PORT SALERNO, FLORIDA

Port Salerno, Florida is a residential and fishing village in unincorporated Martin County on the south side of Stuart.

It is located along the waters of the St. Lucie River near the inlet to the Atlantic Ocean.

Port Salerno Fisherman from Florida State Archives

Its waterfront district is located at the south end of Manatee Pocket. The main highway through town is State Road A1A and the waterfront district is adjacent to the highway.

You can see the district in the lower right hand corner of the aerial photo below.

Manatee Pocket in Foreground Looking East

Manatee Pocket is well known by boaters as a natural "hurricane hole", as good a place to take shelter in a bad storm as any harbor along the east coast of Florida.

The shoreline of Manatee Pocket is busy with fishing related enterprises like charter boats, commercial fishing boats, marinas, boatyards, and seafood restaurants.

Boatyards and Marinas on Manatee Pocket

Port Salerno was founded in 1894 as Salerno and the "Port" was added in 1924. The name had been chosen by some of the earlier settlers who were from the Italian town of Salerno.

Most people in the early years made their livings by fishing commercially or working in nearby pineapple farms. In the 1930s, Port Salerno became well known for its shark industry.

The population of the Port Salerno area is about 10,000, but it is contiguous with the larger and busier Stuart and is often considered part of that town.

The residential areas are east of the waterfront district on a large peninsula separated from nearby Jupiter Island by Great Pocket, a section of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Many cruising yachts stay at the marinas in the area during the winter; others stay there year around.

Port Salerno Fisherman's Cottage

Fishing with large nets was banned by the State in 1995, and the commercial fishing industry was devastated.

Since then, the marine industry has taken the place of many of the commercial fishing establishments.

Although marinas and boat yards are all over the area, commercial fishing is still important to the town's economy.

People today like to visit the area's many nautical shops and seafood restaurants.

Port Salerno Boardwalk on Manatee Pocket

Martin County government and local citizens have been busy in recent years with preservation and improvement projects.

An example is the Manatee Pocket walk, a board walk around a portion of the Manatee Pocket waterway.

The goal of these projects has been to preserve the historic fishing village feel of the town and not let it become just another overcrowded Florida waterfront.

Port Salerno, Florida Recommended Restaurant

The Twisted Tuna
4290 SE Salerno Rd
Stuart, Florida 32324
Tel: 772-600-7239

The Twisted Tuna is on the shoreline of Port Salerno.  It offers a beautiful view of the water that surrounds it on two sides, and is well known for its delicious seafood offerings. You can visit the restaurant by land or on a boat.

The Twisted Tuna, Port Salerno

The interior is bright and open, and you have your choice of dining inside or outside on one of the decks. The menu features something for everyone, but seafood is the specialty of the house.

The atmosphere is friendly and inviting, and the service is great. The restaurant and bar quite often feature local musicians.

READ MORE ABOUT THE TWISTED TUNA

THINGS TO DO IN PORT SALERNO, FLORIDA

Manatee Pocket Walk
Dixie Highway and Salerno Rd, Port Salerno, FL 34997

Manatee Pocket, discussed earlier, is a charming and vibrant waterfront area in Port Salerno. The Manatee Pocket Walk is a scenic boardwalk encircling Manatee Pocket.

This walkable path extends from the Port Salerno Civic Center, passes through the bustling waterfront restaurant district, and continues around to Pirate’s Cove Resort. We enjoy the scenic views and the bustling marinas filled with boats.

Fish House Art Center
4745 SE Desoto Ave, Port Salerno, FL 34997 | (772) 223-6303

The Fish House Art Center is a creative hub featuring working artist studios and galleries. We enjoy watching the artists at work and browsing the unique pieces of art. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the chance to meet local artists.

The center offers a variety of workshops and classes for those interested in learning new skills. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.

Sandsprit Park
3443 SE St Lucie Blvd, Stuart, FL 34997 | (772) 288-5690

Sandsprit Park is in Stuart, about 5 miles from Port Salerno. It is a beautiful waterfront park perfect for outdoor activities. We enjoy the scenic walking trails and the picnic areas with stunning views of the water.

Visitors appreciate the boat ramps and fishing spots. The park is great for a family outing, with playgrounds for kids and plenty of open space. The peaceful environment and well-maintained facilities make it a favorite spot for locals and tourists.

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
Jupiter Island, FL

St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is east of Port Salerno on the northern end of Jupiter Island and is accessible only by boat. Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

We enjoy exploring the hiking trails and the untouched beauty of the park. It's a secluded place for nature lovers and those looking to escape the crowds. The serene environment and abundant wildlife make it a peaceful retreat.

Pirate's Cove Resort and Marina
4307 SE Bayview St, Stuart, FL 34997 | (772) 287-2500

Pirate's Cove Resort and Marina is a popular spot for boating enthusiasts and vacationers. We enjoy the comfortable accommodations and the full-service marina.

Visitors appreciate the waterfront restaurant and the lively tiki bar. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a pool and boat rentals.

It's a great place for a relaxing getaway or a fun day on the water. The friendly staff and beautiful surroundings make every stay enjoyable.

Sailfish Splash Waterpark
931 SE Ruhnke St, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 320-3100

Sailfish Splash Waterpark is a fantastic destination for family fun. We enjoy the thrilling water slides and the relaxing lazy river. Visitors appreciate the variety of attractions, including a wave pool and a children's play area.

The park is great for cooling off on a hot day and provides fun for all ages. The friendly lifeguards and clean facilities ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Port Salerno Ghost Tours
4745 SE Desoto Ave, Port Salerno, FL 34997 | (561) 301-3550

Port Salerno Ghost Tours offers a spooky and entertaining way to explore the area’s history. We enjoy the guided tours that take you through the haunted spots of Port Salerno.

Visitors appreciate the engaging stories and the eerie atmosphere. The tours provide insights into the town’s past and its ghostly legends.

It's a fun activity for those interested in the paranormal and local history. The friendly guides and well-researched tales make it a fun experience.

The Coconut Bar
4505 SE Dixie Hwy, Port Salerno, FL 34997 | (772) 475-5340

The Coconut in Port Salerno, FL, is located on the corner of Salerno Road and Dixie Highway. It’s a lively spot known for its tropical vibe and friendly atmosphere. We enjoy the delicious cocktails and the laid-back setting.

Visitors appreciate the live music and the waterfront views. It’s a great place to relax with friends and enjoy the local scene. The bar's fun ambiance and welcoming staff make every visit enjoyable.