A One-Night Family Staycation / Vacation in Fort Pierce, Florida: Brewery, Beach, and Lion Country Safari
- D Siesta House
- Jul 2
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Looking for an easy, affordable Florida getaway with kids? This one-night staycation / vacation in Fort Pierce, Florida checks every box. It’s budget-friendly, simple to plan, toddler-approved, and packed with memorable experiences—from craft beer to coastal wildlife.
We took this trip as a way to celebrate Father’s Day, but honestly, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to unwind, reconnect, and explore without going far.
👉 Planning more Florida adventures? Don’t miss my other posts on the best places to stay, top things to do with kids, and relaxing family-friendly destinations across the Sunshine State.
📌 Table of Contents
🏡 Why We're Choosing Staycations (Right Now)
As a family of three (soon to be four!), we’ve set a goal to take a vacation every month. But with me currently seven months pregnant and living on a single income, our travel style has shifted.
Instead of hopping on flights or planning big getaways, we’ve been focusing on local staycations in Florida—quick trips that still give us the change of pace and connection we’re craving.
This trip to Fort Pierce was the perfect blend of budget, comfort, and fun. And since so many families are in the same boat, I’m creating a Vacation Budget Planner Sheet to help others plan affordable, intentional getaways too. Stay tuned for that download!
🏠 What Is a Staycation (And Why You Might Want One Too)
A staycation is a short getaway close to home—usually within driving distance—that allows you to enjoy the benefits of travel without the hassle, expense, or time commitment of a faraway trip.
Unlike traditional vacations that often require flights, long itineraries, and heavy planning, staycations are about slowing down, reconnecting as a family, and exploring the gems right in your own backyard.
🌴 Benefits of a Staycation for Families:
1. Budget-Friendly Skip the airfare and big travel expenses. Staycations let you enjoy quality time without blowing your budget—making frequent family getaways more doable, especially on a single income.
2. Less Stress, More Flexibility No airport lines, no jet lag, no time zone changes. Staycations give you the freedom to relax and enjoy without the pressure of planning a big trip.
3. Short Travel Time = More Play Time When you're traveling with toddlers (and pregnant!), shorter drives and familiar surroundings make all the difference. You arrive quicker, settle in faster, and get to the fun part sooner.
4. Discover Local Hidden Gems Florida is full of incredible spots—beaches, breweries, aquariums, wildlife parks—all within a couple of hours from home. Staycations give you the excuse to explore places you’ve always meant to visit.
5. Easier to Plan More Often We’ve set a goal to take a vacation every month, and staycations are the only reason that’s possible right now. They require less time off work, less planning, and more spontaneity.
💡 If you're craving a break but feeling overwhelmed by the cost or logistics of a full vacation, a staycation might be the perfect solution. It's about quality, not distance.
🛏️ Where We Stayed
We booked one night at Home2 Suites by Hilton using a combination of points and cash—just $75 total for our one-night stay.
🐢We loved our stay, and so do thousands of others—read the reviews on TripAdvisor.
Why We Decided to Spend the Night in Fort Pierce:
Even though Fort Pierce is just under two hours from our home, we chose to turn it into an overnight stay for a few key reasons:
With a toddler and me being 7 months pregnant, we didn’t want to rush the day or drive back late after a full schedule of activities.
We wanted my husband to fully relax and enjoy the brewery experience without being on a tight timeline.
Having a hotel nearby made it easy to take a midday nap (our toddler’s siesta), freshen up after the beach, and reset for more fun.
Most importantly, we wanted this to feel like a real getaway, even if it was just for one night.
Sometimes, just getting out of your usual environment—without going far—can be the refresh your family needs.
What We Loved:
Spacious suite with kitchenette, sitting area, and toddler space
Free breakfast the next morning
Outdoor pool for splash time
Clean, modern design perfect for families
Early check-in available (huge win with a toddler!)
This was a recently built hotel, so it was super new.
📍 Address: 2730 South US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL
🏨 How to Book (and Maximize Value):
🔹 Hilton Honors Member? Book directly through Hilton.com to:
Use or earn Hilton Honors points
Unlock exclusive member rates and perks
Access digital check-in, room selection, and keyless entry via the Hilton app
Enjoy more flexibility with changes or cancellations
🔹 Expedia User? If you have an Expedia account:
Earn Expedia Rewards points for future travel
Bundle your hotel with flights or car rentals for extra savings
Access member-only discounts and seasonal promo codes
🔹 Booking with American Express? Use your Amex Membership Rewards points or book through Amex Travel for:
Bonus point opportunities on eligible cards
Travel protection and trip benefits (especially with Platinum or Gold cards)
Special offers and upgrades at partner properties when available
💡 Tip: Booking through your loyalty program or credit card travel portal can stretch your travel budget, unlock perks, and help you earn points toward your next trip
PS: If you’re shopping around for a top-rated anti-theft luggage option, check out the one I linked (here)—it’s a popular pick with great reviews!
🚗 Our Easy, Budget-Friendly Staycation / vacation in Fort Pierce Florida Itinerary
Morning: Pack & Go
We woke up at our usual time (between 6:30–7:30 a.m.) and had breakfast at home to save money. After loading the last few things into the car, we hit the road around 9:30 a.m.
We stopped at Dunkin’ on the way for iced coffee and toddler snacks—$8 well spent. By 11 a.m., we were checking into our hotel.
Late Morning: Hotel Setup
Thanks to an early check-in, we were able to get settled and unpack. Having space to breathe and stretch before our afternoon adventures really set the tone for the rest of the trip. After our set up, we took off to Islamorada Brewery and Distillery.
Lunch: Islamorada Brewery & Distillery – Fort Pierce
After getting settled at the hotel, we drove just 15 minutes to Islamorada Brewery & Distillery’s Fort Pierce —one of our favorite brewery brands in Florida. My husband first fell in love with their beer on a past trip to Key West, and now it’s become a must-stop whenever we’re nearby.
The Fort Pierce location had everything we hoped for: a relaxed setting, great food, cold drinks, and a family-friendly vibe that made everyone happy.
🍹 Why We Loved Visiting Islamorada Brewery Fort Pierce:
🌴 Island-Inspired Atmosphere: Bright, colorful, and casual—the whole space gives off tropical vibes that instantly transport you to vacation mode. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, shaded tables, string lights, and space for kids to roam freely.
🍺 Excellent Beer Selection: My husband ordered enjoyed their No Wake Zone and Bud N' Marty's beers—light, crisp, and refreshing. He sampled a few others from their rotating seasonal taps and left with a new appreciation for their variety.
👨👩👦 Family-Friendly Fun: This is one of the most family-friendly breweries we’ve ever visited. There were outdoor games, a wide-open lawn, and a laid-back crowd that made us feel totally comfortable bringing our toddler. He was entertained while we enjoyed our meal and conversation.
🍽️ Tasty Food at Fair Prices: We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and portions of the food. Everything was flavorful, freshly made, and reasonably priced:
I had the Grilled Dolphin wrap with a side of crispy onion rings
My husband ordered the Chicken wrap with fries
Our toddler enjoyed the kids' chicken quesadilla, which was a generous size and came with a side
It was the kind of meal that hit the spot without feeling heavy, and we didn’t need to make another food stop after—always a win when traveling with a toddler.
💸 What It Cost:
Our visit came to around $75 total, including food, drinks, and tip.
My husband ordered a few beers, while my toddler and I drank water :)
📍 Address: Islamorada Brewery & Distillery – Fort Pierce Taproom 3200 St Lucie Blvd, Fort Pierce, FL 34946🌐 Visit the Website
🕒 Open daily, with live music and food trucks on weekends.
Looking for family-friendly breweries in Florida? This one is a gem.
Afternoon Adventures in Fort Pierce: Aquarium, Beach, Jetty Walk & Dinner
After a little siesta back at the hotel, we got back out around 3 p.m. to make the most of our one-night stay. Fort Pierce is full of coastal charm and easy-to-reach attractions, so we created a mini adventure that was toddler-friendly, scenic, and low-key.
Stop 1: St. Lucie County Aquarium
Our first stop was the St. Lucie County Aquarium, which turned out to be the perfect size for our little one.
Why We Loved It:
Interactive touch tanks and colorful exhibits
Great mix of kid-level learning and adult interest
It’s located right on the beach—seriously, you walk out the door and the ocean’s right there
💰 Admission: $4 per adult | Kids under 4 are free📍 Address: 420 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL
Stop 2: Photos at the Beach
After the aquarium, we took some time to walk along the shoreline and snap family photos. The light in the late afternoon was perfect, and the beach was calm, clean, and had a few families lounging nearby. I immediately wished we had packed beach gear—it would have been a great spot to let our toddler dig in the sand for a bit longer.
Just a short drive away, we headed to Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, specifically Jetty Park, which offers a beautiful walking path right along the water.
What We Did:
Strolled along the jetty boardwalk
Watched boats coming in and out of the inlet
Spotted some pelicans and even a few manatees near the rocks
Let our toddler stretch his legs on the grassy area and paved walkways
This quick stop was one of the most peaceful moments of the trip. It’s a hidden gem in Fort Pierce and definitely worth a visit if you love nature, water views, or just want a relaxing walk.
Stop 4: Dinner at Manatee Island Bar & Grill
By dinnertime, we were still pretty full of our earlier brewery feast, so we kept it light and casual with a meal at Manatee Island Bar & Grill.
What We Ordered:
Our toddler had their Mac & Cheese
My husband and I split their seasonal special and ordered two salads.
💰 Total Cost: $57.71📍 Address: 1640 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL
The restaurant had outdoor seating, marina views, and a family-friendly menu—a perfect spot to end the day.
Next Morning: Lion Country Safari Adventure
On the way home, we made a planned stop at Lion Country Safari—and it turned out to be the highlight of the trip.
What We Experienced:
Drive-through safari: We saw giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and ostriches from the comfort of our air-conditioned car—ideal for pregnancy and toddlers alike.
Safari World Adventure Park:
Splash pad for kids
Mini rides like the Flying Elephant and carousel
Petting zoo
Animal exhibits and educational stations
What It Cost:
Tickets: we booked our tickets through a discount site for a total of $88.50 total (kids under 3 are FREE)
Lunch: $45 for sandwiches, kids’ meals, and drinks
Discount Tip: Check their site for:
Online promo codes
AAA or military discounts
Birthday freebies for adults
Bundle ticket deals
📍 Address: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL
⏰ Open daily – arrive early for cooler temps and more animal activity
🎒 What We Packed (Pregnancy + Toddler Friendly)
For Me (7 Months Pregnant):
Flowy sundress + comfy sandals
Maternity shorts + oversized tee
Sunhat, water bottle, portable fan
Cooling towel for the car and safari
For Our Toddler:
Cotton outfits + swim gear
Sneakers + water shoes
Snacks, mess-free toys, coloring books
Sunhat, sunscreen, and backup clothes
❤️ Why This Staycation Was the Perfect Gift
Instead of wrapping a gift, I wrapped up time together—and it meant so much more.
✔️ Relaxed✔️ Budget-conscious✔️ Family-focused✔️ Centered around what he truly enjoys
With a new baby coming soon, these little memory-filled getaways feel even more meaningful.
✨ Want to Plan a Florida Staycation Like This?
This quick and easy Fort Pierce itinerary included:
A brewery visit for the grown-ups
A kid-friendly aquarium and safari
A comfortable hotel that didn’t break the bank
Perfect for Father’s Day, birthdays, or a spontaneous weekend away.
Coming Soon: Vacation Budget Planner Sheet
Want to take monthly getaways on a realistic budget too? I’m putting together a free budgeting tool that walks you through:
Planning local trips
Tracking travel expenses
Finding deals
Saving for future adventures
🔔 Don’t Miss Out
📲 Follow us on Instagram @dsiestafamily for more real-life travel ideas, family-friendly Florida guides, and vacation planning tips.
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Your next great family memory might be just down the road.
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