Our Treasure Coast
Whether you are visiting Florida's Treasure Coast or a newcomer to the area, find out more about the towns that make our little slice of heaven so special. From communities rich in nature, fishing, and water sports to havens for style, arts, and culture to downtown areas rooted in history and charm, the Treasure Coast is a unique part of the Florida coastline.
Sebastian - Indian River County
Sebastian is a laid-back community nestled between Vero Beach and Melbourne, along the Indian River Lagoon. Sebastian Inlet is one of Florida’s premier fishing and surfing scenes with an array of activities for every kind of outdoor adventure seeker. Sebastian is also home to Pelican Island, the nation’s very first National Wildlife Refuge. Along the lagoon and downtown, you’ll find pristine waterways perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding and landlubbers will enjoy strolling through cool funky shops, waterfront restaurants, galleries, even a treasure museum.
Vero Beach - Indian River County
Vero is a graceful and stylish town located just south of Sebastian. It is a haven for golf, water sports, and culture. Peaceful beaches, museums, nature tours, and hotels make Vero Beach both a choice vacation destination and place to live. Vero Beach also offers abundant shopping from the Vero Beach Outlets near I95 to the delightful beachfront boutiques along Ocean Drive. Restaurants are also plentiful, offering a wide range of delectable cuisine to suit any budget and craving.
Fort Pierce- St. Lucie County
Often called the "Sunrise City," Fort Pierce is one of the oldest communities on Florida’s east coast. The revitalized downtown area situated on the Indian River Lagoon features old Florida charm with a plethora of entertainment, dining, and shopping. The Downtown Farmers' Market each Saturday is one of the largest in the region, attracting crowds from miles away. The Fort Pierce inlet and its newly renovated Jetty Park is a favorite for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Jensen Beach- Martin County
Jensen Beach, in Martin County, is a quaint beachside town in the southern region of Florida’s Treasure Coast. Eclectic boutiques, fine seafood, and water adventures are hallmarks of Jensen Beach. Once called the Pineapple Capital of the World, Jensen Beach still pays homage to a once-thriving pineapple industry during its annual pineapple festival each November.
Why the Treasure Coast?
Florida’s coastline, one of the country’s largest, is visited by more than 120 million people each year. Each of the state's coastal areas touts a name that describes something unique about it. Our area, including Sebastian, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, and Stuart, is known as the “Treasure Coast,” but why?
The term was "coined" by John J. Schumann Jr. and Harry J. Schultz of the Vero Beach Press Journal newspaper shortly after salvagers began recovering Spanish treasure off the coast in 1961. The discovery of treasure from the 1715 Treasure Fleet, lost in a hurricane near the Sebastian Inlet, was of major local importance and brought international attention to the area. Press Journal publisher Shumann and editor Schultz noted that there was no name for their area, which was between the well-known Gold Coast (Palm Beach to Miami to the south) and the Space Coast (Brevard County to the north). They started referring to their region as the "Treasure Coast" in the newspaper, and this use spread to the community.
Salvagers are not the only lucky souls to have recovered treasure from the fleet. To this day, every once in a while, lucky beachcombers have found coins and other artifacts that continue to wash up on our shores.
Although it’s possible, it is rare and those who do find these valuables can only keep them if they're found on land, not in the water. What is certain is that any time spent on our pristine shores is a treasure in and of itself! So soak in the sun and enjoy the infinite possibilities of your time on the Treasure Coast.