Museum Early: If you want to catch a specific demo or the K9 project, check their calendar—they often sell out for special event days.
- Parking Hack: For the Saturday market, use the free parking garage downtown instead of circling the marina for 20 minutes.
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: The Florida sun hits different on the water. Bring the reef-safe stuff if you're heading to the Inlet.
Fort Pierce is a place that rewards people who slow down. Walk the Jeter Park boardwalk. Eat a taco at a roadside stand. Watch the sunrise. It's not a theme park, and that's the whole point.