Hutchinson Island

Hutchinson Island: Pristine Beachside Living

Part of Florida's "Treasure Coast," Hutchinson Island spans 23 miles of beautiful coastal living in Saint Lucie County and Martin County. 

Outdoor Living on Hutchinson Island

Hutchinson Island features some of Florida's most pristine beaches. The island is home to plenty of beautiful beaches, like Stuart Beach, Blue Heron Beach, and South Beach Park, giving access to lazy days on the beach. Several parks also surround the island, including Savannas Preserve State Park and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, providing hiking trails, birdwatching, and scenic picnic areas.

Residents also enjoy year-round recreation, from boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the Indian River Lagoon to surfing and snorkeling in the clear Atlantic waters. The waters are also perfect for sport fishing and deep-sea fishing, keeping anglers busy all year.

History & Local Attractions

Hutchinson Island has a rich history, making it perfect for history buffs. Before being settled by Spain in the 16th Century, the area was home to the Ais Native American tribe. Once the Spanish arrived, the area became a hub for pirate activity. James Hutchinson, the original grant holder for the island for which it's named, reported issues with passing pirates as his family tried to settle the island. Additionally, a shipwreck off the coast in the 1700s is rumored to have Spanish gold, which beachgoers would search for as they walked the beach.

In 1827, the island was bought by the U.S., and after centuries of being farmland, the first condos began to pop up around the late 1950s. Today, history buffs can get a glimpse into the island's past at the House of Refuge Museum, the oldest surviving building in Martin County. Guests can tour the lifesaving equipment from years past, as the house was used to rescue stranded sailors.

Hospital and Healthcare in Hutchinson Island

For hospital and healthcare services, residents need to travel to the mainland. From the island's center, HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital in Port St. Lucie, and Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital are all around 25 minutes away.

Airports and Transportation

South Ocean Drive, or Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway, is the main road to get up and down Hutchinson Island. Towards the southern end of the island, it becomes Northeast Ocean Boulevard and takes drivers across Ernest Lyons Bridge to get to the city of Stuart on the mainland. Additionally, the northern section of the road crosses Fort Pierce South Bridge, connecting to Fort Pierce on the mainland. Hutchinson Island and Jensen Island are also connected by Northeast Causway Boulevard and the Frank A Wacha Bridge.

For flights, Vero Beach Regional Airport is 45 minutes away, providing regional flights. For more expansive flight options, Palm Beach International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes south of Hutchinson Island, whereas Melbourne Orlando International Airport is approximately an hour and 20 minutes north.

Why Choose Hutchinson Island

For those seeking a balance of coastal adventure and relaxed Florida living, Hutchinson Island delivers an unmatched quality of life along one of the state’s most beautiful stretches of shoreline. With a median property tax rate of 1.55% in Martin County and 1.42% in St. Lucie County, it makes a strong candidate for Florida beach living.