Port St. Lucie is younger than most of the retirees who live there. It was incorporated by a for-profit development corporation in 1961.
Port St. Lucie (or PSL as it’s occasionally abbreviated) epitomizes the “New Florida” planned community with a mix of housing options, aesthetically pleasing landscaping and consistent architectural designs. There are also amenities galore, wide sidewalks and walking trails and abundant centralized shopping.
Despite its name, there is no actual port in Port St. Lucie—a curious remnant of early development plans that never came to fruition.
Bypassed by development, the St. Lucie River meanders through the older part of the city, offering several access points for nature enthusiasts.
Tradition Square: A Modern Community Hub for Port St. Lucie
Just off I-95, at the heart of Port St. Lucie’s western side, lies Tradition Square, a lively and pedestrian-friendly area that embodies the city’s contemporary spirit.
This hub features a modern take on small-town architecture, green spaces, boutique shops, diverse dining options and every imaginable big-block store.
It’s easy to see why retirees flock to the town, and equally understandable how the area conjures up an image from the movie, The Stepford Wives.
PGA Golf Club Village: Port St. Lucie’s Golfer’s Paradise
For golf enthusiasts, near Tradition Square is the renowned PGA Golf Club Village. This massive destination boasts 54 holes of championship golf designed by legends Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.
Ranked among the “75 Best Golf Resorts” by Golf Digest, the club offers challenging courses, a state-of-the-art practice facility and an immersive learning center.
Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just starting out, this world-class venue provides an unforgettable experience.
Best Places to Stay in Port St. Lucie
Clover Park: Mets Baseball and Beyond
For Major League Baseball fans, head over to Clover Park, the only Spring Training ballpark north of Palm Beach on Florida’s East Coast.
Clover Park is the Spring Training home of the New York Mets and the summer base for the St. Lucie Mets, a Single-A minor league team.
This versatile 8,000-seat stadium also hosts community events such as concerts, festivals, and baseball tournaments.
Oxbow Eco-Center: A Natural Retreat
Photo by R.C. Staab
Nature lovers will find solace at the Oxbow Eco-Center, a 225-acre preserve along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. This environmental learning center features eight nature trails winding through diverse ecosystems like hydric hammocks and pine flatwoods.
Visitors can enjoy boardwalks, observation decks and picnic areas while spotting wildlife such as gopher tortoises and sandhill cranes.
The center also offers educational programs, guided hikes and kayak trips to deepen your connection with Florida’s natural beauty.
Petravice Family Preserve: A Hidden Gem
Photo courtesy of the Petravice Family Preserve.
On the opposite side of the St. Lucie River is the Petravice Family Preserve, one of Port St. Lucie’s newest natural areas.
Launch your kayak, paddleboard, or canoe into the river to observe local wildlife. With its tranquil setting and rich biodiversity, this preserve is perfect for those seeking a peaceful place to escape.
Pioneer Park and Riverwalk: Riverside Charm
The most popular place, along with the St. Lucie River, is Pioneer Park. The park features renovated historic homes, playgrounds for children and a scenic boardwalk that extends along the riverfront under Port St. Lucie Boulevard Bridge.
The walkway provides stunning views and a relaxing spot for walkers and joggers. Plans are well underway for waterfront dining.
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens: A Floral Oasis
Adjacent to Pioneer Park is the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Although only 20 acres in size, the retreat features specialty areas, including the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden and the Palm Garden. Experience bromeliads, orchids, native plants and more.
Admission is donation-based, making it an accessible destination for all visitors. The gardens host bi-monthly jazz nights where guests can enjoy live music amidst blooming flowers—a unique blend of culture and nature.
Savannas Preserve State Park: Florida’s Wild Side
Spanning over 7,000 acres, Savannas Preserve State Park protects southeast Florida’s largest freshwater marsh ecosystem. The park includes pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and rare plant species like the fragrant prickly-apple cactus found nowhere else in the world.
Visitors can hike nearly 17 miles of multi-use trails or bring a canoe to explore this biodiverse haven teeming with wildlife such as alligators, scrub jays, and sandhill cranes.
Getting to Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie straddles I-95, about halfway between Melbourne to the north and West Palm Beach to the south. Beachgoers head east across the Indian River Lagoon to Ft Pierce, the other main city in St. Lucie County.
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Author Bio: For more than 40 years, R.C. Staab has been a tourism and culture expert who has been quoted by and had photos published in numerous publications, including the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, the LA Times and CNN. He wrote 100 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore Before You Die, now in its second printing, and is a frequent contributor to New Jersey Monthly magazine. His book, New York City Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for New York City’s Hidden Treasures, explores Manhattan from Battery Park to Washington Heights. He lives in New York and Florida with his wife, Valari, and dog, Skye.
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