The hidden gem Florida destination ranked as the best coastal small town in America

The Sunshine State is home to a wealth of attractive destinations, but one small town has quietly racked up the accolades while remaining largely under the radar.

But the Treasure Coast gem is starting to shine brighter since it was named America’s Best Small Coastal Town.

Stuart, Martin County has long been known to saltwater anglers for the abundance of billfish in the rich waters of the St. Lucie River.

But the town’s population of 18,000 is likely to grow as word spreads about the area’s attractions.

“Most residents would say living in Stuart, Florida, feels like a perpetual vacation,” according to Treasure Coast MLS Search.

The city is the oldest and perhaps best known as the “Sailfish Capital of America.” Its history dates back to 1938, when a group of sportscasters were invited on a fishing trip and over 1,000 of the creatures were caught.

“In the 1940s and 1950s, this was the most sailfish-catching spot in the world,” Capt. VJ Bell told Florida Travel & Life.

“And we still have days here that rival fishing anywhere in the world, with periods where you can catch double digits of sailfish for days on end.”

Visit Florida recently named it “America’s Happiest Coastal Town,” but it was USA Today’s naming it America’s Best Small Coastal Town earlier this year that put it in the spotlight.

Stuart beat out competitors such as Pismo Beach in California, Saugatuck in Michigan and Newport in Rhode Island by offering a “tranquility and charm rarely found in more densely populated areas.”

“When I think of Stuart, the first thing that comes to mind is the abundance of water,” said local realtor Maria Wells.

‘Stuart offers breathtaking natural beauty with its pristine beaches, scenic waterways and lush vegetation.’

Eight separate beaches and the Sailfish Splash Waterpark add to the appeal, as does what Discover Martin County boasts as “the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere.”

One hundred artificial reefs create a habitat for more than 800 fish species, preventing the sailfish from roaming free.

And the city’s abundance of marine life makes it a fitting home for the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, which has been educating visitors about the reef’s riches since 1964.

The city’s elevated riverwalk offers views of the beach for those who prefer to keep their feet dry. The Lyric Theatre, Stuart Heritage Museum and Elliott Museum are part of the thriving cultural offering.

Country star Jason Aldean made headlines when he paid $10.2 million for an oceanfront mansion in the Galleon Bay neighborhood in 2022.

But most homes remain slightly more affordable, with an average price of $406,128, according to Zillow, up 1.5 percent over the past year.

And the reviews on the website bestplaces.net seem to confirm the praise.

“This town still has that ‘village’ feel, low crime and good schools,” one person wrote.

“A great place for kids to grow up. Low taxes and home prices are finally recovering.”

‘Stuart is a place to visit if you want to relax and enjoy yourself without a horde of people to bother you with,’ wrote another. ‘If that’s what you’re looking for then I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

“A wonderful place to live,” concluded a third.

‘Most of our neighbors and we always get together informally on the terrace and chat.

‘The children all play together and that is allowed as long as they stay in our street. That is great.

‘Too many weird insects and scary poison frogs, but still fun.’