Rocket launch in Florida? Here’s a list of waterfront restaurants on the Treasure Coast
Cheers! Watching a rocket launch while at the beach is so Florida. Sometimes, while waiting for that launch window, breakfast, lunch or dinner comes to mind. Lunch and a launch is definitely a thing to do.
On the Treasure Coast, immediately south of neighboring Space Coast — home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station — you can sometimes get a great view of a SpaceX, NASA or United Launch Alliance rocket launch.
Opportunities to watch a rocket launch from a Florida beach seem to be increasing, too.
In 2023, FLORIDA TODAY, a USA TODAY Network-Florida newspaper, reported a record-breaking 72 orbital launches took flight. And after seven rockets lifted off in January and 13 in February, officials expect the 2024 total to reach an unprecedented 111 launches, led by SpaceX. The company's Starlink internet-satellite constellation missions will comprise the bulk of that total.
But where are some places to go for lunch and a launch, or dinner and a launch? Here are some of our suggestions.
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. The following is a list of best waterfront restaurants to see 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
Bobby's Restaurant & Lounge, 3450 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6996, website
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.
Crab E. Bill's: 1540 Indian River Drive, Sebastian. Call 772-388-2727 or visit crabebills.com.
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.
Riverside Cafe, 3341 Bridge Plaza Drive, Vero Beach. Call 772-234-5550 or visit riversidecafe.com. This local favorite is tucked under the Merrill P. Barber Bridge (State Road 60/Beachland Boulevard) and features a view across the Indian River Lagoon.
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.
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.
Fernando’s Dockside Grille: 2214 S.E. Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie. Call 772-337-1110 or visit fernandosdocksidegrille.com.
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.
TideHouse: 915 N.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart. Call 772-444-3166 or visit tidehouse.com.
Shrimpers Grill & Raw Bar: 4903 S.E. Dixie Highway, Port Salerno/Stuart. Call 772-220-3287 or visit shrimpersgrill.com.
Manatee Island: 4817 S.E. Dixie Highway, Port Salerno. Call 772-872-7288 or visit manateeislandbarandgrill.com.
Mangia Clam Bar, 4817 S.E. Dixie Highway, Port Salerno. Call 772-678-6460 or visit mangiaclambar.com.
The Twisted Tuna: 4290 S.E. Salerno Road, Port Salerno. Call 772-600-7239 or visit thetwistedtuna.com.
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: Where to eat on the ocean or river in Vero, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach
