Treasure Coast restaurants with views of the ocean or river — and a rocket launch

Jennifer Sangalang and Cheryl Smith, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Updated ·7 min read

Waterfront dining is a pretty Florida thing to do. So is watching a rocket launch lift off.

There’s a handful of restaurants on the Treasure Coast that offer both: a killer view of the ocean or river and a chance to see an orange streak in the sky and the contrail from the rocket launch that follows.

On the Treasure Coast, you can sometimes get a great view of a SpaceX, NASA or United Launch Alliance rocket launch.

This year, officials expect Florida's Space Coast — home of NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — to break the 2023 annual record of 72 orbital rocket launches. As of May 1, a total of 32 rockets have lifted off from here, and officials have projected the 2024 total could reach an unprecedented 111 launches — led by SpaceX. The company's Starlink internet-satellite constellation missions comprise the bulk of the launch total.

But there have been some standout launches already and more on the way: United Launch Alliance's final launch of its Delta IV Heavy rocket earlier this month was one for the history books. SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket has a summer launch scheduled, too.

Where are some places to go for lunch and a launch, or dinner and a launch on the Treasure Coast? Scroll below to see some of our suggestions.

The Sandbar at Capt. Hiram's Resort in Sebastian sprawls along the banks of the Indian River.
The Sandbar at Capt. Hiram's Resort in Sebastian sprawls along the banks of the Indian River.

Where can I see a Florida rocket launch in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County?

The best views to watch a rocket lift off from Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral is along the beach. Visibility in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County, all part of the Treasure Coast, depend on weather conditions, and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches. Look due north.

Here are some recommended spots:

• Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch. That includes Melbourne Beach, which borders Indian River County, or from Grant-Valkaria along the Indian River Lagoon.

• Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)

• Wabasso Beach Park, 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso

• Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)

• Bridge in Winter Beach (CR510), north of Barber Bridge

• Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach

• South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)

• Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach

• Fort Pierce Inlet, 905 Shorewinds Drive

• Blind Creek Beachside North and South, South Ocean Drive or SR A1A on Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce

• Blue Heron Beach, 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce

• Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

• John Brooks Park Beachside, 3300 S Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

• Middle Cove Beach, 4600 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

• Pepper Park Beachside, 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce

• Dollman Park Beachside, 9200 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

• Herman's Bay Beach, 7880 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

• Normandy Beach in Jensen Beach

• Walton Rocks Beach, which has a dog park, 6700 South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

• Waveland Beach, 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

• House of Refuge and beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart

• State Road A1A causeway in Stuart

Oceanfront restaurants in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County, Florida

Florida's year-round good weather makes waterfront dining — especially at restaurants with outside seating — one of the perks of living in the Sunshine State. There’s a handful of restaurants on the Treasure Coast that offer a killer view of the ocean or river and a chance to see an orange streak in the sky and the contrail from a rocket launch. The following is a list of best waterfront restaurants and bars on the Treasure Coast to view a rocket launch.

If we've inadvertently omitted your favorite or listed one that's permanently closed or changed names, please email TCPalm reporter Laurie Blandford at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com.

What to do in the 772: Best activities, attractions and entertainment on the Treasure Coast

Mulligan’s Beach House: 1025 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach. Call 772-492-6744, website

Ocean Grill, 1050 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-5409 or visit ocean-grill.com. The eccentric Waldo Sexton built it with mahogany, pecky cypress, wrought iron and Spanish antiques.

Cobalt, 3500 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach. Call 772-469-1060, website

Citrus Grillhouse, 1050 Easter Lily Lane, Vero Beach. Call 772-234-4114, website

Heaton’s: 3500 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach. Call 772-469-1060, website

The Wave Kitchen & Bar: 3244 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach. Call 772-410-0100, website

Waldo’s: 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach. Call 772-231-7091, website

Seaside Cafe: 891 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Call 772-320-3082 or visit martin.fl.us/SeasideCafe.

Shuckers, 9800 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach. Call 772-229-1224 or visit shuckersonthebeach.com.

Kyle G’s Prime Seafood and Steaks, 10900 S. Ocean Drive (SR A1A), Jensen Beach. Call 772-237-5461 or visit kylegseafood.com. The inside dining room's wall of windows offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Drift Kitchen & Bar, 3793 N.E. Ocean Blvd. (SR A1A), Jensen Beach. Call 772-405-9215 or visit driftkitchenandbar.com. This restaurant in the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa has indoor, outdoor and poolside bars and dining.

Riverfront restaurants (on the Indian River Lagoon) in Treasure Coast of Florida

Blackfins Riverfront Grill: 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-589-4345 or visit hirams.com/riverfront-restaurant/blackfins.

Capt Hirams Resort, 1580 U.S. 1, Sebastian. Call 772-388-8588 or visit hirams.com/riverfront-restaurant.

Mulligan’s Beach House: 806 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-918-4844 or visit mulligansbeachhouse.com.

Sandbar Beach Club: 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-388-8588 or visit hirams.com.

Sebastian Saltwater Marina Restaurant, 1732 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-918-4229 or visit sebastiansaltwater.com.

Squid Lips: 1660 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-589-3828 or visit squidlipsgrill.com.

The Crab Stop: 1550 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-571-6767 or visit crabstoptc.com.

Tiki Bar & Grill: 1109 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-388-1080 or visit sebastiantiki.com.

Chuck’s Seafood, 822 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce. Call 772-461-9484. This iconic seafood restaurant on the Fort Pierce Inlet has an upstairs balcony — as well as waterside tables — perfect for catching a view of the sunset on the Indian River Lagoon.

Crabby's Dockside: 2 Avenue A, Fort Pierce. Call 772-252-5672 or visit crabbysdocksideftpierce.com.

Island Beach Bar and Restaurant, 2400 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce. Call 772-409-4677 or visit islandbeachbarandrestaurant.com. In May, Island Beach Bar will move into Sunrise Sands, which is on the beach at the Fort Pierce jetty, perfect for rocket launch viewing.

Little Jim's: 601 N. Causeway, Fort Pierce. Call 772-468-2503 or visit littlejimbaitandtackle.com.

Manatee Island: 1640 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce. Call 772-242-8460 or visit manateeislandbarandgrill.com.

On the Edge: 1136 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce. Call 772-882-9729 or visit ontheedgebarandgrill.com.

Skippers Cove Restaurant: 1930 Harbortown Drive, Fort Pierce. Call 772-429-5303.

Square Grouper: 1920 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce. Call 561-406-6417 or visit squaregrouper.net.

Conchy Joe's Seafood, 3945 N.E. Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. Call 772-334-1130 or visit conchyjoes.com. This is an open-air restaurant with waterfront views.

Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House, 1401 N.E. Indian River Drive, Stuart. Call 772-781-5136 or visit dolphinbar.com. Its panoramic views sweep from the Jensen Beach to Stuart causeways.

Gilbert’s Coffee Bar: 615 S.W. Anchorage Way, Stuart. Call 772-214-1522 or visit gilbertscoffeebar.com.

Hudsons on the River, 351 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. Call 772-266-8061 or visit hudsonontheriver.com.

Pirate’s Loft: 4307 S.E. Bayview St., Stuart. Call 772-223-5048 or visit piratescoveresort.com/dining.

Sailor’s Return: 625 S.W. Anchorage Way, Stuart. Call 772-872-7250 or visit thesailorsreturn.com.

Stuart Boathouse: 49 S.W. Seminole St., Stuart. Call 772-266-4586 or visit stuartboathouse.com.

The Deck: Harbor Inn & Marina, 307 N.W. North River Drive, Stuart. Call 772-692-1203 or visit harborinnandmarina.com/the-deck.

Shrimpers Grill & Raw Bar: 4903 S.E. Dixie Highway, Port Salerno/Stuart. Call 772-220-3287 or visit shrimpersgrill.com.

Mangia Clam Bar, 4817 S.E. Dixie Highway, Port Salerno. Call 772-678-6460 or visit mangiaclambar.com.

Two Georges: 4290 S.E. Salerno Road, Port Salerno.

Contributing: Rick Neale, FLORIDA TODAY

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Waterfront restaurants in Sebastian, Vero, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach