How do I get to Chastain Beach and is there parking?

Chastain Beach is located on Hutchinson Island in Stuart, accessible via the Stuart Causeway (Ocean Boulevard/SR A1A). The beach access is on the ocean side of Hutchinson Island. Parking is available in a small lot near the beach access—it's more limited than larger public beaches, which contributes to the quieter atmosphere. Arrive early during peak season and weekends to secure a spot. From downtown Stuart, it's approximately a 10-minute drive across the bridge. The beach is reachable by car; public transportation options to this specific beach are limited.

Are there restaurants or hotels near Chastain Beach?

Chastain Beach itself has minimal amenities, befitting its quieter, more natural character. You'll find restaurants, shops, and accommodations along Hutchinson Island's main corridors, particularly along Ocean Boulevard/A1A, within a short drive. Stuart's downtown, just across the causeway, offers diverse dining options, from casual waterfront seafood to upscale restaurants. Lodging ranges from beachfront resorts and vacation rentals on Hutchinson Island to hotels in Stuart proper. Plan to bring your own food, water, and beach supplies, as there are no concessions or facilities directly at this beach access point.

What makes Chastain Beach different from other Hutchinson Island beaches?

Chastain Beach stands out for its genuinely local, low-key atmosphere compared to more developed Hutchinson Island beaches. It attracts fewer tourists, offering a more secluded beach experience without the crowds found at nearby public beaches. The natural setting and limited commercial development give it an authentic, old-Florida feel. It's particularly favored by locals who appreciate the quieter environment for peaceful beach walks, shelling, and relaxation. While you sacrifice amenities like lifeguards and concessions, you gain a more intimate, uncrowded beach experience that feels like a hidden discovery rather than a typical tourist destination.

Stuart · Florida · USA

Chastain Beach

You'll find Chastain Beach tucked along a residential curve of Hutchinson Island, where Australian pines sway overhead and the sand crunches with coquina fragments. The Atlantic rolls in steady and unhurried, and by late afternoon, locals arrive with folding chairs to watch the sky turn tangerine over the St. Lucie Inlet.

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About this beach

Chastain Beach occupies a narrow slice of Hutchinson Island where A1A bends away from the resort strips and into a neighborhood of low-slung beach cottages and weathered wooden fences. You park on the shoulder beneath a canopy of twisted Australian pines, their needles carpeting the sand in rust-colored drifts. The beach itself stretches wide and flat at low…

Where it is

Chastain Beach

Stuart, Florida, USA

27.1557°, -80.1573°

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Top things to do

At Chastain Beach

Sunset over inlet

St. Lucie channel silhouettes perfectly

Wade the sandbars

Warm shallows, gentle Gulf Stream

Beachcomb for shells

Coquinas, olives, fighting conchs

Paddle the Intracoastal

Launch nearby, explore mangrove islands

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Chastain Beach.

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Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Chastain Beach.

Is Chastain Beach safe for swimming?

Chastain Beach generally offers calm swimming conditions typical of Hutchinson Island's Atlantic-facing beaches. Water conditions vary with weather and season—summer months tend to be calmer, while winter can bring stronger currents. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk and check local surf reports before entering the water. Watch for occasional jellyfish, especially after storms. The beach's quieter nature means fewer people around in emergencies, so swimming with a companion is advisable. Always supervise children closely near the water.

What's the best time to visit Chastain Beach?

Chastain Beach is accessible year-round, with each season offering different advantages. Winter months (November-March) bring comfortable temperatures in the 70s°F and fewer crowds, though water may be cooler. Summer (June-August) offers warm swimming but higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Many visitors consider spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) ideal for pleasant weather and minimal crowds. The beach faces east, making mornings excellent for sunrises, though it's also tagged for sunsets viewed across the Intracoastal Waterway. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends regardless of season.