Hutchinson Island
On Hutchinson Island, in addition to pristine and uncrowded beaches, you will find the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, a research and educational center showcasing marine displays, hands-on exhibits, and walking trails. The Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge Museum, built in 1875 and the oldest structure in Martin County, holds interesting treasures from yester-year. Originally a refuge for shipwrecked sailors, the Museum preserves lifesaving equipment and maritime exhibits from the 1500s. The Elliott Museum houses the inventions of Sterling Elliot as well as Indian artifacts, contemporary art and classic automobiles. One of 10 Best Beaches in the U.S. for Families (named by TripAdvisor in 2007), Bathtub Reef Beach, also rests on the southern end of Hutchinson Island.