ATTRACTIONS

Amusements

• Manatee Observation and Education Center
  480 North Indian River Drive • Fort Pierce, FL 34950
  772-466-1600
  One of the foremost environmental educational facilities in the country, visitors to this facility can observe one of Florida's most treasured winter visitors, the West Indian Manatee, during its migratory period of November through April. An exhibition area, classrooms, observation tower, and gift shop are also on site. more...  map

Museums & Galleries

• Backus Gallery & Museum
  500 North Indian River Drive • Fort Pierce, FL 34950
  772-465-0630
  Established in 1960 by A.E. Backus, one of the most renowned landscape artists in America, this 5,000 square foot art facility features the largest display of original paintings by Backus in the nation plus features four additional exhibition wings that feature changing exhibits of artwork by contemporary Florida artists. more...  map

• St. Lucie County Historical Museum
  414 Seaway Drive • Fort Pierce, FL 34949
  772-462-1795
  Take a journey back to the days of the earliest settlers at this museum that is filled with artifacts from Spanish shipwrecks, military paraphernalia, and Seminole Indian relics. Visitors can also see Fort Pierce the way it looked in 1914 through a diorama, as well as a popular circa 1919 fire engine. more...  map

• UDT-SEAL Museum
  3300 North Highway A1A • Fort Pierce, FL 34949
  Located in Pepper Park
  772-595-1570
  The only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the elite fighting men of Naval Special Warfare, this museum is located on the exact site where the World War II Navy frogmen trained and displays weapons, demolition gear, parachutes, uniforms, photographs, and memorabilia from every era which depict the historical significance of those who served on the Navy's SEAL and Underwater Demolition Teams. more...  map

Parks, Gardens & Zoos

• Heathcote Botanical Gardens
  210 Savannah Road • Fort Pierce, FL 34982
  772-464-4672
  An intimate botanical garden that covers over three acres and contains some of the most revered tropical foliage and flowering plants in Florida, as well as numerous themed gardens. Year round classes, workshops, and tours on gardening and horticultural topics for children and adults are available. more...  map

Science & Technology

• FPL Energy Encounter Center
  6501 South Ocean Drive • Fort Pierce, FL 34950
  772-468-4111, 877-FPL-4FUN
  Both children and adults will be amazed at the power of nuclear energy and electricity while at this center that offers an electrifying learning experience. Over 30 interactive, hands-on displays on electricity, energy, nuclear power, and the environment are on site. Educational classes and workshops are available and many special events are held here throughout the year. more...  map

• Hallstrom Planetarium
  3209 Virginia Avenue • Fort Pierce, FL 34981
  Located at Indian River Community College
  772-462-4750
  An exciting educational planetarium that transports you to distant places and times and uses special effect projectors to tell stories about the planets and stars. There are 71 comfortable reclining seats with headrests on sites and a state-of-the-art Spitz automated star projector recreates the sky with the sun, moon, and planets magically appearing among the stars on the 40-foot domed ceiling. more...  map

• Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
  5600 U.S. Highway 1 North • Fort Pierce, FL 34946
  772-465-2400
  One of the leading oceanographic facilities in the world, this facility is spread over 500 riverfront acres and allows visitors to study marine sciences and ocean engineering. Tours are conducted Monday through Saturday of the campus and native wildlife, as well as wildlife boat tours on the Indian River Lagoon. more...  map

• Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit
  420 Seaway Drive • Fort Pierce, FL 34949
  772-462-FISH
  Discover how the earth's marine ecosystems work while at this center that features exhibits of mangrove and seagrass communities of the Indian River Lagoon, as well as a 3,300 gallon living Caribbean coral reef with hundreds of plants and animals. more...  map

Tours & Cruises

• Florida Dolphin Watch
  125 Fisherman's Wharf • Fort Pierce, FL 34950
  Located at South Bridge Marina
  772-971-2855
  Take a ride on the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most beautiful and untouched eco-systems in the country, with this tour company. You will experience the beauty of wild dolphins and many other species of wildlife. Tours through Fort Pierce Inlet State Park and the Jack Island Wildlife Preserve are also available. more...  map