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Martin County, with its 135 miles of uncrowded beaches and seemingly endless waterways, lives up to its billing as "Florida's Natural Water Wonderland." It's the southernmost stretch of the Treasure Coast and its carefully preserved Hutchinson Island, a barrier between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic, provides a captivating close-at-hand escape beteween Stuart and Fort Pierce.At the island's southern tip is Bathtub Beach, a shallow little low tide lagoon made by a coral reef close to shore. There are lifeguards, showers, restrooms and free parking. The rest of the beach is in its more natural state, favored by sea turtles as nesting grounds March through September. This is a view of Worm Reef, looking north from Bathtub Beach. In June and July there are turtle walks led by local experts knowledgeable about the ways and wanderings of leatherbacks, loggerhead and green turtles. You can make reservations starting in late April at 800-334-5483 -- Robert Tolf For more information, read Robert Tolf's review of a bed and breakfast on Hutchinson Island. Martin County's official website displays photos contributed by residents and county employees. (Photo by Alex Kluze, courtesy of Martin County) Related Content  TREASURE COAST GETAWAY GUIDE See past Florida Getaways Copyright © 2009, South Florida Sun-Sentinel |