Seeking advice for a visitor (Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach: rent, condos, homes)

[Burb]

In a couple weeks I'm heading to Port St. Lucie primarily to visit family. We're staying at Marriott Hutchinson Island Oceanside/Jensen Beach. We have a 9 year old girl, reccomendations welcome on where to take her. We've done Disney twice, what else should a NYer see while in the area, geared to a 9 year old?

[TriMT7]

How far are you willing to travel? There is Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach that is always fun for kids.

[Denise in Fla]

When I lived in the area I took my grandson here. At certain times of the day you can feed the stingrays (barbs removed) and an interactive hands on aquarium that kids can enjoy.

Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Science Center
772-225-0505
89C NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart

[2goldens]

I enjoyed the early Sat morning flea market in TC at the water dock. Someone here can give you more detail information on this place than me. I did see children face painting.

Also, pick up the Sunday newspaper with listed activities for the week.

[stevep111]

If she is into shopping you can take her down to West Palm Beach they have a lot of great malls. Other than the beach not much else. There is a Manatee visitor center in Ft Pierce. It is next to a flea market that is open on Saturdays. Take I-95 north exit Orange Ave, go East until it crosses US 1, park and it is on the water just north of the parking lot. Nice area to walk around and some good places to eat.

In Martin County there might be places to go Horse Back riding but you would have to look that up.

[runswithscissors]

Vero Beach Riverside Theater has children's theater and runs plays geared towards kids all summer. Havent' checked lately since I dont have young kids. Not exactly a Florida type vacation activity but kids love plays.

[FlaLadyB]

Originally Posted by stevep111

If she is into shopping you can take her down to West Palm Beach they have a lot of great malls. Other than the beach not much else. There is a Manatee visitor center in Ft Pierce. It is next to a flea market that is open on Saturdays. Take I-95 north exit Orange Ave, go East until it crosses US 1, park and it is on the water just north of the parking lot. Nice area to walk around and some good places to eat.

In Martin County there might be places to go Horse Back riding but you would have to look that up.

Actually if you are staying on Hut Island all you have to do to get where this poster was talking about is to continue up the road you are on and it comes out right at Seaway and US#1. No need to go the long way around.

I'm sorry to say that Hut Island is geared to an older client and not to children with the exception of the beach. The only reason I would even go to Hutchinson is the beaches, or fishing along the river. Most of it is condos and homes with small groups of strip centers.

[FlaLadyB]

Found your horseback riding...
FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL PARK: 3500 South A1A, Fort Pierce. 1,040 feet of beach with 175 parking spaces. Amenities: No restrooms; picnic tables; lifeguards (seasonal); horseback riding allowed; outdoor showers; hitching posts. What you should know: This is the only beach in St. Lucie County that allows horseback riding. To obtain a permit or for more information, call St. Lucie County Parks and Recreation at (772) 462-1521.

[stevep111]

Is it really faster to drive up Hutchinson Island? The view should be great in places. I only gave that route because it seemed the easiest way to get there. If your route is quicker then it is definately better. Do they rent horses at this place?

[FlaLadyB]

Its a LOT faster - no comparison. There are no traffic lights or many other drivers. Comes right out at Seaway and US#1, or take a left right before US#1 for the market you mentioned and the Manatee Visitor center.

As for the horse riding, call the number. I have no idea. First I knew of it myself and I like horses! LOL!!