Wetlands and trails in Palm Beach County

At Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands, a 1.5-mile elevated boardwalk winds through a 100-acre constructed wetland. The boardwalk is open from sunrise to sunset; check the latest operating information before your visit.

Palm Beach County’s natural areas are open for hiking, birdwatching, nature study, and photography. Individual sites may be temporarily closed for restoration work or safety reasons. If you have a particular place in mind, check current visitor access in advance.

At Daggerwing Nature Center, the boardwalk splits into two trails where you can observe swamp wildlife, including the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly. Okeeheelee Nature Center offers 2.5 miles of trails through 90 acres of pine flatwoods and wetlands. The nature experiences differ not only in their trails but also in the habitats and wildlife they feature.

Riverbend Park offers nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as 5 miles of canoe and kayak routes. These figures show two different ways to explore the park: on foot or by bike along the trails, and on the water by canoe or kayak. The park also offers a look at history connected with ancient Native American shell mounds and battles of the Seminole Wars.

The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is on a different scale, protecting 145,188 acres of Everglades ecosystems. Palm Beach County also has 47 miles of coastline. Wetlands, pine flatwoods, Everglades ecosystems, and coastline offer different perspectives on the county’s landscape.

Gardens, history, and marine life

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens spans 16 acres and features extensive Japanese gardens with walking paths and a bonsai collection. Exhibits in the Yamato-kan showcase the history of the Yamato Colony. The museum also presents several exhibitions of Japanese art and artifacts throughout the year. The gardens, collection, and exhibitions each offer a distinct focus.

Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark. A visit to the Flagler Museum includes the first and second floors of Whitehall, the grounds, and the Flagler Kenan Pavilion. The museum visit encompasses both the interiors and the outdoor areas.

In Juno Beach, Florida, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is located on the Atlantic Ocean. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and protection. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, observe sea turtles in the Center’s care, and connect with marine experts. The featured destinations thus range from gardens and history to sea turtles and marine research.

Travel by train

Brightline connects West Palm Beach and Boca Raton with Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. If you plan to use this service for your trip, check the latest schedule information before departure.

Discover more destinations

West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Delray Beach, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, Haverhill, Ocean Ridge, Wellington, Greenacres, Riviera Beach, Manalapan, Lantana, Highland Beach, Lake Park, Royal Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Juno Ridge, Loxahatchee, Boynton Beach, Atlantis

For the broader travel overview: Florida.