If you’re visiting Florida, then you should definitely consider making Hutchinson Island part of your travel itinerary. This gorgeous, unspoiled island can be found off Florida’s lower eastern coast, and it’s a paradise not only for tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Miami, but also for marine life and wildlife.
If you’re looking for a more natural, more organic way to spend some time in and around the Florida area, Hutchinson Island is a great option. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do on Hutchinson Island!
Visit the House of Refuge
There was once a time when Hutchinson Island served as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors, and the island still maintains a part of that heritage. The last remaining House of Refuge is a great place to visit if you want to learn a little about the island’s past; it’s the only one that remains out of an original ten, and it’s now effectively a museum for the island as a whole. It’s a quiet, serene, and contemplative place where you can spend some time thinking about the stormy lives of sailors past.
Hit the beaches
Hutchinson Island is well-known for its idyllic beaches and gorgeous blue oceans, so you’d be remiss if you visited without taking some time to walk the sands. Even if you just want to stake out your spot, grab a book, and while away the hours, you couldn’t find a better place to do so. Unlike mainland Florida, the beaches here are rarely jam-packed; you’ll find your fair share of tourists, but there’s almost always a beach that’s less populated, so keep looking until you find your perfect paradise.
Hang out with the turtles
Depending on when you visit Hutchinson Island, you may well be in time for turtle season, which begins in March and ends in October, roughly speaking. In summer, the eggs laid by the turtles in spring hatch, and the little baby turtles begin their arduous march to the sea to join their kin. If you want to see something truly spectacular and unforgettable in the animal kingdom, then make sure you carve out some time in your schedule to see the turtle walk, because it’s magical.
Go snorkelling
Have you ever been snorkelling? If you’re a keen swimmer, it can add another dimension to your experience, and Hutchinson Island is one of the best places in the world to snorkel thanks to its clear waters and temperate climate. One of the best beaches for snorkelling is a place called Bathtub Beach, where you’ll find a massive range of different fish and other marine wildlife to spot. For a more hands-on Hutchinson Island journey, snorkelling should be on your itinerary.
Check out the Elliott Museum
If you’ve got an interest in American history, then you’ll want to take a detour to the Elliott Museum. This beautiful building houses some of the most fascinating exhibits you’re likely to find not only on Hutchinson Island, but in the whole of Florida. Classic vehicles rub shoulders with an extensive baseball collection that pays tribute to the iconic sport’s history, and there’s plenty more to see here as well depending on when you visit. Those who want a more educational trip will be rewarded here.
Go on a boat tour
As you’d probably expect from an island, there are plenty of boat tours available on Hutchinson Island, so you can take in the beautiful scenery from another perspective. You really can’t go wrong no matter which boat tour you pick, but we’d strongly recommend the Riding the Waves tour, which you can access in Florida proper. It’ll show you some gorgeous views of Hutchinson Island and teach you about the island’s biology and delicate ecosystem.
Try some watersports
If you’re of a mind to try a more active pursuit, then why not give some watersports a try on Hutchinson Island? Kite surfing, paddleboarding, and lots more are available from the island’s friendly operators, and they’ll help you to get started even if you’re an absolute beginner with no prior experience whatsoever. Lessons are reasonably-priced considering how popular the activity (and, indeed, the location) is, and instructors are patient and skilled.
Grab some seafood
It probably won’t come as a surprise that seafood is a specialty of many of the restaurants that dot the Hutchinson Island coastline. If you love fish, then you’ll find plenty to adore here, and it’s all locally-sourced, so you know exactly where your dish has come from. Of course, even if you’re travelling with non-seafood-inclined companions, there’s plenty of other food on offer here as well, so you should be able to find a restaurant that will cater to the tastes of your entire party.
Stay at a luxury resort
Hutchinson Island is a beautiful place, so it stands to reason that you’ll also find plenty of top-notch accommodation to try if you’re looking to stay exclusively on the island. If you plan to see what mainland Florida has to offer as well, we’d recommend mainland accommodation, but some of the resorts on Hutchinson Island must be seen to be believed. With gorgeous coastline views, top-of-the-line facilities, and a friendly attitude on the part of the staff, it’s practically impossible to go wrong with Hutchinson Island accommodation, so take out a reservation if you want to try something a little different!
