Florida’s Treasure Coast is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and serene communities that offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re yearning for a place where tranquil surroundings meet unspoiled natural beauty, then look no further. From hidden barrier islands to quaint fishing villages, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the most secluded towns in this picturesque region.
Each one provides a unique blend of charm and tranquility, making them perfect destinations for a quiet getaway or even a new place to call home.
10. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park Area: Nature’s Secluded Getaway
The area around Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude by the sea. With a sparse local population, this coastal gem offers pristine beaches, untouched dunes, and a rich variety of wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy activities like surfing, snorkeling, and exploring coastal trails without the crowds typically found in more popular destinations. The main attractions revolve around ecotourism and conservation, with efforts made to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Its seclusion is due to the protected lands that limit development, ensuring a peaceful environment where you can truly disconnect.
Where is Fort Pierce Inlet State Park?
Located on North Hutchinson Island in St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park sits at the northern end of the Fort Pierce Inlet. The park’s isolation is enhanced by the surrounding waterways and lack of major roadways directly accessing the area.
To get there, you can take a scenic drive along A1A, crossing over causeways that offer breathtaking views of the Indian River Lagoon. The park’s geographic position creates a natural barrier, making it feel like a tucked-away sanctuary along Florida’s coastline.
9. Lakewood Park: Seclusion Near Natural Preserves
Lakewood Park is a quiet residential community with a population of around 12,000, offering a serene atmosphere close to nature. Nestled near the Indrio Savannahs Preserve, residents have easy access to hiking trails, birdwatching spots, and unspoiled wetlands.
The area is primarily residential, with local businesses catering to the community’s needs, contributing to its peaceful vibe. What makes Lakewood Park secluded is the abundance of green spaces and the absence of commercial overdevelopment, allowing residents to enjoy a tranquil lifestyle amid natural surroundings.
Where is Lakewood Park?
Situated in northern St. Lucie County, Lakewood Park lies just west of the Indian River Lagoon and is bordered by several nature preserves. Its seclusion is heightened by the vast stretches of undeveloped land and the lack of major tourist attractions nearby.
Access is typically via I-95 or U.S. Highway 1, followed by peaceful drives through residential areas. The community’s location away from bustling city centers makes it a hidden enclave for those seeking quiet living on the Treasure Coast.
8. Rio: A Tiny Hamlet with Old Florida Charm
Rio is a charming, unincorporated community with a population of just over 1,000 residents. Nestled along the St. Lucie River, it boasts a rich history and a close-knit community feel. Locals enjoy boating, fishing, and leisurely strolls through the neighborhood’s quaint streets lined with historic homes.
There are few commercial businesses, which helps maintain its quiet ambiance. Rio’s seclusion comes from its small size and the surrounding waterways, providing a peaceful retreat reminiscent of Old Florida.
Where is Rio?
Located in Martin County, Rio sits just north of Stuart and is easily accessible via Dixie Highway. Despite its proximity to larger towns, Rio feels worlds apart due to its riverside location and lack of through traffic.
Visitors often overlook this gem, adding to its secluded nature. To reach Rio, take Jensen Beach Boulevard east from U.S. Highway 1, then turn onto Dixie Highway South, where you’ll find this hidden hamlet tucked away along the river’s edge.
7. Orchid Island: Exclusive and Secluded Barrier Island
Orchid Island is an exclusive barrier island community known for its luxury estates and unspoiled beaches. Home to a small, affluent population, the island offers a tranquil retreat where residents enjoy private beach access, world-class golf courses, and upscale amenities.
The primary industries are residential real estate and hospitality, with strict development codes preserving the island’s natural beauty. Its seclusion is a result of limited access points and a commitment to low-density living, allowing for an intimate connection with the coastal environment.
Where is Orchid Island?
Part of Indian River County, Orchid Island lies east of Vero Beach and is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Its isolation is enhanced by the fact that it’s accessible primarily via bridges from the mainland, with no major highways running through it.
To get there, you can cross the Wabasso Bridge on County Road 510, which offers stunning views of the lagoon. The island’s geography and controlled entry points contribute to its secluded and exclusive atmosphere.
6. Wabasso: The Hidden Gem by the Indian River
Wabasso is a small community that offers a glimpse into Florida’s quieter side. With a modest population, it provides a peaceful setting along the Indian River, where residents and visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and exploring local wildlife refuges.
The area is known for the historic Wabasso Bridge and the nearby Environmental Learning Center, which educates about the region’s unique ecosystems. Limited commercial development and a focus on preserving natural habitats contribute to Wabasso’s secluded feel, making it a hidden gem worth discovering.
Where is Wabasso?
Located in Indian River County, Wabasso sits just north of Vero Beach along U.S. Highway 1. Its seclusion arises from the surrounding conservation areas and the absence of densely populated neighborhoods.
To reach Wabasso, you can take State Road 510 east from U.S. Highway 1, crossing over the Indian River Lagoon. The tranquil drive and the scenic surroundings underscore the peacefulness of this tucked-away community on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
5. Port Salerno: A Secluded Fishing Village
Port Salerno is a quaint village with deep roots in Florida’s fishing industry. With a population of about 10,000, it maintains a small-town atmosphere where seafood markets, marinas, and art galleries line the waterfront.
Locals and visitors enjoy fresh catches, boating excursions, and the annual Seafood Festival that celebrates the town’s maritime heritage. The main industries are commercial fishing and tourism, but the area remains unspoiled by large-scale development. Port Salerno’s seclusion is preserved through its commitment to embracing its fishing village identity and the absence of high-rise buildings.
Where is Port Salerno?
Situated in Martin County, Port Salerno lies just south of Stuart along the shores of the Manatee Pocket, an inlet of the St. Lucie River. Its location away from major highways contributes to its secluded nature.
Access is via local roads like Southeast Dixie Highway, which meander through residential neighborhoods and along the waterfront. The town’s tucked-away position and the surrounding waterways create a natural barrier, ensuring a peaceful environment that feels miles away from the hustle of larger cities.
4. Indiantown: Rural Charm Away from the Coast
Indiantown offers a rustic retreat with a population of around 6,000 people. Located inland, it provides a different perspective on the Treasure Coast with its rich agricultural heritage and expansive rural landscapes.
Visitors can experience rodeos at Timer Powers Park, explore the historic Seminole Inn, or enjoy equestrian activities at local ranches. The primary industries are agriculture and cattle ranching, contributing to the area’s laid-back, country feel. Indiantown’s seclusion comes from its distance from coastal developments and the expansive open spaces that surround it.
Where is Indiantown?
Nestled in western Martin County, Indiantown is approximately 20 miles inland from the coast. Its location off State Road 710 makes it accessible yet removed from the main tourist routes.
The town’s isolation is enhanced by the surrounding farms and natural areas like Dupuis Management Area. To get there, you can take State Road 76 west from Stuart or State Road 710 from Palm Beach County. The journey through Florida’s scenic countryside sets the tone for the peaceful experience that awaits in Indiantown.
3. Sewall’s Point: The Quiet Peninsular Retreat
Sewall’s Point is an exclusive community situated on a peninsula, offering a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. With approximately 2,000 residents, the town is characterized by elegant homes nestled among lush vegetation and surrounded by water on three sides.
Activities revolve around boating, enjoying private docks, and leisurely strolls through picturesque neighborhoods. There is minimal commercial development, preserving its residential charm. Sewall’s Point’s seclusion is a result of its geography and the deliberate efforts to maintain a peaceful, upscale environment.
Where is Sewall’s Point?
Located in Martin County between the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon, Sewall’s Point is south of Fort Pierce and north of Jupiter Island. Its peninsular position limits access to a few main roads, enhancing its isolated feel.
You can reach it via East Ocean Boulevard from Stuart, crossing scenic causeways. The surrounding waterways not only provide stunning views but also act as natural buffers, keeping Sewall’s Point quietly removed from the more bustling areas nearby.
2. Hobe Sound: Serenity Amidst Coastal Landscapes
Hobe Sound is a tranquil community boasting a population of around 14,000. Nestled between Jonathan Dickinson State Park and the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, it offers pristine beaches, lush parks, and a charming downtown area with local boutiques and eateries.
Residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and beachcombing in a serene environment. With no major industries dominating the landscape, Hobe Sound maintains a peaceful ambiance. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding protected lands that limit overdevelopment.
Where is Hobe Sound?
Situated in southern Martin County, Hobe Sound lies along U.S. Highway 1 between Stuart and Jupiter. Its secluded feel comes from the extensive natural areas that envelop the town, providing buffers from urban sprawl.
Access is convenient yet unobtrusive, with picturesque drives through state parks and along oceanfront roads. To get there, you can take Interstate 95 to Exit 96 and head east, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty that defines Hobe Sound.
1. Jupiter Island: A Hidden Paradise of Luxury and Nature
Jupiter Island is the epitome of secluded luxury, with a small population of less than 1,000 residents who enjoy unmatched privacy and natural beauty. The island is renowned for its stunning beachfront estates, protected natural areas, and a commitment to low-density living.
Activities include golfing at exclusive clubs, relaxing on secluded beaches, and exploring conservation lands that house diverse wildlife. There are no commercial industries on the island, preserving its residential exclusivity. The seclusion of Jupiter Island is carefully maintained through strict zoning laws and limited public access, making it a hidden paradise.
Where is Jupiter Island?
Located along the southeastern coast of Florida in Martin County, Jupiter Island stretches between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Its isolation is enhanced by the restricted access points and the preservation of natural habitats.
Reaching Jupiter Island typically involves crossing one of the few bridges from the mainland, such as the Hobe Sound Bridge on Bridge Road. The journey underscores the transition from the everyday world to an exclusive enclave where nature and luxury coexist harmoniously.
