This Tiny Treasure Coast Beach Town Was Once Known as the 'Pineapple Capital of the World'-and It Has Old Florida Charm

"Right across the river from Stuart, Florida (which was named America's Best Small Retirement Town in 2024 by Travel + Leisure), sits a tiny community that, for the most part, flies under the radar among East Coast beach destinations. Jensen Beach, population of about 12,500, is a riverfront and oceanfront town located on the Treasure Coast, between West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce."

"One of its claims to fame-along with being an excellent place for fishing, boating, and scuba diving-is its former title as the "Pineapple Capital of the World." The nickname originated in the late 1800s, before cold spells, nematodes, and spider mites impacted the success of the area's pineapple industry in the early 1900s. Even though Jensen Beach is no longer known for pineapple growing (and its long-running Pineapple Festival was discontinued), you may still see some pineapple art in the downtown area."

"What's also apparent is its "Old Florida" ambiance. "It is truly the gem of Martin County," says Tammy Calabria, the executive director of The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast. "There's something so special about its charm, the community, and the fun that can be had outdoors on the water, the beach, or a hiking trail," adds Carly S. Batts, owner of B the Change Native Plants & Landscape Designs."

Jensen Beach sits across the river from Stuart on Florida's Treasure Coast with a population of about 12,500. The town offers both riverfront and oceanfront access and is popular for fishing, boating, scuba diving, and outdoor recreation. A late-1800s pineapple industry once earned the town the nickname "Pineapple Capital of the World" before pests and cold spells ended large-scale growing; pineapple-themed art remains downtown. The community retains an Old Florida ambiance, relaxed restaurants, and beachfront resorts such as Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa and the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina.

Read at Travel + Leisure