Jupiter Blowing Rocks Preserve

574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound FL, 33455
Open daily 9am-4:30pm, except major holidays (check their website before planning a visit for closings)

Just a few miles north of the Jupiter Lighthouse sits natural gem, Jupiter Blowing Rocks Preserve.  The rocky limestone shoreline of the preserve reminds me so much of La Jolla, CA--it's absolutely beautiful and unique.

A $2 cash only admissions fee per adult (children under 12 are free) is required in order to gain access to the beach--but its completely worth it.  I recommend packing a lunch, bringing your beach chairs and water shoes, and spending the day on this quiet beach. Three hiking and walking trails are open to the public as well

Tip:  I recommend checking the tide schedules before going so that you can see what this place is really known for, the large geysers of saltwater that soar into the air during high tides and after storms.

Green Cay Wetlands

12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach FL
Open weekly, from sunrise until sunset

Since I moved down to Florida, it has become one of our regular rituals to head down to the wetlands and walk the elevated boardwalk.  Not only is this a great place to get some fresh air and exercise, but it offers some of the most exquisite views of nature.

What we love most about this place is that you are bound to see something new with each visit--giant alligators basking on land, a group of baby gators along the water's edge, many different species of birds, and even a bobcat from time to time.  This place is a photographer's haven.  And on any given day you are bound to find a number of avid birdwatchers posted along the boardwalk with their professional equipment.

Every so often, Brian and I are able to catch our favorite one-armed alligator moseying along in the water close to the dock of the nature center--we've come to the assumption that he lost a battle to one of the larger inhabitants of the wetlands.  

Walking the entire boardwalk once around is about 1.5 miles, but its easy to complete 2 to 3 laps when you are paying more attention to the surrounding sites.

Note: If you like this place, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands are just right around the corner and offer similar features.

 

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

1801 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL

Open Monday thru Saturday 9:00am until 4:00pm, Sundays 12:00pm until 4:00pm

The other day while Brian and I were out and about, we made a trip to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center situated right off of A1A in Boca Raton.  As I've probably mentioned before, I am constantly on the hunt for new things to do and places to explore, with this being one place that has been on my list since I moved down here. 

We were surprised at the variety of attractions offered at the nature center.  You can visit the sea turtle rehabilitation facility used to rescue sick and injured sea turtles.  There are a number of sea tanks and pavilions with fish and other sea creatures--sharks, lobsters, puffer fish, and sting rays-- built to show the various South Florida marine habitats.

Extending past the sea tanks and nature center is a quarter-mile boardwalk trail through a preserved Hardwood Hammock.  Midway through the boardwalk trail, you can climb a 40-ft lookout tower that towers just above the giant trees, looking out onto a beautiful view of the Intracoastal Waterway.  Although this is an extraordinarily cool feature that I would recommend checking out, if you have a weak stomach when it comes to heights, you may want to think twice before climbing the steps all the way to the top (I could feel the tower swaying ever-so-slightly--YIPES!)

On the grounds of this environmental complex include another nature trail, the Ashley Trail, which leads to the Butterfly Garden where you can see several different species of butterflies (the best time to visit the garden is between May and June when the flowers are in full bloom).

This place is such a fun spot to visit--great for both kids and adults!  Admission is free, but $5 donations to the center are definitely encouraged.  And they have a variety of event going on throughout the year here as well--including the Green Turtle Gallop, a timed 10K run in April of this year, which I am DYING to sign up for.       

Morikami Japanese Gardens & Museum

4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach FL
Tuesday thru Sunday, 10:00am until 5:00pm

It was another gorgeous day here in South Florida--75 degrees and sunny--and too nice to stay indoors.  So Brian surprised me with a trip to the Morikami Japanese Gardens this morning.  We've been hearing from so many people that this is a must to check out, for its gorgeous gardens and its picturesque views.    

When we first walked through the doors of the museum out to where the gardens are, we were immediately looking out onto the large pond that the garden surrounds.  To the right at the start of the gardens tour is the James & Hazel Gates Woodruff Memorial Bridge, one of the main focal points of the gardens.  As we followed the tour around, we came across so many beautiful and unique sites--the giant white, neon orange, and striped coy fish that swam around at the base of a waterfall, the little armadillo roaming around the gardens and digging for insects, the flat garden with its perfectly raked swirls, and the "Shishi Odoshi" bamboo water feature.  Everything was just perfect, and peaceful at that.  

Admission is $13 per adult, but this is definitely one of those experiences that make it worth every penny. I mean, I must have taken 50 or more pictures on the trail.  Also, if you have a smart phone, there is an app you can download to listen to a guided tour.  This place will appeal to a variety of interests--for the educational aspect, gardening and landscaping enthusiasts, photographers, nature-lovers, and touristy people (like myself).