The Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the largest contiguous undeveloped beach in Southeast Florida and is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the southeastern United States. Coastal scenery and nesting habitat are equally central here. Other natural areas offer their own highlights: trails wind through pine flatwoods, mangroves, and wetlands, while the lagoon and river define the waterscape.
Trails Through Diverse Habitats
Kiplinger Preserve is a 164-acre nature area. A one-mile trail winds through pine flatwoods, mangroves, and wetland swamps; a boardwalk leads to the St. Lucie River. At the floating dock, you can fish or launch kayaks and canoes. The trails combine varied nature experiences with convenient access points along the water.
At the 70-acre Peck Lake Park, a nearly one-mile trail, mostly made up of boardwalk, leads to the Indian River Lagoon. It ends at an observation platform with a covered pavilion, where you can watch wildlife. The park also offers pine flatwoods, baygall wetlands, oak hammocks, and mangrove forest. Compared with the trail at Kiplinger Preserve, the emphasis here is on the lagoon and the lookout at the end of the trail.
Paddling Trails and River History
Martin County’s designated paddling trails extend for 37.7 miles along the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Lucie River. The system includes a 2.6-mile branch through St. Lucie Inlet State Park. These distances give a concrete sense of the paddling network’s scope without reducing its varied waterways to a single route.
The Loxahatchee River flows through Jonathan Dickinson State Park and is Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River. The park is the largest state park in Southeast Florida and encompasses 16 natural habitats. Ranger-led pontoon boat tours to the 1930s homestead of pioneer and trapper Trapper Nelson offer a different perspective on its history. Check whether tours are available before your trip.
Museums and Historic Sites
At the Elliott Museum, local history meets a range of collections: visitors can see regional history exhibits as well as collections featuring classic cars, baseball, art, and Americana. A notable piece is the Elliott Hickory Quadricycle, built in 1889 and the first vehicle to feature Elliott’s steering system. The museum offers free Guide-ID devices in English, French, Spanish, and German; check availability before your visit.
Captain Henry Sewall’s House was built in 1889 as the home of local pioneer and developer Henry E. Sewall. After years of restoration by Martin County, it opened to the public in November 2012. The house is located in Indian Riverside Park, which offers about half a mile of shoreline, walking paths, a fishing pier, an interactive splash fountain, picnic pavilions, and a butterfly garden.
The House of Refuge is the oldest structure in Martin County. The shipwreck Georges Valentine lies about 100 yards offshore. The entry point for diving or snorkeling is within walking distance; check conditions along the shore before entering the water.
Interactive Discoveries
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is located on a 57-acre site between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. The site includes nature trails, visitor pavilions, and a 750,000-gallon Game Fish Lagoon. Visitors can touch a stingray in an interactive touch exhibit. Check the center’s current operating details before your trip.
The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is located in Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach. Interactive exhibits and programs teach children and families through hands-on learning. The Fishing & Boating exhibit combines interactive activities with topics such as natural resources and boating safety. As exhibit availability may change, checking before your visit is recommended.
Discover more destinations: Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port Mayaca, Palm City, Indiantown, Hobe Sound, Hendry County, Okeechobee.
For the broader travel overview: Florida.
