Day trip: beaches and small towns — Jensen Beach and Stuart
Yes — Jensen Beach and Stuart make an easy day trip from voco Sandpiper Resort. Jensen Beach is a short drive for a morning on white sand, and Stuart (including its Riverwalk and Stuart Beach) is a nearby small-town stop for lunch, shopping, and a lifeguarded beach in the afternoon.
In this guide
Plan your route and timing
voco Sandpiper Resort sits on the St. Lucie River in Port Saint Lucie at 4500 SE Pine Valley Street. Jensen Beach is about a seven-minute drive away from the resort and Stuart Beach is roughly a 25-minute drive.
Road access is straightforward from I-95 (Exit 118 is the nearby interchange). Public transit access near the resort is limited, so driving or rideshare is the usual option.
- Leave mid-morning for Jensen Beach to avoid midday parking rush.
- If you want a quieter afternoon, head to Stuart’s Riverwalk and downtown shops after the beach.
- Check weather — the dry season (roughly November–April) has the most comfortable temperatures.
| Trip leg | Typical drive time |
|---|---|
| voco Sandpiper Resort → Jensen Beach | About 7 minutes |
| voco Sandpiper Resort → Stuart Beach | About 25 minutes |
| voco Sandpiper Resort → Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens | About 5–10 minutes |
Morning at Jensen Beach: what to expect
Jensen Beach offers white sand and a simple beach setup ideal for a morning swim, shelling, or a relaxed walk. Lifeguard coverage and public facilities are available at the main beach areas in Jensen (specific amenities vary by park and entrance).
Because Jensen Beach is close to the resort, many guests make a short round trip and return to voco Sandpiper Resort for late-morning activities or an early lunch on property.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and a beach towel — resort towels are available if you return to the pool area.
- Street parking and public lots fill up on busy weekends; arrive earlier for easier parking.
- If you need gear, the resort includes non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and paddleboards; motorized rentals are available locally for a fee.
| Beach tip | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Arrive before 11:00 AM | Easier parking and calmer sand for shell-hunting |
| Pack a light cooler or pick up snacks | Jensen has beachside options but fewer full-service restaurants than Stuart |
| Use reef-safe sunscreen | Protects local marine life and complies with many local recommendations |
Lunch and afternoon in Stuart: Riverwalk and Stuart Beach
Stuart is a small downtown with shops, galleries, and waterfront dining around Riverwalk. Many visitors combine a stroll on the Riverwalk with lunch at a local café or a casual waterfront restaurant.
Stuart Beach is a lifeguarded, public sand beach with changing facilities and showers. It’s a good afternoon stop if you prefer a staffed beach with amenities.
- If you want a mix of shopping and sightseeing, park near Riverwalk and walk the downtown blocks.
- Plan your beach time around late-afternoon winds — summer afternoons can get breezy.
- Public restrooms and outdoor showers are available at popular beach entrances.
| Afternoon options | Good for |
|---|---|
| Riverwalk stroll and lunch | Casual waterfront dining and scenic views |
| Stuart Beach | Lifeguarded swim and beach facilities |
| Stuart Heritage Museum | Local history and small-museum visit |
Return to voco Sandpiper Resort: poolside options and rooms
After a day exploring Jensen Beach and Stuart, return to relax at the resort’s pools and bars. The resort operates both a family-friendly main pool and an adults-only infinity pool (pool hours listed as 7:00 AM–7:00 PM). Pool towels and umbrellas are provided.
Choose a room type that suits your post-beach needs. Options at the resort include Standard Room (All-Inclusive), Standard Room (All-Inclusive, Waterfront), Standard Room (All-Inclusive, Water View), Premium Room (All-Inclusive), and several suites and two-bedroom options.
- If you want an immediate water view after returning, consider Standard Room (All-Inclusive, Waterfront) or Standard Room (All-Inclusive, Water View).
- Rooms include daily housekeeping as part of the all-inclusive rate; specific in-room services such as room service or minibar inclusion are not verified.
- The resort provides free, unlimited Wi‑Fi throughout the property for planning or sharing photos from your day trip.
| Room example | Good if |
|---|---|
| Standard Room (All-Inclusive) | You want a straightforward all-inclusive guestroom with a king bed |
| Standard Room (All-Inclusive, Waterfront) | You prefer a balcony or view facing the water |
| Suite, 2 Bedrooms (All-Inclusive, Water View) | You need space for family or a larger group |
Practical tips: packing, timing and costs to expect
The resort’s all-inclusive rate covers meals, snacks, house cocktails, beer and wine, non-motorized watersports (kayaks, paddleboards), fitness classes, kids’/teens’ programs, nightly entertainment, and daily housekeeping. Specialty dining and top‑shelf drinks, spa treatments, motorized watersports and certain off-property excursions carry extra charges.
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The guest responsible for check-in must be at least 21 years old.
- Bring a charged phone, sunglasses, hat, reef-safe sunscreen and reusable water bottle.
- If you plan to rent jet skis or take a fishing charter, expect additional fees and book through local providers or the resort concierge.
- On-site self-parking is available for registered guests for a daily fee; verify current parking policy at check-in.
| Included | Not included (typical) |
|---|---|
| Meals, house drinks, non-motorized watersports, fitness classes | Spa treatments, specialty/top-shelf drinks, motorized rentals, some excursions |
| Kids’ and teens’ programs, nightly entertainment | Premium dining experiences and retail purchases |
Ideas for extras and nearby stops
If you want to extend a beach-day with nature or recreation, consider the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens (about 5–10 minutes from the resort) or Savannas Preserve State Park. For fishing or boating excursions, local operators such as Salty Daze Fishing Adventures operate nearby.
Golfers can reach PGA Village — St. Lucie in roughly a 23–26 minute drive; the resort also lists Sandpiper Bay Golf Club directly on its grounds.
- Botanical Gardens — short drive and good for a shaded stroll after the beach.
- Savannas Preserve — trails and birdwatching if you want a nature stop.
- Local charter fishing or sailing trips — book in advance through the resort concierge or directly with providers.
| Nearby stop | Why go |
|---|---|
| Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens | Easy, quick visit close to the resort |
| Savannas Preserve State Park | Nature trails and wildlife viewing |
| PGA Village - St. Lucie | Championship golf for players who want a half-day round |
