The 10 Best Nature & Parks in The Palm Beaches, The Palm Beaches

Situated on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility property, Wakodahatchee is a constructed wetlands that is free to the public. The site features a three-quarter mile boardwalk that crosses between open water pond areas and islands. A part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Wakodahatchee is home to an abundance of wildlife as more than 178 bird species have been identified along with turtles, alligators, rabbits, fish, frogs and raccooons.

This is a great sea turtle rescue and conservation organization. They have a turtle hospital, viewing tanks, interactive exhibit hall, gift store and more. Public educational programs for guests of all ages are offered daily. During sea turtle nesting season (June & July), you can take a guided walk to watch the nesting turtles up close.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! : Eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of West Palm Beach! Over 200 animals from White Tigers to African Lions, Black Leopards, Ligers, Lynx and Amur Leopards seen from just four feet away. You can't get any closer than this by law! Hands on experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas, and who knows what else. You will have to come by and experience it for yourself! We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit wildlife rescue facility that take in injured native wildlife, orphaned babies, and unwanted exotic pets! Your experience here helps us with the tremendous expense of caring for our animals. Price is $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children (ages 5yrs.-15yrs).

Scenic hiking and biking trail.

This unique eighty acre tropical park is situated in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Lake Worth Inlet in close proximity to Phil Foster Park, the City of Riviera Beach, and the Port of Palm Beach. The park is a favorite destination for boaters and provides numerous recreational opportunities for visitors. Fishing and snorkeling are popular activities in the beautiful clear waters that surround the island. Guarded and unguarded swimming beaches provide the perfect access for bathers of all ages to enjoy the sun and fun. For visitors looking for an overnight experience, a twenty-site Campground is available for tent campers by reservation only and reservations can be made by contacting the park office.. Local Attraction: Palm Beach Maritime Museum and John F. Kennedy Bunker. (Not operated by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation) Water Taxi Services (independently owned and operated): Captain Joe's Peanut Island Ferry aboard the Seafare Palm Beach Water Taxi

This 20 acre coastal preserve is a destination you don’t want to miss! Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is surrounded by a rare remnant of tropical hardwood hammock, located on a barrier island in Boca Raton. Take a stroll through the butterfly garden, where many species of wild butterflies can be seen year-round. Walk the Ashley Trail and relax in the authentic Chiki overlooking the Intracoastal. A variety of native fish and other marine animals reside in marine aquariums. Visit the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility to learn about our sea turtle patients. Indoor displays feature wildlife indigenous to South Florida and a series of stained glass windows depicting the coastal island as it may have appeared in the 1500s. Florida Atlantic University has an onsite marine biology laboratory with a gallery for viewing research projects conducted by university scientists. Purchase imaginative and environmentally friendly gifts from our nature-themed gift shop.

FREE PARKING DAILY! As Palm Beach County’s only top-rated Zoological experience, we are home to over 550 animals, many of them endangered. Our mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. Our unique tropical zoo showcases an animal collection (Malayan tigers, jaguars, Mexican spider monkeys, panther) from around the world, living in natural habitats. Enjoy shady paths, a colorful carousel, an interactive water play fountain, Nature Play Pavilion, a full-service restaurant, and 11 daily shows and keeper talks where you can watch animal trainings, feedings and meet zookeepers. Book a behind-the-scenes animal experience and get up close and personal with a sloth, koalas, capybaras, anteaters, Aldabra tortoises or mingle with flamingos.

AMENITIES beach frontage - Intracoastal (1,200 feet), guarded in snorkeling area only beach frontage - lagoon area, guarded (100 feet) saltwater fishing and surfing not permitted in guarded swimming area boat ramp (non motorized boats only) boat slips, day use only (17) canoeing/kayaking access fishing (saltwater) jetty parking picnic areas with grills, single table picnic pavilion, reserved group (1) playground, including playground safety play structure (ages 5-12 years) restroom facilities showers, outdoor snorkeling lagoon LOCATION OF: DuBois Pioneer Home -National Register of Historical Places (Currently NOT open for tours) indian mound historical/archaeological site

HOURS: Sunrise - Sunset lighted court facilities open until 9:00 pm lighted athletic fields (permit required) open until 10:00 pm AMENITIES baseball fields, lighted (5) bicycle paths (8 miles) BMX track boat launching area (freshwater fishing lake, non-motorized) boat launching ramp (water ski lake) (2) boat slips, day use only (19) disc golf (18 holes) dog park, Pooch Pines equestrian center, Jim Brandon Equestrian Center 111-acre, world-class equestrian showplace covered arena open riding area training rings equestrian trail (8.11 miles) exercise course (20 stations, 1 mile) fishing (freshwater-stocked) golf course, Okeeheelee Public Golf Course 27 holes (3 nine-hole courses) chipping area driving range practice putting green pro shop snack bar lake frontage mountain biking (located on the east side of Pinehurst Drive, south of Forest Hill Boulevard) multipurpose fields, lighted (4) nature center, Okeeheelee Nature Center (hours vary) exhibit hall with live animals meeting rooms outdoor classroom rental facilities nature trail, interpretive (0.75 mile) nature trails (1.2 miles) parking boat/trailer parking (water ski lake/freshwater fishing lake) regular parking picnic areas with grills, single table picnic pavilions (Alligator, Micanopy, Osceola, Tuskeegee), reserved group (4) picnic shelters, family picnic shelters, single table pier (fishing) playground, including playground safety play structure (ages 2-5 years) play structure (ages 5-12 years) rental concession (call for hours) canoe/kayak/pedal boat rentals 561/304-1344 bicycle rentals 561/304-1344 restroom facilities softball fields, lighted (4) tennis courts, lighted (8) volleyball, grass courts (1) walking paths (8 miles) water skiing courses (permit and fee required) (5)

AMENITIES amphitheater, Seabreeze beach frontage, guarded (3,000 feet) beach surf wheelchair is available; contact a lifeguard to arrange for use. Handicapped icon saltwater fishing and surfing not permitted in guarded swimming area bocce courts (2) cafe, Lazy Loggerhead exercise course (20 stations, 1.25 miles) fishing (saltwater) parking picnic areas with grills, single table picnic pavilions (Beach, Gumbo Limbo, Sea Oats), reserved group (3) picnic shelters, family (26) playground, including playground safety play structure (ages 2-5 years) play structure (ages 5-12 years) play structure (ages 2-12 years) restroom facilities softball fields (1) tennis courts, lighted (6) volleyball, sand court (1) LOCATION OF: Town of Jupiter Civic Center (rental of) (not operated by Parks and Recreation)