Spruce Bluff Preserve

If you're looking for a unique attraction when vacationing on the Treasure Coast, consider time spent at Spruce Bluff Preserve. You'll walk among the ruins of an 1800 settlement and observe nature by hiking several trails.

The Spruce Bluff Preserve is a 97-acre natural area in Port St. Lucie on the eastern side of the St. Lucie River. The preserve is home to various plant and animal species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. 

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Spruce Bluff was a small community with a school, post office, and several homes. It is also where the seven surviving crew members from the Georges Valentine found refuge. The ship ran aground during a storm in 1904, and five crew members were lost at sea. 

Over time, the settlement grew with the addition of a few farms and a pineapple plantation. However, the community was abandoned in the early 20th century, and nature reclaimed the area. 

Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the old settlement, including a cemetery with graves dating back to the late 19th century. 

The preserve also has two hiking trails – the South Trail, which takes you through a mesic flatwoods habitat, and the North Trail, which takes you through a scrubby flatwoods habitat and offers views of the St. Lucie River.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

While the natural beauty of the Spruce Bluff Preserve is undoubtedly its main attraction, there are also several interesting historical sites and features to explore. 

The preserve contains remnants of an old settlement from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The old cemetery contains the graves of some of the original settlers of Spruce Bluff, including those of the shipwrecked sailors from the Georges Valentine. 

Another exciting feature is the series of interpretive signs along the trails that provide information about the area's history, flora, and fauna. For example, you may learn about the different species of plants and animals that inhabit the preserve and their roles in the ecosystem. 

Additionally, the preserve is home to several rare and endangered species, such as the gopher tortoise and the Florida scrub jay. Bird watchers will also be delighted to know that the preserve is a hotspot for migratory birds during winter.

Spruce Bluff Preserve offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit attraction on Florida's Treasure Coast. Visitors should plan on their visit taking 2-3 hours.

Getting There

• Start from Port St. Lucie city center.
• Head east on SE Port St Lucie Blvd toward SE Lennard Rd.
• Turn right onto SE Green River Pkwy.
• Continue onto SE Melaleuca Blvd.
• Turn left onto SE Airoso Blvd.
• Turn right onto SE St James Dr.
• Turn left onto SE West Snow Rd.
• Turn right onto Spruce Bluff Drive.
• The preserve will be on your left at 611 Dar Ln.

Cost 

• There is no admission fee to visit the Spruce Bluff Preserve.
• Donations are welcomed and go towards the maintenance and conservation of the preserve.