A beach day on the Treasure Coast usually ends the same way: salty, sunburned and not quite ready to go home. Here is how to turn a day at the beach in Stuart, FL into a full evening.
Pick your beach
Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island has lifeguards and an easy boardwalk, close to the Elliott Museum.
Bathtub Reef Beach is known for calm, shallow water protected by a reef, which makes it popular with families and snorkelers.
Jensen Beach is a quick drive north, with its own small downtown nearby.
House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar, on Hutchinson Island, is a historic lifesaving station on the rocks. It is worth a stop on the way back.
Freshen up, then catch the sunset
Head back over the causeway toward downtown Stuart. The Riverwalk along the St. Lucie River is a great place to watch the sunset after a day on the ocean side.
Unwind at 999 Lounge & Bar
999 Lounge & Bar on SE Federal Hwy is a laid-back place to end a beach day. The seating is comfortable, and it is open until 2 AM every day.
Cool down with a tropical cocktail. The Malibu Barbie, Pina Colada Spritz and Krazy Kiwi Punch ($15 each) taste like vacation. See the full drink menu.
Stay hydrated. Order a craft mocktail, water or Gatorade.
Share a hookah ($35). The easiest way to keep the group together a little longer.
Grab a bite. The kitchen serves Thai wings, pad thai and small plates Tuesday to Sunday until 10:30 PM.
Play free pool. Settle who won the beach volleyball game.
Beach day plan
Morning and afternoon at Stuart Beach or Bathtub Reef Beach.
Quick stop at the House of Refuge or the Elliott Museum.
Sunset on the Stuart Riverwalk.
Evening drinks, hookah and pool at 999.
999 Lounge & Bar is at 4245 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart, FL 34997, a short drive from the Hutchinson Island beaches. Open every day, 11 AM to 2 AM. Call (772) 291-2635.
