Twenty one miles of uncrowded beaches in South Florida sounds like an impossible dream, but the golden sands of St. Lucie make that utopia a reality. And, what’s more is that all of St. Lucie’s beaches are free—no admission or parking fees. Public preservation protects nearly half the coastline, boasting more public beach access per square mile than any other oceanfront community in Florida. A day spent with your toes in the sand gazing over azure waters is perfection, but soaking in all that vitamin D calls for some satisfying sustenance. What many beachgoers may not know about St. Lucie is that along with its pristine beaches, a burgeoning culinary scene has sprouted. Options abound from beloved open-air tiki restaurants, where sandy feet are welcome, to white tablecloth steakhouses, perfect for date nights. Sync up your beach vibe with these dining gems for the insider track on the best bites at the beach.

For the Naturist

No clothes, no problem at the only clothing-optional spot, Blind Creek Beach. One of the most popular stretches of sand, it remains tucked away with plenty of privacy. Amenities are absent along this strip, but from March to November, you just might share the almost two miles of golden sand with some special guests: nesting green and loggerhead sea turtles.

Just 10 minutes up the road, On the Edge Bar & Grill leans into the back-to-nature theme with its palapas, tiki bar and sandy area, where you can bury your feet and enjoy a fiery sunset over the Indian River Lagoon. The family-owned destination serves favorites like conch fritters, gator tail bites, Bavarian pretzels with housemade beer cheese and more. Grab one of their legendary rum cocktails and toast another day in paradise.

For the Pet Lover

Everybody in the family wants to go to the beach, including our furry family members. The swathe of sand at Walton Rocks Beach offers the perfect spot for dogs to chase balls or body surf the waves. There are picnic tables, pavilions, bathrooms and a hose to rinse off your pup after a good roll in the sand. There’s also a wealth of great shelling. Take a stroll and be on the lookout for large Florida whelks, lace murexes, banded tulips and more to add to your collection.

After a dog-day on the beach, head to Archie’s Seabreeze for an Old Florida feel. Archie’s, once a one-room military shack that served beer to soldiers during World War II, is now a canine-friendly restaurant bedecked with pink, purple and turquoise walls and furniture. They have cornhole, Archie the Pirate and the quintessential Florida beverage: the Miami Vice. This blend of 50% rum runner and 50% pina colada is 100% delicious at the end of a hot summer day. Grab an Archie burger or nachos and settle in where the motto is, “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem.”

For the Chill Seeker

Sometimes you just want to grab a good book, a blanket and find a quiet slice of sand. Normandy Beach has you covered. The cozy one-acre spot has eight paved parking spots and a pavilion. The secluded environs will make you feel like you have your own private escape. 

Just up the way sits an equally isolated pizza joint that once was a neglected gas station with nothing in sight for miles.

Piehole Wood Pizza serves chicken wings and subs, but the real draw is the woodfired pizza with all the usual trimmings plus unexpected toppings, like fig, goat cheese, artichokes and grandma’s meatballs. Don’t miss the addictive garlic knots, and save room for their hand-fried zeppoles, Italian donut delights. 

For the Amenity Lover

Waveland Beach Park has it all­­—lifeguards, showers, restrooms, a boardwalk over the dunes, the beginning of a 13.2-mile bike path, hotels, souvenir shops and restaurants, all within walking distance. 

Kyle G’s Prime Seafood & Steak sits right next door and offers a white linen tablecloth experience overlooking the ocean. They serve indulgent options like Russian osetra caviar, grouper with tropical black lentils, buttery coffee and cocoa-rubbed Wagyu filet mignon and more. What’s not on the menu? The eye-popping view: the best in St. Lucie. Stay the weekend and book a room next door at The Lucie, an oceanfront boutique hotel escape.

For more beach bites and hidden gem inspiration go to visitstlucie.com.