Florida’s hidden gem has been ranked as the best coastal small town in America

The Sunshine State has no shortage of enticing travel destinations, but one small town has been quietly garnering plenty of praise without attracting attention.

But the Treasure Coast jewel now shines even brighter after being named America’s Most Beautiful Coastal Town.

Stuart in Martin County has long been known among sea anglers for the abundance of sailfish in the fish-rich waters off the St. Lucie River.

But the city’s population of 18,000 is likely to grow even further as word spreads about the attractions inland.

“Most residents would say that life in Stuart, Florida, feels like an endless vacation,” notes Treasure Coast MLS Search.

The city is the oldest and perhaps most famous city in the world and has been known as the “Sailfish Capital of America” since 1938. It has been a magnet for generations of sea anglers ever since.

But the long-overlooked attractions of the inland are finally coming to light

The city’s oldest and perhaps most well-known claim to fame is that it is considered the “Sailfish Capital of America,” which dates back to 1938, when a group of sports reporters were invited on a fishing trip that resulted in more than 1,000 of the creatures being reeled in.

“In the ’40s and ’50s, this was the most productive place for sailfish in the world,” Captain VJ Bell told Florida Travel & Life.

“And we still have days here that rival fishing anywhere, with stretches where you can catch double-digit numbers of sailfish for days.”

Visit Florida recently named the city the “Happiest Coastal Town in America,” but it wasn’t until USA Today named it America’s Best Coastal Small Town earlier this year that it was thrust into the spotlight.

Stuart beat off competition from places like Pismo Beach in California, Saugatuck in Michigan and Newport in Rhode Island by offering “a tranquility and charm that are hard to find in more densely populated areas.”

“When I think of Stuart, the first thing that comes to mind is its abundance of water,” says local real estate agent Maria Wells.

“Stuart offers stunning 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 Discover Martin County, which boasts the “most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere.”

The Banyan Tree Tunnel on St. Lucie Blvd offers an unparalleled commute for some

The Stuart Heritage Museum illustrates the city’s history, dating back to Spanish pirate ships.

The city has less than 20,000 inhabitants, but interest from home buyers is increasing

The city’s river promenade offers views of the beach for those who prefer to keep their feet dry

To ensure that the sailfish is not alone, 100 artificial reefs create a habitat for over 800 species of fish.

And because of the diverse aquatic fauna, the city is a suitable location for the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, which has been educating visitors about the riches of the reefs since 1964.

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

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

However, most homes remain somewhat more affordable: According to Zillow, the average price is $406,128, up 1.5 percent over the past year.

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

“This city still has a small town feel, low crime rate and good schools,” wrote one.

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

“Stuart is a place to visit if you want to relax and have a good time without having to deal with a horde of people,” wrote another. “If that’s what you’re looking for, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”