Chastain Beach, also known as Surfer’s Beach or “The Rocks,” lies on the southern tip of Hutchinson Island near Stuart. It is special in that, unlike most Florida beaches, it is compact, hedged in on two sides by rock formations. This gives it a more distinctive feel than a wide-open beach. Sea grape and coconut trees, along with Caribbean-colored houses, line the street by the beach giving the beach a tropical feel. One weather-worn house creates a huge square of morning shade on the coarse grey sand. For families it is ideal because older kids can surf on its smooth waves on the northern side while nearby, younger kids play in crystal clear rock pools on its southern side (during high tide only). Piles of perfectly intact shells of orange, white, and grey in all sorts of patterns line the shore. Kids have a blast collecting their favorite ones. Many people use this beach to access Bathtub Beach, which is just steps from this beach to the south.