7474 SE Gaines Avenue
Stuart

Website

Martin County's Hosford Park isn't by any stretch a destination in and of itself, but it does offer three major attractions that make it worth a quick stop. First, it's an easy drive off Interstate 95. Second, it's situated between two major destinations, Halpatiokee Regional Park and Atlantic Ridge Preserve. Third, it sits on the St. Lucie River.

We don't know the acreage of Hosford Park, but it isn't huge. The park itself is an open collection of slash pines, cabbage palms, figs and live oak trees. There is a dock that provides easy access to the St. Lucie River and a boat ramp. The only other amenities are parking and a picnic table or two.

During our visit, we spotted a varied collection of ground-hugging butterflies and moths, a few birds, including a white ibis, some wild flowers and a gray squirrel. It's not hard to imagine manatee frolicking in the river and wading birds looking for a meal, making Hosford Park worthy of a look.