Lovers of nature can delight in these immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences in The Palm Beaches we have curated for you in this article. This area has a long legacy of welcoming travelers to its sun-drenched beaches and stunning resorts, but it is home to a wild side that is waiting to be discovered.
Continue to read to find the top outdoor activities for the ultimate adventure seeker.
Bike the Jeaga Wildways from Jupiter to Palm Beach Gardens with Your Family
Jeaga Wildways is a system of four multi-use trails connecting 160,000 acres of public lands in northwestern Palm Beach County. These trails allow hikers, cyclists, and equestrians to traverse scenic natural beauties. The hub of the Jeaga Wildways is the Riverbend Park in Jupiter. From this location, adventurers can head south on the Bluegill Trail through the Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area to the Karen T. Marcus Sandhill Crane Access Park in Palm Beach Gardens. This 15-mile round trip—a 7.4-mile ride—offers some of the most breathtaking views of freshwater wetlands teeming with native bird life and beautiful cypress trees.
Paddle the Loxahatchee River in a Rented Kayak
Flowing over 7.5 miles from Riverbend Park in Jupiter to the Atlantic Ocean, the Loxahatchee River is a must-see when in the area. Rent a kayak at the park and paddle the coffee-colored waters while taking the scenery of the famous Sunshine State. Explore the freshwater habitat, where you can see alligators, river otters, turtles, and fish like mullet or bass. On the banks, you might see tortoises, deer, turkey, and a family of raccoons. The fresh air, calming scenery, and light exercise offer a reprieve from the craziness of daily life.
Explore the Grassy Waters Preserve
The Grassy Waters Preserve is an underdeveloped Everglades habitat composed of 23 square miles of land. With a history of serving the city of West Palm Beach as a primary water reservoir, this preserve occupies 50% of the city’s geography. The location is within city limits, featuring a stunning 1-mile loop Cypress Boardwalk, offering a wetlands immersion without getting wet. For a more adventurous exploration of the preserve, partake in the Grassy Waters Swamp Tromp, a wet hiking tour where you can expect to get knee-deep in the water to enjoy swamp water and the fens overhead.
Birdwatch at the Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge features over 145,000 acres of protected Everglades ecosystems. The Loxahatchee NWR was established in 1951 under the Migratory Bird Act, acting as the gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail. It is home to the endangered snail kite, sandhill cranes, wood storks, and bald eagles, among the other 250 bird species that can be spotted in the refuge. This spot has the best nature shots in an observation tower. Birds aren’t the only winged creatures flying about the refuge, as the Loxahatchee NWR has 40 species of butterflies that inhabit it. Near the visitor center finds a butterfly garden. For a trail to hike, check out the nearby Cypress Swamp Boardwalk.
Walk the Juno Dunes
Find easy-access parking just off U.S. Highway 1 to walk the accessible Juno Dunes. This 576-acre natural area is tucked between the ocean and the Intercostal Waterway. Containing a diverse ecosystem of scrub forests along the ocean dunes, you can find a beautiful selection of local plants and wildflowers. Choose between two hikes to take with family or friends, each a mile in length. The Oceanside loop connects to Juno Beach’s Loggerhead Park, offering restrooms, a playground, and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, where you can not only learn about sea turtles but also visit a recovery center for injured specimens.
Interested in a day well spent exploring the greater outdoors of The Palm Beaches? Follow our guide to find what the stunning scenery and hidden treasure grove of The Palm Beaches have in store for you and your family or friends on your next visit. Contact Your Palm Beach Garden Realtor.