Bathtub Beach is the southernmost public beach in Martin County, in Stuart Florida. Turn south at the traffic light in front of Indian River Plantation. Follow Macarthur Blvd as it winds southward on the thin strip of land separating the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Shortcut: Florida Beaches
October 2008, Bathtub Reef Beach closed for repairs
Update June 6, 2009 - Bathtub Reef Beach is Open
The beach has lost huge amounts of sand and the facilities are damaged/closed but the beach is open.
The other Stuart Beaches are open.
The boardwalk leading to the beach was destroyed in recent hurricanes and the protecting swimming area was filled in with sand.
There are three entrances to Bathtub’s huge sandy parking lot. The beach itself is protected by Bathtub Reef. The reef creates a lagoon off the shore, making this the best beach option for children.
Here you can find large bathrooms and changing rooms, as well as several showers to rinse off. Although the beaches technically close at night, the parking lot is lighted to be safe.
You can also find a payphone here.
Following the boardwalk over the sand dunes, be sure to look for the environmental exhibit. The exhibit is in an open, but covered, extension of the boardwalk.
Waves lap over the reef that gives Bathtub Reef Beach its name
The protected swimming area - protected by a reef just off shore is now open and there were many people there on June 20, 2008 when we visited the beach.
Bathtub Reef Beach, Stuart Florida
Hello Rose,
Dogs are not allowed on Bathtub Reef Beach because it a “Guarded” beach. This is because of the presence of Sea Turtle nests and plant life and Dunes that are fragile.
There are 3 Guarded Beaches in Martin County with these restrictions including Bathtub Reef Beach, Stuart Beach, and Jensen Beach.
There are several beach access areas - along Hutchinson Island - where you can take your dogs but they must be on a leash.
By Inside Florida on 08-13-2008
How long will the beach be closed for? We will be visiting the area on Dec. 26-Jan.5th, 2009 and were curious if bathtub beach would be fixed by that time. Thank You, Mike and Abby.
By Abby M. on 11-23-2008
We spoke with the Martin County FL Parks and Recreation department today and the beach will be closed for a long time. Storms sucked much of the sand out of the bathtub area, which historically is shallow and calm. Now it is deep and steep and there is constant wave action on the beach. In the past there were really only waves at high tide.
So there is extensive work going on. The best estimate we could get is that they are trying to get the beach repairs done for Spring 2009.
By Inside Florida on 11-24-2008
Bathtub Reef Beach is open - the facilities (bathrooms, etc) are damaged and mostly closed but the beach is open.
By Inside Florida on 06-28-2009
Have a Question or Comment? Submit it below!
I have two small (2 & 4 pound) chihuahuas and would like to bring them to the beach. Is it legal to take them to Bathtub Beach?
What are the rules and regulations?
By Rose on 08-11-2008