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Need to GTFO? Here are 4 Reasons Why Martin County, Florida is the Best Socially Distant Getaway You’ve Probably Never Heard of

by Team Scary Mommy

You need to get away. You deserve to get away. The Year That Shall Not Be Named has taken a toll on all of our brains, our bodies, our schedules and our sanity. With the weather getting more wintery, your options may be limited when it comes to safe traveling. But thankfully, you still have options. If you’re looking to safely stay somewhere that isn’t your sofa, look no further than Martin County, Florida.

Located on the Atlantic Coast between Orlando and Miami, Martin County is an under-the-radar area (read: socially-distant dreamscape) where you and your family can de-stress from your day-to-day life. They’ve implemented coronavirus safety precautions, like indoor capacity limits and strongly encouraging masks, to maintain the health of residents and visitors alike. From crowd-free sites to tons of open outdoor attractions, Martin County is the perfect pandemic-friendly destination. You’ll keep the kids happy and keep yourself sane since, you know, that’s what vacation is for.

Here are four reasons to book your socially distant stay in Martin County, Florida. Crack open a sparkling coconut water and cue the tropical music.

IT’S A SOCIALLY-DISTANCED DREAM

You can easily abide by the six-feet rule while relaxing beachside with a book or picnicking in one of the area’s 100,000+ acres of parks. Thanks to a county-wide 4-story building height restriction, there are more than 22 miles of uncrowded beaches where the vibe is less “coed spring break” and more seaside sanctuary. In other words, there aren’t towering hotels overcrowding the shore or condo buildings obstructing the view.

If the words “beach getaway” alone don’t appeal to you — hopefully, quarantine hasn’t broken your soul that badly — all of Martin County’s beaches have free parking and are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Oh, and alcohol is allowed. I am near tears at the idea of sipping hard seltzer in the sand.

IT’S LOW-KEY AF

Look, no one is trying to plan an all-out, jam-packed-itinerary kind of vacation right now. Unlike its more well-known neighboring cities, Martin County is a laid-back escape. It combines Old Florida authenticity with timeless coastal charm and a dash of Key West whimsy. Take a leisurely fishing trip in the Atlantic. Walk through one of the area’s dozens of parks where you can enjoy the natural wildlife and warmer weather. Visit Martin County’s museums where you can admire the art and feel sophisticated for admiring art. You’ve also got plenty of to-go dining options so you can get your fill of the local food while still staying safe.

IT’S GOT SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

With everything from the newly reopened Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast to the 65-acre Halpatiokee Regional Park, you won’t have any trouble finding fun for the whole family, whether you’ve got a finicky four-year-old or a teen who’s just looking for a new backdrop for their TikToks.

Do you want to try horseback riding? Martin County’s got that. Interested in an aquatic adventure? Martin County’s got that, too. Looking for kid-friendly activities? They’ve got a curated list of kid-focused fun to check out. Want to spend the day perusing local shops and then finish it off sipping sangria while staring at the ocean? You’ve got miles of beaches, dozens of restaurants, and plenty of boutiques to choose from. If you need some more ideas, check out Martin County’s itineraries where you can pick and choose things to do as you please.

IT’S LITERALLY WON AWARDS FOR BEING HAPPY AND CHARMING

Stuart, a town in Martin County, was recently awarded the 2020 Great Places in Florida Award by the American Planning Association. It’s also previously been named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine and was included in Oprah Magazine’s list of “60 Charming American Towns You Haven’t Heard of But Should Visit ASAP.” Like an adorable made-for-tv movie come to life, you can enjoy local art galleries, admire the museums and antique shops, or take a romantic stroll along Stuart’s Riverwalk. On that walk, you can gaze upon Stuart’s Roosevelt Bridge, which made the list of “Spectacular Bridges Around the World” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. It is the 2020 antidote you seek.

Mask up, pack extra hand sanitizer along with your swimsuit, and enjoy a much-needed trip to Martin County.