Palm Beach, Florida is mostly known as a center for luxury, defined by its high-end restaurants, shops, and the many country clubs and celebrity-inhabited mansions that line its streets. But this aspect overlooks the unmatched natural beauty of the area, defined by everglade environments, soft-sand beaches, and sparkling blue lagoons.
The Palm Beach area has plenty of gorgeous natural areas worth exploring, including destinations for hiking, snorkeling, or sunbathing. If you are a nature enthusiast, we’ve compiled a look at some of the top outdoor attractions in the Palm Beach area that are well worth a visit.
Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area
Loxahatchee Slough, located near Palm Beach Gardens, is Palm Beach County’s biggest and most diverse natural destination, comprising 12,957 acres. It is based along the Loxahatchee River and includes wetlands, prairies, marshes, swamps, and flatwood forests. It is ideal for immersing oneself in natural beauty and is a popular area for cyclists, boaters, hikers, equestrians, and birdwatchers.
Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park is a large Palm Beach County park situated along the picturesque Loxahatchee River in Jupiter. There are many ways to explore this tranquil park, which offers almost ten miles of hiking trails, seven miles of equestrian trails, and plenty of areas for kayaking and canoeing. The park is a haven for freshwater fishing and has unique Florida flora and fauna displayed throughout.
Pine Glades Natural Area
Pine Glades Natural Area is another scenic outdoor destination in Jupiter, home to many thriving plants and animals. This massive wetland environment encompasses over 6,650 acres, with several paved and sandy trails that wind throughout. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy spotting some incredible native creatures, including herons, ibises, and spoonbills.
Juno Dunes Natural Area
Juno Dunes Natural Area is a scenic preserve along Juno Beach that provides more than 576 acres of space between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This park offers two distinct trails that loop from the water around the park area, which comprises beaches with sandy shores and nearby marshland. The area is rich with native wildlife, including rare birds, rabbits, and even turtles that spawn on the beach.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is on a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean. It is a large, preserved paradise with around 1.6 miles of sandy beach, often visited by snorkelers, sunbathers, and hikers. The park has nature trails, an education center, and areas for kayakers and canoers to get out on the water. It is a nesting ground for sea turtles and has many incredible birds that inhabit the area.
Phil Foster Park
Phil Foster Park, a large natural area in Riviera, is a popular destination for getting on the water. This park features fishing areas and an expansive underwater snorkeling trail—one of the best places to snorkel or dive in Palm Beach County. While exploring this underwater environment, you might encounter stingrays, eels, giant starfish, and numerous colorful tropical fish. It is like entering another world.
Manatee Lagoon
Manatee Lagoon is an eco-tourism center in West Palm Beach dedicated to preserving Florida’s manatees. This educational center gives visitors access to Lake Worth Lagoon, where they can see these incredible aquatic creatures. Visitors can learn about the manatees at educational exhibits or see them first-hand on an outdoor deck overlooking the water. This center is busiest during peak manatee season, from November to March.
