Chastain Beach
A dynamic beach on Hutchinson Island, known for its excellent surf, abundant shells, and rocky formations perfect for exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for shelling & fewer crowds
Chastain Beach
Best Time
Best for shelling & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic beach on Hutchinson Island, known for its excellent surf, abundant shells, and rocky formations perfect for exploration.
"A surfers paradise with tremendous waves and plenty of shells to be found."
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
The rocky terrain and reefs make water shoes a must for comfortable exploration and swimming.
🅿️ Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Surfer's Paradise
Main beach area
Dynamic waves crash against rocky outcrops, making it a prime spot for surfers and exciting to watch.
Shelling & Beachcombing
Tide pools and shoreline
Abundant shells and unique finds, especially in the morning tide. A treasure trove for collectors.
Bathtub Reef Exploration
Adjacent to Chastain Beach
Rocky formations create natural pools and interesting formations, perfect for exploring at low tide.
Wildlife Watching
Shoreline and ocean
Spot pelicans feeding or other marine life from the shore. A delight for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up & Shells Galore
Family Fun & Wildlife Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
The rocky terrain and reefs make water shoes a must for comfortable exploration and swimming.
🅿️ Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🐢 Respect Sea Turtle Nests
Never disturb marked sea turtle nests. Observe from a distance and follow all posted guidelines.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The sunsets here are stunning, offering a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
The rocky terrain and reefs make water shoes a must for comfortable exploration and swimming.
🅿️ Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🐢 Respect Sea Turtle Nests
Never disturb marked sea turtle nests. Observe from a distance and follow all posted guidelines.
📸 Capture the Sunset
The sunsets here are stunning, offering a beautiful backdrop for photos.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Some areas welcome friendly dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chastain Beach is a highly-rated destination, praised for its excellent surfing conditions and abundant shelling opportunities. Visitors enjoy the dynamic, rocky terrain and the chance to spot wildlife. Some note that parking can be limited and water shoes are essential due to the rocky areas.
"A really remarkable beach with reefs, rocks, and a ton of shells. My grandson is an avid surfer and he loves to come here with friends to surf some waves while his parents and grandparents watch from ashore, always a blast at this beach."
Justine Pollack
"Beautiful area to spend time with family, watching surfers or beach combing! The day we visited, there was a flock of pelicans feasting in the cove! The beach terrain changes with the tide and can be rough which is why it’s such a great area for surfers."
Grandma Cece
"This is a beautiful area to visit. We went on the weekend and it was hoppin! Cookouts under the stairs. Bring your friendly dogs! Areas to explore with the rocky structures and also regular sand to lay out. Water was a beautiful blue color. Come in the morning for some decent shelling."
Amy Middlecamp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chastain Beach is located on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, Florida. It's accessible by car, with parking available near the beach access points. Some visitors mention limited parking, so arriving early is advised.
Yes, Chastain Beach is a well-known spot on Hutchinson Island. You can use GPS navigation to find it. It's part of the coastline that includes other notable areas like Bathtub Reef.
For exploring Hutchinson Island and nearby Stuart, a car is generally the most convenient option. Some visitors enjoy activities like paddleboarding directly from the beach.
Public transport directly to Chastain Beach is limited. The closest major town is Stuart, and while there are local transport options within Stuart, getting to the beach itself usually requires a car or ride-sharing service.
Chastain Beach is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Miami, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Chastain Beach is a public beach and typically does not have an entrance fee. Parking may have associated fees depending on the lot and time of year.
As a public beach, Chastain Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, specific parking lot hours might vary.
No, tickets are not required for Chastain Beach as it's a public access beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Visitors should be mindful of local regulations, especially regarding pets, fires, and respecting wildlife, such as sea turtle nests. Water shoes are recommended due to the rocky areas.
Yes, Chastain Beach is known to be dog-friendly in certain areas, allowing visitors to bring their pets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Chastain Beach is ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, beachcombing for shells, exploring rocky areas like Bathtub Reef, and enjoying the scenic coastline. +1
While swimming is possible, the strong currents and waves, especially around the reefs, make it more suitable for experienced swimmers and surfers. Water shoes are highly recommended. +1
You can find clean restrooms and showers near the parking lot, which are convenient for beachgoers.
Crowds can vary. Weekends tend to be busier with surfers and families, while mornings might offer a more peaceful experience with fewer people.
The beach features a mix of sandy areas and rocky outcrops, with reefs offshore. The terrain changes with the tide, creating dynamic conditions. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. The dynamic waves crashing against the rocks also provide dramatic shots.
The rocky formations, especially during high tide when waves crash, and the expansive shoreline with its shells are very photogenic. The sunsets are also a major draw. 
Drone usage regulations can vary by location and time. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park services regarding drone operation rules before flying.
You might capture images of pelicans, other seabirds, and potentially marine life if conditions are right.
Experiment with long exposures to capture the movement of the waves against the rocks. Early mornings are great for finding unique shells to photograph.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Be prepared for the rocky seabed and consider bringing a rash guard for protection. 📸 Photographers
+1 The changing tides offer unique perspectives throughout the day. Don't forget to look out for local wildlife like pelicans for some added shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Water Conditions
Visibility can vary significantly, with some days offering clear views of the reef and others being more challenging due to near-shore murkiness.
This variability adds to the adventurous nature of the water activities here. For those interested in observing the surf action, the boardwalk area provides a great vantage point to watch friends ride the waves. Beachcombing and Natural Wonders
Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the potential for wildlife sightings. Flocks of pelicans have been observed feasting in the cove, adding a dynamic element to the coastal scenery.
Community and Atmosphere
This sense of shared enjoyment extends to the facilities available, with clean restrooms and showers near the parking lot enhancing the visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit