Welcome to Bathtub Beach, Florida. Originally named as Stuart Beach, this beach is more well known as Bathtub Beach. The reason why it’s called Bathtub Beach is because of the reef that exists under the water, which is the largest living Sabellariidae worm reef in the whole country. The reefs itself makes the water like a bathtub during calm weather.
If you’re planning to visit Bathtub Beach in Florida and have no plan on what attractions you should check out near the beach, we got you! You can go to Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, which is only 4 minutes away by walking. In this place, you can learn more about the ocean and this organization’s mission on protecting the coastal ecosystem in Florida.
With only USD 12 admission fee for adults, you can visit this place and join their programs, such as stingray feeding program, gamefish feeding program, sea turtle program, and nature trail.
After you visited Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, you may want to go to The House of Refuge Museum, which is only about 2 miles away from the beach. It is the oldest surviving building in Marin County, which makes it historical. The building itself was built in 1876, serving as a place for shipwrecked sailors and travelers along the coastline of Florida.
If you want to do something else out of the beach area free of charge, you can visit Indian Riverside Park. This park is closer to Jensen Beach actually, but it’s only 9 minutes away from Bathtub Beach by driving. You can stroll along the boardwalk, enjoying the view of fishing piers and gardens. You can also use the picnic spots there.
We dare say that Bathtub Beach or Stuart Beach is a happy place in Florida. It’s a perfect place to take a stroll along the shoreline, enjoying the clean, soft sand as well as the beautiful view of the ocean. Just by visiting, you will know that you want to spend some quiet, peaceful time in here.
There are also picnic areas around the beach, so you can bring your own food and drink and spend quality picnicking time with your friends or by yourself. You will also see a beach volleyball courts and basketball courts.
If you prefer a water sport, you can do snorkeling or diving in this beach. You will be able to see the Sabellariidae worm reef under the water, along with many sea creatures. You don’t have to worry so much about being carried by the waves, since the reefs are making the sea calmer. The pristine water makes what’s underwater even more beautiful.
Visitors are urged to pay attention to their own safety. While there’s nothing particular you should worry about, you should not put yourself in danger on purpose. There are lifeguards around the beach that would be more than happy to let you know if the beach’s condition is safe enough or not for you to swim in. When the beach is too dangerous to be visited (because of erosion, for example), the local County Commissioners will close the beach at all until it’s become safe enough to be visited again.
If you want to do snorkeling under the Bathtub Beach’s water, we recommend you to come early in the morning when the beach and the reef is less crowded. In this beach, the parking lots are known to fill up quickly.
Looking for a place where you can rent the water sports equipment? You can go to Beach Water Sports. It is a store near Bathtub Beach which rents such equipment such as jet ski, kayak, and boat rentals. The staffs are extremely helpful and knowledgeable so don’t worry to ask them if it’s your first time trying the water sport. The prices for renting the equipment is also affordable.
If you need a place to stay overnight near Bathtub Beach, you can go to Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa. This resort has a perfect seaside view, not to mention that the design of the building itself is coastal-inspired. You will be pleased by their decent amenities as well, such as direct access to pristine beach, two heated outdoor pools, hot tub, full service spa, and many more.
Another pick of hotel you may want to check out is Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina. This hotel is also in a very close distance to the beach, not to mention that there are mini golf area, tennis court, and tiki bars around the resort.
Feeling hungry? We picked two restaurants you must visit while you’re around Bathtub Beach! First is Prawnbroker Grill. This place serves sunset menu, banquet lunch package, and banquet dinner package. You will feel welcomed with the restaurant’s indoor setting, which looks like an old English pub. A must try indeed.
Another restaurant we pick for you is Ital Bowls. This restaurant is only 10 minutes away by walking from Bathtub Beach and serves healthy foods such as organic bowls, smoothies, and coffee. Their signature food is acai organic bowl. Try their food and you will feel refreshed to continue your Florida beach journey!
Visiting Bathtub beach means that you should taste the local food of Martin County. If you’re here, you should try their local menu such as seafood which you can find easily in the restaurants in this area. Other than that, you may want to try their street corn, seasonal oysters, blackened gulf shrimp with grits, pimento cheese, and slab bacon. While you’re there try their local beer as well!
Looking for a place to relax and hangout with local people? Go to Carsons Tavern! They have the friendliest staffs and delicious food. There is also weekly live performance, as well as broad choice of drinks, served by the most efficient bartender.
Another place you must check out is The Magic Oyster Bar. Just like the name of the bar, they serve delicious oyster which will satisfy your tastebuds! The prices of the food are affordable and the staffs are very kind and attentive. If you don’t eat seafood, don’t worry, because they also serve other menu such as burgers, chicken, and grilled cheese.