Introduction
Port Saint Lucie is a rapidly, growing city on Florida’s Treasure Coast full of winding neighborhoods, nature parks and gardens. It’s unusual in that, it has a population greater than that of Fort Lauderdale, but is primarily a suburban-style primarily residential community with very limited industrial or commercial development.
We frequently describe Port Saint Lucie as a giant sub division. Just a quick glance at the map will clarify what we mean by that. The city is not arranged in a grid pattern, but instead, is laid out with various meandering roads connecting residential communities.
If you happen to be moving to the area or just passing through, here are some ideas of activities and things to do for you and your family.
For great deals on even more things to eat, see, and do in Port Saint Lucie and across the Treasure Coast, then be sure to check out Groupon HERE.
Clover Park, Port Saint Lucie
Clover Park is the spring training facility for the New York Mets and home of the Saint Lucie Mets. It is probably the greatest draw for tourism in the area. It is not unusual for all of the hotels in the area to be full when the Mets are playing.
The stadium was built in 1998 and can seat 7,160 people. It’s an incredible facility, and even if you can’t make it for a game, we suggest you stop by anyway to check it out. Especially if you’re a baseball fan!
Saint Lucie West
Saint Lucie West is the commercial area which is located adjacent to Clover Park. Though this particular area is dotted with various gated communities, the primary zoning for this street is commercial. This is the location of a concentration of familiar chain restaurants and various retailers. Here you’ll find, WalMart, Party City, Staples, Sprouts, Publix, Burlington Coat Factory, Ross, TJ Maxx, Pet Supermarket, Aldi, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and more. There’s also a selection of casual dining options Golden Corral, Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse, Outback, Denny’s, and a few other local options. There are also familiar fast food favorites like Chick-fil-A, Pollo Tropical, Taco Bell, Arby’s Burger King, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, etc.
Tradition and Gatlin Boulevard
Tradition and Gatlin boulevard is just a short drive south from Clover Park and Saint Lucie West in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. This is an up and coming community which is currently rapidly developing with thousands of homes already approved for construction. While this area has a broadly developing residential base, it is also home to another concentration of chain stores and retailers. Here you’ll find Sam’s Club, Walmart, Target, Burlington, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, etc. There are also restaurants like PDQ, Panda Express, Chipotle, Miller’s Ale House, Long Horn, Olive Garden, and more.
This is a nice option to keep in mind if, while visiting Clover Park, the immediate surrounding restaurants of Saint Lucie West get too full.
Savannas Preserve State Park, Port Saint Lucie
Savannas Preserve State Park is definitely a highlight in Port Saint Lucie. It is definitely the place to go if you enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park features a nature center, picnic areas and playgrounds. It also has a butterfly house and nature trail. This is the perfect place to take the family for a fun day out! The Savannas Preserve actually has multiple entry points and locations. If you go at the right time of day perhaps early in the morning or later in the evening a little before the park closes, then it can be a great place to spot alligators in the natural habitat.
Port Saint Lucie Botanical Gardens
The Port Saint Lucie Botanical Gardens is a beautiful little oasis right in the middle of this city. Located in a natural setting, the various plants, flowers, and trees make it the perfect place to take photos, take a relaxing walk, and even have a picnic. You can also learn about different types of native Florida plants. While it is a fairly new botanical garden as of the time of this writing, there are several nice collections which have been beautifully landscaped in the area which is presently developed, AND there is plenty of space zoned for future development. This is also a great event or wedding venue location.
Ox Bow Eco-Center, Port Saint Lucie
Ox Bow Eco-Center is a nature center designed to help you learn about the local ecosystem. The staff at Ox Bow Eco-Center will introduce visitors to native plants, animals, and ecosystems that can be found in Port Saint Lucie. You’ll also learn how to identify some of these species as well as their habitats. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities like making bird feeders or planting native flowers in an effort to help restore Port Saint Lucie’s natural beauty!
Casa Amigos
We could never write an article about a city with a great Mexican restaurant and not include it. While we realize that this is a restaurant and not a “thing to do” (as in an attraction or an activity), it is our absolute favorite Mexican restaurant on the entire Florida Treasure Coast.
We appreciate the quick service, the delicious food, and the generous portion sizes. If you’re not given to a large appetite, you’re probably going to want to share. The fajitas for two is enough to feed our entire family with a little bit left over.
Click here for a full ranking of our favorite restaurants on the entire Treasure Coast.
Conclusion
While we realize that there are a limited number of interesting localized attractions in the area, we hope this list of things to do in Port Saint Lucie helped you find some new places to explore, and one great thing about Port Saint Lucie is that its centralized location gives you quick access via the turnpike and I-4 to many of the other exciting things the state has to offer!
For great deals on even more things to eat, see, and do in Port Saint Lucie and across the Treasure Coast, then be sure to check out Groupon HERE.
Also, be sure to check out nearby Fort Pierce to the north, and nearby Jensen Beach or Stuart to the south!