North Hutchinson Island

Enjoy a serene oceanfront lifestyle at the southern end of Vero Beach's Orchid Island.  As little as 8 miles from Vero’s Central Beach restaurants and shopping, and 5 miles from the Fort Pierce waterfront district, this stretch of the island offers waterfront living from almost every home.

Along the oceanfront, waterfront condominium towers boast panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River unmatched elsewhere on this Island.  To the east the views stretch along the miles of white sandy beaches and natural dunes.  To the west the views encompass dozens of mangrove islands nestled along the coast of the Indian River Lagoon.  To the south many North Hutchinson Island condominiums offer views of boats heading out the Fort Pierce Inlet for a day of ocean fishing.  

This part of The Island is a boaters dream, with many homes along the western shore offering deep water dock access just a few minutes cruising from the Atlantic Ocean.   With the Fort Pierce Inlet so close, many of the condominium buildings also have dock space available, and ample dry and wet dock space is offered nearby.

The wide sandy beaches toward the southern end of The Island actually grow each year as they cling to the jetty that protects the Fort Pierce Inlet.  Beachcombers will find miles of beaches ready for strolling, turtle watching or just working on a suntan.

Located between the cities of Vero Beach and Fort Pierce, area residents have the best of both worlds for recreation, entertainment, dining, and shopping.

Attractions At North Hutchinson Island:
Navy UDT - SEAL Museum.  Collected into this recently expanded museum are the memorabilia, artifacts and history of the elite Navy SEAL armed forces.  The  exhibits detail the metamorphosis if this elite force over time, highlighting the Underwater Demolition Teams, Naval Combat Demolition Units, Office of Strategic Services Maritime Units and Amphibious Scouts and Raiders.  Fort Pierce is the birthplace of the first Navy Frogmen units.  Among the exhibits are artifacts from the USS Cole and recent incursions in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.  The southern boundary of North Hutchinson Island is the Fort Pierce Inlet.  Here the state has preserved over 300 acres and a half mile of beachfront.  Not only is the inlet jetty is a haven for the many boats heading out for a day of fishing or returning to the Indian River Lagoon, but he jetty is also a haven for fisherman and a bit of heaven creating perfect waves for surfing.  
Avalon State Park.   Within walking distance of many of the oceanfront condominiums on North Hutchinson Island is more than a mile of unspoiled beachfront.  The park provides a pristine beach for sunbathing, swimming, surf fishing, or snorkeling.   The reef just off shore harbors both Florida lobster and fish, but also the remnants from the World War II Navy training.

Pepper Park.  This St. Lucie County park offers both ocean and Indian River Lagoon access.  The many islands along the lagoon shoreline offer a great kayaking and canoeing location.  There is plenty of parking near the kayak boat launch.  Nestled between oceanfront condominiums, the beachfront is not as secluded as your other North Hutchinson Island beach choices, but still offers the wide sandy beach that this area of The Island is known for.

Queens Island Preserve.  A 232 preserve offering both beachfront and mangrove islands.  Long ago an historic Indian fishing camp, today there is a small shell sand parking area offering short walks to both the beach and the kayak boat launch.   The fishing boardwalk extends nearly 300 feet among the mangrove islands offering a quiet place to spend a day.

Wildcat Cove Preserve.  This dog friendly park offers long trails and boardwalks to meander through the Indian River Lagoon mangrove islands.  A 92 foot fishing pier offers another great spot for anglers.

Nearby Attractions:

Vero’s Central Beach District.  (8 miles)  The Central Beach area of Vero Beach is the home of the wealthy and the casual alike.  From ice cream shops to toney restaurants, this stretch of shops draws visitors from all over the world.  

Fort Pierce Waterfront District.  (5 miles)  This waterfront has become the heart of the Fort Pierce downtown district.  There are lots of places to enjoy a casual meal or while away some time with drinks and enjoy the views of the Indian River.  The Sunrise Theater is a venue for a wide variety of traveling shows.