Cool, hidden place to check it out. This beach was better than I expected. The sand was a dark…read morecolor like dark Grey, not what I was used to. It was a great color for pictures. The beach had a nice path connecting to the beach. It was a nice canopy of trees. A very enjoyable path. At the beach you see the beautiful rock formations. It was something different and beautiful. This beach had an education center across from the beach with nice clean bathrooms. This center had nice walking paths around the intercostal, the other side. The parking was free but limited. There was space to park on both sides. If you can find parking. I recommend checking the beach out.

Blowing Rocks is an amazing natural look at what the Florida Shoreline should look like. They have…read moretwo trails you can go through for the maritime hammock one close to the beach and the other by the intercoastal. The beach is unguarded and as the name suggests has exposed rocks. The rocks are super fun to explore. While I enjoyed my time there the parking area is quite limited so getting parking can be a hassle but one that is well worth it.

After visiting downtown Okeechobee, I headed north for a hike at Taylor Creek STA, a great…read moredestination for nature lovers. Taylor Creek is a stormwater treatment area. STA's are man made wetlands that were created to clean the nutrients that are made by the surrounding farmland before the runoff containing phosphorus is able to reach Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Too much phosphorus can affect the coverage of sawgrass and open water slough which provide habitats for the many unique animals and plants that live in the Everglades. Around the wetlands you may see man made structures that collect scientific data and which control water flow. Water quality is monitored by sampling equipment at the pump stations. While the wetlands were created to clean the water they also attract a diverse array of wildlife which in turn attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, birders. wildlife viewers, and photographers Taylor Creek STA you has three miles of compacted shell rock hike and bike trails. The trails wind around freshwater marshes, cypress stands, and open fields and cow pastures. There is a chemical toilet at the trail head. Some of the animals you may see here include the Crested Caracara, Eastern Meadowlark, Wood Storks, Glossy Ibis, woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers, Florida Sandhill Crane. Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, whistling-ducks, and alligators. Plants include Sora, King Rail, Purple Gallinule and Marsh Wren. The trail is in full sun which can be brutal in the warmer months but there are two chickee huts with picnic tables on the west and southwest sections of the loop trail where you can take a break. Remember to wear sunscreen and bring water but it is a fairly easy hike ideal for all fitness levels.

Very surprised at the amount of wildlife here even next to a busy road. The hike around the lake…read morewas lovely and we saw so much including some wild boar!

Such good vibes in this park. There are people but it's expansive enough where you'll be completely…read morealone for large sections depending on the trail. You can rent bikes for a date day or even paddleboard the river. This is real florida!

Great place to relax and get some nice biking in or walks on the trails . Wide hard gravel bike or…read morewalking trails . At least 10-12 miles on the east side of the park and more by the lake and west side . Very clean , safe an

I came here because it was one of the darkest places in Florida…read more But we didn't do our research and had a full-moon for our visit :-/ Still, what a great place to hang out. Unlike most of Florida it was quiet and peacful. Also unlike most of Florida there is a pretty decent trail system! Also, Also unlike most of Florida, you will probably see a ton of wildlife on said trails! And by wildlife, I mostly mean mammals. Bird sightings aren't special in Florida, that's probably why all the Olds move to the state.

Loved camping here! We did trails and brought the dogs. Found snakes. It was pretty cool. Saw a lot…read moreof wild animals

Looking for a place to hike in Sebastian I stumbled on this natural area I had never seen before…read more It is open 7:30 AM until sunset, year-round. It turns out this is a ten acre natural area that protects the extremely rare scrub environment that was formed on an ancient dune where the ocean used to meet the land. The elevation of this type of ecosystem is high making it the perfect place to build so consequently there is very little left of it in Florida. The lack of this kind of habitat is why the scrub jay is endangered. The land that has been preserved here is a refuge to the cute little blue birds that are the only bird species that lives exclusively in Florida. This park contains oak scrub and scrubby flatwoods which are the ideal scrub jay habitat. They do not migrate and rarely move more than a few miles from where they hatched. Now because of development, their habitats are very fragmented. I have never seen one in the wild and they are highly sought after by birders. If you are lucky you may come across one on the ground burying acorns. Signs in the park advise against feeding them. Since they are a federally protected species, and it is unlawful to feed or harass these birds. I had a fun hike here today even if I the trails in the park are still under development. The trails that are here are on sandy soil so they are not ADA accessible. There are no restrooms or water. There isn't even a parking lot. You kind of just pull over on the side of the road. I hope the little scrub jays are happy here. I am glad to know that they have a place where they are safe.

Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Park is part of the Florida State Park system. Entrance is two dollars on…read morethe honor system. You can drop cash in the lock box or pay on your phone. This state park provides 845 acres of protection for Florida scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge. Scrub habitat is one of the most endangered in Florida because it is high and dry making it ideal to build on. This ridge is located on an ancient ridge of sand dunes. The ecosystem here consists of scrub, scrubby flatwood, and bayhead. Some of Florida's most threatened animals and plants make their home here including the scrub-jay, Florida scrub lizard, Florida mouse, gopher tortoise and the Eastern indigo snake. Ospreys and bald eagles are found along the three miles of lakefront on the west side of Lake June in Winter while white-tailed deer, bobcat and black bear can occasionally be sighted among the trees. During my visit I saw an Eastern cottontail rabbit. This park also has one of the highest concentration of rare plants in North America. In the park you can hike along the half mile Tomoka trail along the fern lined waterway. The Bobcat Trail runs south from the entrance gate into the scrub where you may spot the scrub jays. Fishing is allowed on lake June or you can launch a canoe or kayak on to the water. There are covered picnic tables available to eat at. The scrub is hot and sandy with little sun protection. Be sure to bring water. There is a composting toilet. At this park you can experience a remote feeling yet be only 15 minutes from downtown Lake Placid. Even though there are few amenities, the tranquility and peacefulness will attract nature lovers.

Beautiful park, nice scenery! Definitely would come again, the water looks so beautiful. Honestly,…read moreit's a breath of fresh air. Nice place to have a picnic, or to come and take lovely pictures of nature

wow, what a park. It's a bit of a drive from me, so I hadn't…read moremade way up there to Okeeheelee till recently. Some different friends who also Disc Golf had said it was one of the best courses around so I finally felt the urge to make it up there. The open a little early which is nice too. Entering the park is impressive in itself. There are so mnay things going on from a large lake spanning waterpark, wildlife all over, a BMX park that's a good size, and of course, the disc course. The things some had said that was obvious immediately, is that the place had far more rolling hills than any park or place in South Florida. I started off at the top of a hill and had to through down to the bottom of the hill. There were shots later where I had to throw over a pond and up a hill. From the elevation changes to the great forest and water holes, it really was worth the drive. Heck, I've been back 2 more times this month already.

Hands down one of my favorite parks in the community! Okeeheelee Park has so much to offer, and…read moreI've been coming here for years. During the COVID lockdown, walking the trails became my favorite pastime. Especially as a pregnant woman looking for peace and fresh air, lol. Years later, those same trails are still a favorite activity for my son and me. More recently, I've taken up disc golf and was excited to find out the group I joined regularly plays at the Okeeheelee course. It's been such a fun and engaging experience! Just yesterday, I attended a picnic at one of the park's pavilions, and it was wonderful. The swings and playground next to the pavilion made it perfect for a family-friendly event. The space provided plenty of seating and shade, so everyone could enjoy themselves without being overwhelmed by the heat. There's still so much of this park I haven't explored yet, and I genuinely look forward to continuing to visit for years to come.

This historic 9000-acre park opened in 1931. It's considered an old growth forest and full of bald…read morecypress trees. There are a wide variety of endemic wildlife and plants. The main feature of this wonderful park was the boardwalk that goes through the swamp forest. Some really old trees that are possibly 1000 years old, is located in this park. There are nine trails, a campground, a playground, and a picnic area. There's a 3-mile loop trail for biking and driving. Also, a museum and concession built by the Civilian Conservation Corps; they constructed many buildings, bridges, and blazed trails in Florida State Parks. We were staying nearby and decided to explore this park. I enjoyed the historic land and old trees. The boardwalk was pleasant to stroll on; I saw quite a few memorial plaques. Generations of people walking on the same paths decades ago. It's a peaceful place and I'm glad they didn't turn it into farmland back in the 1930s.

This park is wonderful, plenty of trails, a cute store and just peaceful nature where you can see…read moreall kinds of birds, sometimes deer or gators and it's just a great place to visit.

One of my favorite beaches on the east coast! I have been to Sebastian inlet many times and it's…read morealways so nice ! On the state park side , we took the boat and jet skis out on the water and saw a ton of dolphins before the ladies went to the other side and enjoyed calmer views and the ocean. My daughter had a blast building sandcastles and using her boogie board . Sand is nice, I love that there is a ramp for easy access and using the beach cart and also restrooms right near the parking lot. This is a wonderful place to come solo, with your spouse or large groups for a fun beach day! Reminder: the state park side has two entrances , 1 is for water crafts and there is a daily parking fee .

Sebastian inlet has an awesome tidal pool that is clear water and only goes up to about chest deep…read moreon me (6'4"). Great place to cool off in the ocean waters and be semi-safe from any predators as the tidal pool is only open about 50' at the end and you can anything that comes in. Almost every time we are here manatees come in to play. There's also a fishing pier off the jetty and front side beach access to the actual ocean beach as well. $8 to get in per car, we'll worth it. Always a great time here. PS if going to enjoy the tidal pool...don't go during low tide...no water

The Oxbow Eco-Center protects 225 acres of natural habitats along the North Fork of the St. Lucie…read moreRiver. The land lies between subdivisions in Port St. Lucie. Oxbow Eco-Center contains an environmental exhibit hall and discovery center that provides information about habitats and the plants and animals that live there. The Eco-Center hosts many programs for children, school programs, guided hikes, Tai Chi, lectures, kayak trips, live music, and clubs. On April 18th Oxbow will be hosting it's 2020 Earth day festival. The trail system is open daily from sunrise to sunset. It includes a 3.8 mile loop with several shorter trails that branch off of it. Along the trail there are boardwalks, picnic tables, benches, and observation decks. Commonly seen wildlife along the trail include gopher tortoises, wading birds, butterflies and sandhill cranes. The Blue Heron Trail is the main loop around the preserve. The Gopher Tortoise Trail is on your right as you exit the nature center. It takes you through the pine flatwoods. The Otter Trail climbs up a bluff along the river's edge giving a great view of the St. Lucie River. Along this path you will see bromeliad covered oaks and cabbage palms. The Scrub-Jay Trail goes through a through a hydric hammock before ending at the river and connecting to the Otter Trail. Adjacent to the parking lot is the Florida Heritage Trail. The trail depicts important events in the areas history starting 7,000 years ago with the archaic people through the St. Lucie County Commissioners preserving more than 10,000 acres of natural land today. You can pick up a brochure explaining all the stops at the trail entrance. This trail is really great for kids because it is an easy walk and very educational. This a great resource for nature lovers. The trails are clearly marked and well maintained. I only saw two people from afar during my entire hike enabling me to social distance. Studies have shown that getting out in nature can actually help your immune system during a pandemic. Hiking increases your white blood cells which fight infection. Being outside increases your vitamin D and elevates your mood while reducing stress. This is a wonderful place to exercise and clear your head from the constant depressing drone of the news.

Pretty area but a bit muddy with high puddles when we went and look out towers were closed. We…read morewill have to check it out again after good weather.