Central East Florida

One of Florida's most hidden secrets, the so-called Treasure Coast gets its name from a colonial Spanish treasure fleet that lies on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean just off its shoreline. But one finds equal treasure in its natural and watersports opportunities. The region encompasses two counties and the islands of North Hutchinson and Hutchinson. North Hutchinson begins at Sebastian Inlet, known for its superlative surfing and annual competitions. Vero Beach is the island's biggest city, which spreads onto the mainland and has a reputation for art and as the winter home to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fort Pierce and Stuart, the region's ...

One of Florida's most hidden secrets, the so-called Treasure Coast gets its name from a colonial Spanish treasure fleet that lies on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean just off its shoreline. But one finds equal treasure in its natural and watersports opportunities. The region encompasses two counties and the islands of North Hutchinson and Hutchinson. North Hutchinson begins at Sebastian Inlet, known for its superlative surfing and annual competitions. Vero Beach is the island's biggest city, which spreads onto the mainland and has a reputation for art and as the winter home to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fort Pierce and Stuart, the region's other metropolitan areas, are bigger cities with downtowns rooted in history. But the area is more about nature and watersports than it is about city life, particularly where vacationers are concerned. Jensen Beach represents its fun-in-the-sun side while Hobe Sound is surrounded by preserve land. Known as the "Sailfish Capital of the World," the area also attracts boating enthusiasts and divers, who scour reefs for rare marine life and shipwrecks for the chance of a gold doubloon. Small museums explore the region's treasure heritage, its Indian River citrus reputation, and its maritime role in Florida bygones.

About the Expert

Chelle Walton is coauthor of Fodor's Florida and author of Fodor's Compass American Guides: Florida and The Sarasota, Sanibel Island & Naples Book: A Complete Guide.