An outdoors girl at heart, I grew more and more energized as I planned a trip to the Treasure Coast, an area on Florida's east coast that's brimming with natural beauty.

In Indian River County, I could stroll through a botanical garden or spot herons, egrets and white ibis aboard an eco-cruise. In St. Lucie County, I could dive shipwrecks and artificial reefs or unwind on a pristine beach. And in Martin County, I could paddle into a lagoon or venture into deeper waters to land a sailfish.

The possibilities endless, I formulated a plan: work my way from north to south along the Treasure Coast, which is conveniently located off Interstate 95, halfway between Miami and Orlando. Time to hit the road!

I parked at one of the public parks that line the coast, slathered on sunscreen and floated in the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean. The tension in my body melted like ice cream on a summer day.

Indian River County

The sun shining on a warm day, I hit the water in Sebastian, a quaint coastal city that offers an array of water pursuits including fishing, boating, surfing and swimming.

I rented a sleek Yamaha WaveRunner from Sebastian Watercraft Rentals, which is located at Capt. Hiram's Marina on the Indian River. I glided through the waterway, pausing to watch birds soar through the sky and anglers reel in fish.

Back at the marina, I visited the SandBar at Capt. Hiram's Resort, an open-air establishment with live music, coconut palms and a cool breeze that instantly transported me to the islands. An ice-cold beverage quenched my thirst.

You also can take an ecology tour aboard the River Queen, which sails through the Indian River Lagoon and Sebastian River. Snap photos of thousands of birds on the afternoon cruise to Pelican Island, which is the first National Wildlife Refuge in the United States.

Just 15 minutes south of Sebastian is Vero Beach, which was recently ranked one of the top 100 vacation towns nationwide in The Great Towns of America. Here, you can find serenity at McKee Botanical Garden, which has an 18-acre subtropical jungle hammock along the Indian River. This Florida landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places.


St. Lucie County

The weather was so beautiful that I decided it was time for the beach. St. Lucie County is home to part of Hutchinson Island (the other part is in Martin County), a barrier island featuring 21 miles of pristine beaches.

I parked at one of the public parks that line the coast, slathered on sunscreen and floated in the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean. The tension in my body melted like ice cream on a summer day. You can also ride horses on the beach here.

Craving a quick bite, I dropped by Archie's Seabreeze in Fort Pierce, a no-shoes, no-shirt, no-problem kind of place that has been around for decades. At a picnic table, I munched on "munchies" – small burgers served with onions, pickles and ketchup – and listened to a singer belt out tunes in the backyard.

The Treasure Coast, which earned its name from a fleet of Spanish treasure ships that sank off the coast of Hutchinson Island in 1715, offers top-notch fishing and diving. In Fort Pierce, you can charter a boat or cast lines from several dozen public parks and beach accesses.

You also can explore the outdoors by kayak or bicycle. I hopped in the car and cruised along South A1A, which is part of the Florida Scenic Highway, before arriving at my next destination.


Martin County

My drive brought me to Martin County, which features a variety of picturesque waterways to navigate, including the Loxahatchee and South Fork rivers.

I launched my kayak and set out for the mangrove-lined creeks at St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park, a pristine barrier island bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic, that's accessible only by water. I paddled into a lagoon where fish jumped and dragonflies danced.

If hiking is your forte, explore the Ocean to Lake East portion of the Florida Trail. It winds through Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Pack binoculars – the area is home to birds galore, including scrub jays, pelicans and gannets.

Groups may want to book Eco Tours, a new package deal offered by Martin County Convention and Visitors Bureau that includes paddling, hiking and birding activities. Tours begin with an interpretative session and last up to seven hours. Groups of 12 or more can book a session for $30 per person.

Fishing enthusiasts will want to explore the waters off Stuart, known as the "Sailfish Capital of the World." It's a sport-fisherman's dream. Afterward, enjoy fresh seafood at Finz Waterfront Grille on the Manatee Pocket. At the island-style restaurant, you can arrive by boat or car.

As my trip wound down, I thought about all I had experienced throughout these three counties. The outdoors girl in me rejoiced in the fun I'd had ... and at the fun I will have when I return.

For more information on planning a trip to the Treasure Coast, contact the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce (772-567-3491 or www.indianriverchamber.com), the St. Lucie County Tourist Development Council  (800-344-TGIF or www.visitstluciefla.com) and the Martin County Convention & Visitors Bureau (877-585-0085 or www.martincountyfla.com).