By Terry Gibson
Boaters enjoy pulling up onto sandbars in Florida, setting out the anchor, and enjoying the afternoon in the salt air and sunshine.
Whole families, groups of friends, fishing buddies come in from wherever. It’s usually a great scene and better time wherever you idle up. If you’re visiting or new to the Treasure Coast, here are three great sandbars in Florida for weekend relaxation and access points.
Loxahatchee River Sandbar
The Loxahatchee River flows out into the Atlantic Ocean in Jupiter. The sandbar is frequented on lower tides. It’s not far from the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum and west of the Burt Reynolds Park and boat ramp. You can rent boats at the Jupiter Inlet Boat Rentals & Boat Club, which is very close to the sandbar. The west end is more family oriented, while the east end is a real party. There’s some good snorkeling on the incoming tide on the east side around the mangroves as well.
Stuart Sandbar
The Stuart sandbar is located just inside the St. Lucie Inlet, and just east of the convergence of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. The closest boat ramp is Sandsprit Park. You can rent boats at the Sundance Marina in Jensen Beach. There is also excellent fishing and snorkeling in the area, which is known as the “sailfish flats.”
Fort Pierce Sandbar Socials
Located on the north side of the channel leading out of the Fort Pierce Inlet, this popular Florida boating hangout is next to a real treasure, the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. It’s right across the channel from great watering holes and dining. Fishing and snorkeling in the nearby seagrass meadows and reefs is exceptional. You can rent boats at Treasure Coast Boat Rentals at Fisherman’s Wharf Marina. The closest boat ramp is the Stan Blum Boat Ramp.
