Set your sights on Blind Creek Beach, a hidden gem nestled on the Atlantic Coast, just a stone’s throw (or a 20-mile drive) north of West Palm Beach. This sandy paradise stretches for over a mile along State Road A1A on the southern end of Hutchinson Island. The beach got its name from Blind Creek, a sneaky little tidal inlet that flows into the ocean at the northern end.
The beach entrance is conveniently located just south of Blind Creek, with a parking area big enough to fit more cars than you can shake a flip-flop at. Lifeguards are on duty every day, making sure you don’t turn into a human raisin while swimming. And don’t worry about running to the bushes – there are restroom facilities and showers on site.
If you want to mix things up, several beachfront parks like Sportsman’s Park, Walton Rocks Beach and Coral Cove Beach offer public access to the sand and surf. These areas come complete with picnic tables, grills and playgrounds, so you can enjoy a seaside feast and watch your kids build sand castles that would make even King Neptune jealous.
When to Visit Blind Creek Beach
With a true tropical climate, Blind Creek Beach enjoys warm weather for most of the year. However, visiting during certain months provides optimal beach conditions.
Spring and Fall
The comfortable temperatures of spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) create ideal weather for spending long days relaxing on the beach. High temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit with pleasant breezes. Crowds remain thin during these “shoulder seasons.”
Summer
From June through August, daily highs reach 90 degrees F under sunny skies. The ocean breeze keeps the beach from getting too hot. Summer also brings increased risk of afternoon thunderstorms. Trade off the potential rain showers for smaller crowds than winter plus prime beach and swimming conditions.
Winter
While wintertime highs hover around 75 degrees F, ocean temperatures can be too chilly for swimming between December and February. However, winter is “snowbird season” so you’ll enjoy the annual migration of northerners fleeing colder weather. The population boom brings more activities and events to the area.
How to Get to Blind Creek Beach
By Car:
- Blind Creek Beach is located on Hutchinson Island in St. Lucie County, Florida. It can be easily accessed by taking the FL-A1A highway (also called Ocean Drive or Atlantic Boulevard on parts of the island).
- If coming from the north, take I-95 South to exit 101 toward Fort Pierce. After approximately 2 miles, turn left onto Seaway Drive. After 1 mile, Seaway Drive becomes FL-A1A/Ocean Drive. Follow this road for around 15 miles and Blind Creek Beach parking will be on your right.
- From West Palm Beach/the south – Take I-95 North to exit 68 toward Jensen Beach. After half a mile turn right onto NE Jensen Beach Blvd toward downtown Jensen Beach. After 1 mile turn left onto NE Ocean Blvd/FL-A1A toward Stuart. Follow A1A north approximately 6 miles to Blind Creek Beach parking areas.
- Look for public parking areas near beach access points in Sportsman’s Park just south of the Blind Creek inlet or Walton Rocks Beach Park just north. Street parking is not allowed so make sure to use designated lots.
Public Transportation:
- The seasonal Hutchinson Island Trolley runs along FL-A1A and includes a stop at Blind Creek Beach, usually once per hour depending on schedule. Fares are around $1 per ride. Call (772) 288-5326 or visit website for full schedule.
Getting Around
On Foot:
- Once you park at one of the Blind Creek Beach public parking lots, the beach itself is accessible by foot over walkover bridges and dune crossovers. It stretches for over a mile from north to south.
- Walking is the most convenient way to get around the beach area itself. Popular parks like Sportsman’s Park, Walton Rocks Beach Park and Coral Cove Beach Park are a mile or less apart by foot following the shoreline.
Bicycle
- Hutchinson Island is very bikeable along the flat A1A highway and bike lanes. Rent bikes by the hour or day from local shops or bring your own. Many hotels also offer bike rentals.
- Bike north or south along the coastline to beach shops, restaurants and attractions. Stop as you please to enjoy beach access points or scenic outlooks all with bike racks available.
Public Transit:
- The seasonal Hutchinson Island Trolley runs the length of the 18-mile long barrier island, with stops at popular beach spots like Blind Creek. One-way fares are inexpensive at $1-2 per rider depending on age.
Driving:
- Blind Creek Beach has it’s own dedicated parking lots and nearby street parking is not allowed. However, to travel between other destinations on Hutchinson Island, driving by car is the most efficient transportation method.
- The oceanfront A1A highway connects local beaches, hotels, shops and restaurants from Jensen Beach down through Fort Pierce inlet.
Water Taxi:
- For access across the Indian River waterway to mainland Jensen Beach, hop aboard a private water taxi service available from several resorts and marinas on Hutchinson Island. One-way fares average around $15.
What to Do at Blind Creek Beach
Blind Creek Beach offers laidback Florida fun with natural scenery and local flavor. Build the perfect beach day with these quintessential activities:
Relaxing
With rarely crowded sands, Blind Creek Beach guarantees space to claim your slice of paradise. Spread out a towel or beach chair and settle in to read a book, listen to music, sunbathe or chat with friends. Gaze out at the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean and let the sights and sounds of the waves wash your stress away.
The northern part of Blind Creek Beach tends to be less crowded than the main entrance area. Head up the beach for more solitude. Take a post-beach nap under the shade of a palm tree. Take in a picturesque sunrise or sunset over the ocean, with brilliant red and orange hues painting the sky.
Swimming
Take a dip in the pleasant water, with average temperatures around 80 degrees F in summer. The calm surf creates ideal swimming conditions for families. Wading, floating or swimming laps – enjoy the ocean however you wish. Boogie boarding the small waves that do pick up can provide hours of fun when a storm is brewing offshore.
While lacking large waves, you can still try your hand at beginner surfing along Blind Creek Beach. Take a lesson or rent a board from one of the local surf shops in Jensen Beach.
Beachcombing
Keep your eyes peeled while walking along the shoreline. Blind Creek Beach is renowned for great shelling, especially after storms or high tides. Find an assortment of shells washed up from coquinas to fighting conchs to delicate angel wings. This area is nicknamed “Shell Beach” for good reason! Sand dollars also dot the sand.
Fishing
Throw out a line from numerous spots right off Blind Creek Beach, including two fishing piers. You don’t need a boat to reel in highly-prized sport fish like snook, redfish, jack crevalle and tarpon. The Blind Creek tidal inlet also holds snappers, sheepshead, flounder and more. You may even glimpse dolphin racing by in search of their own catch.
Boating
The harbor near Blind Creek provides easy launching for boats and kayaks. Enjoy paddling the peaceful mangrove forests lining the inlet or cruise the waves offshore. Charter a sportfishing boat to reach the best deep sea fishing grounds, including the Gulf Stream. Rent jet skis or paddleboards for more family-friendly water fun.
Beach Picnic
Area parks adjacent to Blind Creek Beach supply picnic essentials like grills, shelters and tables. Grill up lunch to dine oceanside on the sand. Pack a cooler with snacks and beverages to fuel your fun-filled beach day. Bring the whole family – including four-legged members – to socialize and soak up the scenery.
As a bonus, you can purchase tasty take-out fare from nearby eateries to picnic on the beach instead of packing food. Swing by the Blind Creek Beach Cafe right across the street from the beach entrance for pizza, wraps, frozen drinks and more.
Wildlife Viewing
Seabirds like sandpipers and seagulls perform aerial acrobatics as they dive for fish. Watch pelicans soar by in a straight line before tucking their wings back to plunge into the ocean. Try spotting black skimmers with their unique sideways orange bills skimming just above the waves.
Keep watch for dolphins frolicking in schools just offshore, showing off with leaps and tail slaps. In late winter/early spring, witness loggerhead turtles come ashore under the cover of night to lay eggs in the dunes, the babies hatching out two months later. Magnificent frigate birds may drift high overhead like kites riding air currents.
Nearby Attractions
While the highlight attractions involve Blind Creek Beach itself, the surrounding area provides additional entertainment options just a short drive away when you want a change of pace.
Dining & Nightlife
Oceanfront restaurants and tiki bars line nearby Jensen Beach, many with live music and happy hour specials. Popular picks range from casual clam shacks to upscale seafood eateries. Select from purely coastal holes-in-the-wall to resort hotel establishments to family-run gems.
For the locals scene, head inland to downtown Jensen Beach. Quaint cafes, one-of-a-kind boutiques and galleries comprise this artsy waterfront community centered around Pineapple Fountain. Don’t miss the weekly Thursday Night Jam concert in made-over Indian RiverSide Park.
State Parks
Nearby parks operated by the St. Lucie County offer alternative pursuits like camping, horseback riding, disc golf, archery and kayaking.
- Savannas Preserve State Park – Hike through the last remnant of authentic Floridian savanna ecosystem along raised boardwalks with interpretive signs identifying the unique birds and wildlife that call this home.
- Walton Rocks Beach – Horseback ride along three miles of unspoiled beach and wooded trails.
- Hillmoor Disc Golf Course – Test your putting skills on the 18-hole course through a scenic wooded landscape.
- Halpatiokee Regional Park – Participate in Old Florida-style activites like archery, horseshoes, canoeing and camping.
Golf & Tennis
Hutchinson Island holds several championship golf courses open to the public, most designed by famous course architects like Jack Nicklaus. Unleash your inner pro on meticulously manicured fairways and contoured greens. Many country clubs also offer tennis courts and fine dining restaurants.
Museums
Learn about local history and culture at area museums showcasing diverse subjects like commercial fishing, Navy UDT-SEAL operations and even cats! Take the kids to hands-on children’s museums where they can play firefighter or create art projects.
Shopping
The Prime Outlets in St. Lucie West provide discount designer shopping outlets like Coach, Kate Spade NY, Michael Kors and more all in an attractive outdoor plaza. Historic downtown Fort Pierce hosts weekend art walks with vendors amidst turn-of-the century architecture.
Where to Stay Near Blind Creek Beach
Lodging options exist right on Blind Creek Beach as well as throughout Hutchinson Island and the mainland.
Resort Hotels
Major resorts line the beach in Jensen, each providing luxury amenities like multiple pools, restaurants and bars, kids’ programs and spas. Wake up to gorgeous ocean views outside your window. The Marriott and Westin hotels anchor Jensen Beach, alongside smaller boutiques.
Many hotels offer prime Indian River views of dolphin and manatee spotting. Some even provide private beaches, water taxi service, golf courses, tennis courts and boat slips. Expect premium rates, especially in the busy winter season.
Vacation Rentals
For extra space plus home-away-from-home conveniences, house and condo rentals allow you to settle in comfortably just steps from the beach. Stock a full kitchen to fix your own meals instead of dining out all week. Living rooms with plush seating, large HDTVs and oceanfront balconies give you room to relax after a long day playing at the beach.
From quaint cottages to luxury villas, vacation rentals span all amenities and budgets. Search local property management sites for photo galleries, availability calendars and detailed listing information on your various rental options.
Campgrounds
Rough it oceanside by pitching a tent or parking your RV at area campgrounds. Fall asleep to the rhythmic waves right outside your canvas door. Most sites provide restrooms, showers, laundry rooms and supply stores. Some even have recreational facilities like pools, mini golf, general stores and organized activities.
Book well in advance to secure seasonal oceanfront campsites during the popular winter visiting season. Carefree RV Resorts operates two locations on Hutchinson Island along Blind Creek Beach. Several county and state park campgrounds offer more back-to-nature tent camping.
Beach Safety Tips
While Blind Creek Beach stays relatively calm, it’s still important to keep safety in mind – especially when swimming. Take note of these key tips:
Swim Near a Lifeguard
Lifeguards patrol daily from 10am to 5pm covering 3,000 feet of shoreline around the main beach entrance. Swim only when they are on duty and follow their instructions in case of changing conditions like approaching storms or dangerous rip currents.
Swim with a Buddy
Even good swimmers can experience unexpected emergencies in the ocean. Always swim or wade with at least one companion who can summon help if needed. Group parties should implement the buddy system to watch each other’s backs.
Learn Rip Current Safety
Rip currents represent the greatest threat, capable of pulling even strong swimmers out to sea. Educate yourself on spotting rip currents and what to do if caught in one (swim parallel to shore until you escape the narrow current, then angle back to land at an angle).
Watch Children Carefully
Active children can quickly wander into deeper water or other hazards like boats and surf. Assign an adult “water watcher” to focus solely on keeping constant watch over kids playing at the water’s edge, always within arm’s reach. Consider purchasing child flotation devices.
Double Check Weather & Surf
Check the latest beach weather and surf conditions before heading out each day. While unlikely at Blind Creek, larger waves, storms or wind can create more challenging swimming environments. Exercise greater caution in uncertain conditions.
Protect Your Skin
Blinding sunshine reflects off both sand and water, capable of burning exposed skin in just minutes. Generously apply waterproof sunscreen of at least SPF 30 at least every two hours plus after swimming and towel drying. Wear hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.
Stay Hydrated
The combination of sun, heat and ocean breezes can quickly lead to dehydration without adequate fluid intake. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your beach day. Have each family member carry a refillable water bottle plus pack extra beverages into your beach cooler.
Respect Marine Life
While sea turtles and shore birds nest along the dunes, never disturb marked nesting sites. Give wide berth to wildlife like pelicans and terns you may encounter while swimming or tidal pooling. Leave all living creatures and habitats undamaged for others’ enjoyment.
Plan Your Perfect Beach Vacation
With it’s relaxed pace and natural beauty, Blind Creek Beach offers the quintessential Florida oceanside escape. Follow this sample itinerary to plan your own dream beach getaway:
Day One:
Arrive midday to settle into your beachfront accommodations, whether a breezy hotel suite with a view or a charming vacation rental house just steps from the sand. Change into your swimsuit, lather up sunscreen, grab your beach gear and take a short stroll over to the beach entrance.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach under the shade of your umbrella, keying into the rhythm of the ocean. Take a refreshing swim, build sandcastles with the kids, beachcomb the wrack line. Break away mid-afternoon to grab carry-out fish tacos from the Blind Creek Cafe across the street. Catch a fiery sunset over the sea to finish off your first day in paradise.
Day Two:
Wake early to catch a glowing sunrise then head out with your coffee to walk the shoreline with camera in hand snapping photos. Spend a lazy morning beach reading and listening to the soothing sound of waves. Break for a picnic lunch grilling hot dogs at a beachside pavilion.
Try your hand at surfing by taking a group lesson from one of the local surf shops up the beach. Practice popping up on your board and catching the small swells. Alternatively, rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks to explore scenic Blind Creek hiding just around the bend.
As evening sets in, freshen up with an outdoor shower then dress for dinner at one of the fine oceanfront restaurants nearby in Jensen Beach. Enjoy fresh local seafood like snapper and grouper. Afterward, grab ice cream cones and go for a moonlit stroll down the beach.
Day Three:
Dedicate your last vacation day to sightseeing some of the excellent area attractions. Visit the Savannas State Park to hike along unique raised walkways through native wetlands, snapping photos of birds and gators. Stop at popular dive bar Squid Lips to play volleyball and enjoy tropical cocktails beside the Indian River Lagoon.
Shop for local artisan wares and souvenirs at the weekly Jensen Beach Art Walk downtown under the glow of strung lights. For dinner, indulge in a beachfront tiki bar with live music as the backdrop to a stunning sunset over the sea, bidding a bittersweet farewell to your coastal paradise escape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, unlike many popular Florida beaches, Blind Creek does not charge an entrance fee and is free to visit. However, parking rates do apply.
Parking lots sit adjacent to the dune crossovers providing beach access approximately every half mile. Rates run $2 per hour or $5 per day on weekdays, $5 per hour or $10 per day on weekends. Annual passes are available. Street parking in residential areas is not permitted.
Yes, full set-ups with chairs, umbrellas and towel service are available to rent on weekends and holidays in front of the guarded beach area. Call (772) 468-9322 to reserve rentals that also include snack coolers and kids’ beach toys.
Leashed dog walking is permitted north of Cove Road Park for over a mile in the dog-friendly zone. Always clean up promptly after pets and be courteous to avoid disturbing sea turtle nests and local wildlife. Dogs are restricted from the main guarded beach entrance area at all times.
While most visitors arrive by car, the Huttchinson Island Florida Trolley does provide public transportation along A1A with a stop at Blind Creek Beach. The seasonal trolley schedule varies by month. Fares run just $1-$2 per ride based on age.
Plan a Perfect Beach Getaway
Ready to trade your daily grind for some serious beach time? Blind Creek Beach is the perfect spot to channel your inner beach bum and make memories that’ll last longer than your tan lines. With swaying palms, surfside serenity and more paradise charm than a Jimmy Buffett song, this untouched seaside gem on Hutchinson Island is the quintessential Florida escape. So, grab your sunscreen, flip-flops and a sense of adventure and let this guide be your ticket to experiencing the best of Blind Creek Beach. Trust us, your future self will thank you for choosing this tropical oasis over another day at the office!
