After coming in second place last year, Stuart, Florida, earned the number one spot for 2024 on USA Today’s new list of the ten best coastal small towns in the country.
Nominated by an expert panel and voted on by readers, Stuart wasn’t the only Florida town to make the list — as Key West took home third place.
According to USA Today, these coastal communities “offer a calm and charm that is hard to find in more heavily populated areas. You can enjoy scenic views, historic attractions, delicious food and plenty of things to do both on and off the water.”
Stuart, Florida, earns top spot from USA Today
Located in Martin County on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Stuart is about 45 minutes north of West Palm Beach and has a population of around 17,425.
With 21 miles of beaches, it’s known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” and home to numerous museums, including the Road to Victory Military Museum and the Stuart Heritage Museum, as well as family friendly attractions like the Sailfish Splash Water Park.
Florida, Stuart, St. Lucie River, Boardwalk Run and Highway. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Universal Images Group via Getty
Here’s what USA Today had to say about Stuart, Florida.
“Part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, with the impressive Roosevelt Bridge to its north, is the under-the-radar town of Stuart. Walk along the St. Lucie River at Flagler Park or Shepard Park, both great spots for picnicking, fishing, or otherwise relaxing. The Stuart Heritage Museum, Road to Victory Military Museum, and restaurant-lined downtown Stuart are all among the local attractions.”
Key West, Florida, earns number three spot as USA Today’s best coastal small town
Also making the top ten — Key West, Florida, earned the number three spot.
Known for its pastel color houses and three toed cats, Ernest Hemingway’s former home of Key West, is located at the southernmost part of the state, about 90 miles from Cuba.
Instead of Groundhog Day, the natives here celebrate Ground Conch Day.
MORE: Out of Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow: Celebrate Ground Conch Day in Florida’s Key West
With a population of 24,826, Key West offers a vibrant nightlife with an abundance of bars, restaurants and clubs — as well as activities ranging from deep sea fishing and scuba diving to dolphin watching.
KEY WEST, FL - APRIL 04: General views of Higgs Beach on April 04, 2021 in Key West, Florida. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)GC Images
Here’s what USA Today has to say about Key West, Florida.
“Key West boasts everything from conch train tours and six-toed cats to a bevy of bars and festivals, not to mention it’s the southernmost point in the continental United States. This walkable Florida town is full of historic and coastal charm, with gorgeous white sand beaches and palm-tree lined streets. It’s also home to a robust arts scene, a butterfly garden, an aquarium, and buskers a-plenty for year-round entertainment.”
The other towns to make USA Today’s list of the ten best coastal small towns in the U.S. include, (2nd) Saugatuck, Michigan, (4th) Gulf Shores, Alabama, (5th) Pismo Beach, California, (6th) Newport, Rhode Island, (7th) Sandusky, Ohio, (8th) Cape May, New Jersey, (9th) Washington Island, Wisconsin, and (10th) Long Beach, Washington.
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