Hutchinson Island The unspoiled, unclouded Atlantic beaches contribute to the doubling of Hutchinson Island's population from November to April when Northerners arrive for the warmth and sunshine that residents enjoy year round.

Short term visitors often head for hotels and resorts located along the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian River. The Indian River Plantation Marriott Resort in Martin County is one of the most exceptional of these luxury hotels, where even locals have been known to spend a getaway weekend. Condominium residents at the resort have access to the resort amenities and the marina.

Leisure time activities are plentiful. Among the visitors' favorites are the sightseeing cruises on the St. Lucie and Indian Rivers aboard the Island Princess, which departs from the Indian River Plantation Marina.

Beyond the resort and past Gilbert's Bar House of Refuge Museum are single-family residences with magnificent waterway views of both the Indian River to the west and the Atlantic to the east. The road winds its way to wonderful beaches, including the popular Bathtub Beach, and on to the exclusive Sailfish Point.

Continually changing exhibits and a remarkable antique car collection at the island's Elliott Museum bring people back again and again, as do the displays at the Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Science Center located just across Route A1A, the island's only main artery.

A1A, also known as N.E. Ocean Blvd., becomes S. Ocean Drive as it reaches the St. Lucie County line, passing by hotels, high-rise condominiums and homes. On the causeway at the island's northern end, the St. Lucie County Historical Museum offers a glimpse of the county's past history.

Across the inlet on North Hutchinson Island are the magnificent beaches and outstanding beach parks of St. Lucie County. Especially notable are the Fort Pierce Inlet State Recreation Area and nearby Jack Island. Just beyond the inlet is the UDT SEAL Museum with exhibits of equipment and demolition gear of Navy Frogmen and SEALS who trained on North Hutchinson Island during World War II.