Stuart - Still known as the home of the Greatest Show on Earth, Sarasota is now an affluent waterside town and the cultural capital of Florida. Perhaps circus mogul John Ringling anticipated Sarasota’s potential when he chose to move to the quiet town in 1910. Ringling left an indelible mark on this city in the Ringling Museum of Art, which containing a collection of Baroque art by the likes of Hals and Velázquez, as well as Ca' d'Zan, his former home.  Sarasota boasts some of the Gulf Coast’s top dining and nightlife destinations. Beautiful stretches of coastline feature crystal clear waters and plenty of space to bask in the sun.

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center  Stuart

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center STUART The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located on Hutchinson Island. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the 40 acre parcel houses the Society's headquarters, library, nature trails, Children's Activity Pavilion, Rays on the Reef Ray Pavilion and the Frances Langford Visitor's Center. With its coastal hardwood hammocks and mangrove forest communities, the site provides excellent opportunities for education and research aimed at increasing the general knowledge of these unique environments.
Guided Nature Walk  The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is on a 40 acre site. There is a mile long loop trail that travels through the xeric hammocks, the hardwood hammocks, the mangrove marsh and takes you down to the shores of the Indian River Lagoon. Along the trail you will learn about the plants and animals that live on Hutchinson Island, the importance of the mangrove marsh, the Ays Indians that once lived on the Island and the wonderful Indian River Lagoon.
Eco-boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon   Come out and explore the most diverse estuary in North America with Captain Nancy Beaver on the “Sirenia”, a 35 ft. pontoon boat. The boat’s shallow water design lets you get up close to the wildlife without damaging the precious seagrass beds. On the trip you have an opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife. You will also have discovery scopes to examine microscopic plankton and examples of common lagoon animals.

890 NE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida 34996  (772) 225-0555

Hours  Monday through Saturday   10AM to 5PM, Nature trail closes at 4PM
Sunday  12PM to 4PM, Nature trail closes at 3PM