HISTORY
Fort Pierce is a coastal town in St. Lucie county developed during the Seminole Wars. Named after Lt. Coronel Pierce, Fort Pierce is one of East Coast’s oldest community where early inhabitants lived through fishing and canning of fish. Also, pineapple farming became Fort Pierce’s major economy, but eventually replaced by citrus. Since then, Fort Pierce enjoyed economic development and became a prominent town in Treasure Coast. The town’s economic progress continued when Henry Flagler’s railroad reached the town in the 1900s. People started to come to Fort Pierce to enjoy it’s warm weather and beautiful beaches. Until today, thousands of visitors flock to Fort Pierce to enjoy it’s scenic downtown, historical buildings, preserved architecture and abundant natural resource.
GETTING THERE
By plane
St. Lucie County International Airport is serviced by major airlines with scheduled flights to Fort Pierce from different host cities. This airfield is located close to the business district of Fort Pierce featuring 3 asphalt runways.
By car
- Interstate 95
- US Route 1
- A1A
WEATHER
Fort Pierce features a tropical climate with hot summer and mild winter. July is the hottest month of the month with maximum temperature highs in 90s ° F, while January is the coldest month with average temperatures in 50s.
Furthermore, summer season tends to be wetter. High precipitation is during September with 7.81 inches rainfall on average. Fort Pierce’s annual precipitation is 53.50 inches on average.
WHAT TO WEAR
For fine dining & upscale places:
- Nice dress and strappy sandals for women
- Collard shirt and long pants for men
Swimming and beach strolling:
- Swimsuit
- Swimsuit cover-up
- shorts
- tank top
Daytime & Outdoor activities:
- shorts
- comfortable sneakers
- flip flops
- t-shirt
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
The coastal town of Fort Pierce is home to countless opportunity for leisure and enriching fun. A trip to Fort Pierce allows you to learn its colorful history evident in its redeveloped historical downtown. History enthusiasts will fine impressive collection of artifacts, photos, paintings and other work of arts showcased in Fort Pierce’s museums, art gallery and performing arts theater.
The long stretch of great beaches and diverse ecosystem offer a multitude of activities from boating, kayaking, fishing, surfing, camping, horseback riding, dolphin watching, manatee watching, surfing and more. Whether you prefer sitting down and watch the sunset or feel the pleasant ocean breeze while enjoying your favorite cocktail, you are sure to enjoy the scenic view of Fort Pierce beaches.
Moreover, the modern research facilities are open to the public providing interesting and interactive activities. The Manatee Observation and Education Center, The Smithsonian Marine Station and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution allow visitors to observe Florida’s wildlife.
Area attractions:
- Fort Pierce City Marina
- Sunrise Theatre
- Navy Seal Museum
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Manatee Observation and Education Center
- Smithsonian Marine Station
- A.E Backus Gallery & Museum
- Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
- St. Lucie Village Heritage Park
- St. Lucie County Regional History Center
FISHING
The warm weather and calm waters surrounding Fort Pierce are important factors why fishing in the area has become a popular pastime. Every year, fishing tournaments are held in Fort Pierce attracting fishing enthusiasts from different parts of the country. In addition, expert and beginner anglers head to the coastal town of Fort Pierce for a fruitful fishing trip.
Fort Pierce inland and nearby waters offer vast range of fish species available almost year round. Fishing piers, jetties and state parks abound with public marina and boat ramps open throughout the year allowing visitors to catch an array of species. Different fishing techniques are used depending on the type of species you want to catch. These techniques include sight casting, night fishing, backcountry fishing, shallow water fishing, bottom fishing, sailfishing, fly fishing and surf fishing.
Fort Pierce types of fish:
- Blue fish
- Cobia
- Dolphin
- Grouper
- Jack Crevalle
- Ladyfish
- Pompano
- Red drum
- Sailfish
- Sheepshead
- Snapper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Snook
- Tarpon
- Trout
- Wahoo
BEST MONTHS TO FISH
- January – Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish & Redfish
- February – Trout, Jacks, Ladyfish & Redfish
- March – Jacks, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Snook & Largemouth Bass
- April – Jacks, Ladyfish, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Snook & Largemouth Bass
- May – Tarpon, Snook, Sharks, Jacks
- June – Tarpon, Snook, Sharks, Jacks
- July – Trout, Redfish, Jacks, Tarpon, Sharks, Kingfish
- August – Trout, Redfish, Jacks, Tarpon, Sharks, Kingfish
- September – Ladyfish, Jacks, Trout, Largemouth bass, Tarpon, Redfish
- October – Ladyfish, Jacks, Trout, Largemouth bass, Tarpon, Redfish
- November – Spanish mackerel, Pompano, Ladyfish, Trout, Snook, Bluefish, Redfish, Jacks
- December – Spanish mackerel, Pompano, Ladyfish, Trout, Snook, Bluefish, Redfish, Jacks
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING
- Appropriate attire
- Rain gear
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Boat shoes or sneakers
- Towel
- Food & Snacks
- Drinks
- Camera