The Treasure Coast is a special place in Florida. While the name started off as a way to distinguish the stretch of Florida shoreline between the Gold Coast and the Space Coast (and refers to a shipwrecked Spanish fleet from 1715), the region has really taken to the identity. It might have something to do with the fact that there are loads of gems on the coast. As you explore, you might find some of the country's best seashell hunting, baby sea turtles, wave-beaten limestone grottos, sweet manatees, opulent mansions, and declassified top-secret historic sites. Check out some of these cool spots along the Treasure Coast!
2400 Southwest 3rd Avenue, Miami, Florida, United States
The Treasure Coast has plenty of beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but if you're looking for a beach with a little extra twist, then check out Blowing Rocks Preserve. The beach features the longest Anastasia limestone shoreline on the US Atlantic coast. The waves have worn the rocks into bizarre and fantastical grottos and coves... but that's not even the coolest part of Blowing Rocks. When the tide is high, or after a particularly rough storm, the waves break against the jagged rocks, forcing plumes of seawater up to 50 feet in the air. While you're visiting, also pay attention to the plant and animal life here; as a preserve, Blowing Rocks is working hard to restore the native habitats of rare creatures like loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.
It's also home to a beautiful sea grape tunnel. According to the USGS: "Sea grapes form a tunnel over this section of the dune path at Blowing Rocks Preserve. Sea grapes are smooth-barked and can grow as a tree or shrub. Their round, evergreen leaves are leathery and about 8-inches in diameter. The flowers are small ivory blossoms, which develop into reddish fruits that are edible. A native of Florida, the tropical sea grape does well in areas of high salt and poor soil. It is commonly found in coastal hammocks, dunes and beaches of South Florida and the Keys." - https://sofia.usgs.gov/virtual_tour/blowingrocks/
Enjoy some kitschy Florida fun at Harry & The Natives, a joint beloved by locals and tourists alike. This little diner is chock full of funky decor touches and serves up down-home cookin' that'll fill you up. The menu is just as quirky as the atmosphere, featuring classics like coconut pancakes and burgers along with more adventurous offerings like gator hash and conch fritters. They have a full bar, so you can easily spend some time here, especially if there's live music going on.
As you make your way up the Treasure Coast, stop into the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. It's the best place to get up close and personal with the marine life that makes Florida so unique. There's a game fish lagoon, a sea turtle pavilion, a tank where you can touch delicate sea stars, a tank that displays rays and coral, plus nature trails and plenty of interactive displays to keep kids entertained (or edu-tained, rather). Check the schedule to see when the staff are giving talks and doing feedings to get the most out of a trip here. The Center does a ton of great work educating humans and protecting animals and their habitats, and every visit helps support them.
The Treasure Coast is filled with things to do. From unexpected adventures through former top-secret military camps to the best quiet beaches for relaxing, there's a lot to experience. Quaint small fishing towns, endangered wildlife, epic waves, and more are just a few of the gems that make the Treasure Coast so priceless.
