Best Attraction in Port Saint Lucie: The Port District
Port Saint Lucie has gone through rapid improvements in the last few years, with the most exciting one being the best attraction in Port Saint Lucie: The Port District.
Published June 2024
Where is the Port District in Port Saint Lucie?
The Port District
2454 SE Westmoreland Blvd.
Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
It is located immediately to the south, and shares an entrance, with the botanical gardens.
What is Port Saint Lucie known for?
Parks and nature preserves
One of the things Port Saint Lucie is best known for is the St. Lucie River, which is strengthened by the North Fork and the South Fork.
The river is a 35-mile-long estuary that is part of the larger Indian River Lagoon system, the most diverse estuarine environment in North America with more than 4,000 marine species, including manatees, plants, dolphins, oysters, seahorses and sea turtles.
The Port District
Port Saint Lucie is a new recreational development unlike any other in the area, that sits on the North Fork, and has been an anticipated project for residents since the city and its development workers broke ground in 2022.
On June 15th, 2024, the Port District celebrated their grand opening with a fun event along the St. Lucie River, allowing residents and visitors to experience the well-designed park, playground and splash pad, and outdoor amphitheater.
Fun Attractions in Port Saint Lucie at the Port District
Pioneer Park Playground
Pioneer Park playground is perfectly crafted for fun! It is designed in a rounded shape with a walkway leading to various play areas within the fenced in play space.
Aesthetic directional signs will help you navigate this play space, guiding you from one adventure to the next.
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The park does not have any overhead shade structures, but it has a lot of tree canopies that will eventually provide shade when they mature.
Tree canopies are also lit up with decorative tree uplighting and the playground itself is well lit.
The playground hours are from 9am-9pm.
Pioneer Park playground is ideal for all kids, as there is a 2-5 year old play area and a 5-12 year old play area.
Gator Gulch
this is a large alligator play structure with interactive areas inside of the gator.
Chalk wall area
consists of a large chalkboard wall and a place to hold chalk.
Pioneer Perch
This part of the playground includes a climbing dome (net climbing structure made of rope)
Sand Play area
The sand play area consists of a little playhouse and an excavator.
River Schooner
This is a play structure in the shape of a sailboat or “pirate ship.”
Swing sets
2 nest swings
2 belt swings
1 toddler swing
1 You and Me Swing
an additional pendulum swing is near the pirate ship.
Seating locations
Benches are strategically placed throughout the play space. Additionally, there is a lawn outside of the play space for gathering and events.
Musical instrument stations
Look for chimes, bells, or drums for the musical child!
Banyan Basin Splash Pad
The splash pad is located within the fenced in playground, which is so great for big families with kids who want to explore different things simultaneously. It has slightly raised walls and gives off the feeling of being in a stone cave. Within the splash pad is a “creek” and seating areas on the “rocks.” It is open from 9am-dusk.
Related: Here is a complete list of splash pads on the Treasure Coast
River Animals
You’ll see river animal art throughout the walkway, with a corresponding sign and barcode to learn more about each animal.
Riverfront Dining
The River Food Garden concept will be a courtyard of multiple different venues. There will be a full-service restaurant and several smaller food and beverage venues comprising up to 15,000 SF of indoor / outdoor landscaped area.
Waterfront Restaurant
The waterfront restaurant at the Port District will be a full-service restaurant functioning as a venue to dine in or celebrate occasions. The restaurant will feature 5,000 sq. feet of space on the first floor, and 2200 sq. feet on the rooftop terrace overlooking the river.
Beer House and Grill
This two-story beer house will feature a bar with bites and will serve as a great place to gather and watch the game. This will be 1,300 sq. feet on the first floor with another 1,300 sq. feet on the rooftop terrace.
Pizzeria
The Port District in Port Saint Lucie will have 1,300 sq. foot designated for a pizzeria for families and friends to gather and “mangia.”
Taqueria
1,1000 sq. feet of space to enjoy tacos and other Mexican cuisine.
Cafe and Deli
The Cafe and deli will consist of 1,000 sq. feet of the cafe side and another 1,000 sq. feet on the deli side.
This will be a quaint venue for enjoying coffee, tea and traditional sandwiches and other deli items that are perfect for grabbing a bite before or after exploring the Port District or botanical gardens.
The Preserve
The aquatic preserve and wetland is used for recreation among visitors and residents who enjoy the beauty of nature. The master plan of the development includes a main goal as being sustainability of the river.
Riverwalk/Boardwalk
Enjoy a scenic path on the boardwalk that will also serve as a safe passage for pedestrians to cross Port St. Lucie Blvd. The master plan includes a network of trails with signage.
Construction began in 2023 for improvements and a 2,000 foot extension for public access to a 13-acre conservation tract. The tract will connect to the Riverwalk Boardwalk, nature overlook, walking trails and canoe/kayak launch.
Historic Homes
The Peacock House, built in 1917, and the Peacock Lodge, built in 1952 were transported from the Peacock Ranch to the Port District. It is unclear if the homes will be used for tours, or rented out for private events.
Riverfront Stage
The stage will serve as a local venue for concerts, shows, and other events. The Wailers performed here at the Grand Opening.
General event open space
Open space creates an opportunity for community and cultural events and serves as a hub for gathering, while leaving parts of the land untouched. The master plan includes incorporating art to inspire groups and draw in visitors. This space could be perfect for yoga, an art class, or a music and movement class.
There is so much to look forward to here, but now you can see why the Port District is the upcoming best attraction in Port Saint Lucie.
Head over to Kid-Friendly Things to do in Port Saint Lucie for more ideas on family fun.
