The area north of Palm Beach is known as the Treasure Coast for the reason that it was the site of a number of shipwrecks that date back over 300 years. This has led to the discovery of priceless treasures in the water (some historians believe that treasures from these sunken vessels still lie buried deep beneath the ocean floor).

For hundreds of years, Florida's east coast was a popular stopover for European explorers, many of whom arrived from Spain to fill coffers with gold and silver. Rough weather and poor navigation often took a toll on their ships, but in 1715, a violent hurricane stunned the northeast coast and sank an entire fleet of Spanish ships laden with gold. Although Spanish salvagers worked for years to collect the lost treasure, much of it remained buried beneath the shifting sand. Workers hired to excavate the area in the 1950s and 1960s discovered centuries-old coins under their tractors.

Today, you can still see shipwrecks as well as the barrier reefs in St. Lucie County, which can be reached from the beaches of Fort Pierce and Hutchinson Island. On these same beaches, swimmers and sunbathers who come to enjoy the stretches of beach that extend into the horizon. The sea, especially around Sebastian Inlet, is a mecca for surfers, who find some of the largest swells in the state.

Few places have a serious claim on being the ultimate holiday destination and the place to live. The criteria start with the obvious things – sunshine, exceptional beaches, fantastic shopping and the friendly locals.

But that’s not all. A tropical climate, sophisticated hotels, exotic hideaways, fabulous cuisine and the chance to indulge your every fantasy, whether you want some of the world’s best fishing and diving or the extravagance of a luxury spa resort.

Treasure Coast remains, for the most part, an unspoiled, quiet natural jewel. Miles of uninterrupted beaches and aquamarine waters attract swimmers, boaters, divers, anglers, and sun worshipers who come here to dip, dive, and surf. If you love the great outdoors and prefer a more understated environment than hyper-developed Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the Treasure Coast is a real find.

Only a couple of hours away from Florida's magical amusement parks Treasure Coast boasts of its miles of pristine sands, from its vibrant cities to its fantastic sport fishing. In south Florida's Treasure Coast, you can always find the that suits you.

Whether you are visiting the Treasure Coast or are a resident, you should not miss the extensive array of wildlife, which includes the endangered West Indian manatee, loggerhead and leatherback turtles, tropical fish, alligators, deer, and exotic birds. Sports enthusiasts will find boundless opportunities here -- from golf and tennis to polo, motorcar racing, the New York Mets during spring training, and being the capital of Sailfishing, best freshwater fishing around.