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    Pondhawk Natural Area

    4.6 (21 reviews)

    Pondhawk Natural Area Photos

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    Osprey
    Emily H.

    Beautiful nature walk. Saw lots of wildlife today on my walk. It is extremely hot, not a lot of shade, so plan accordingly with water, a hat, sunscreen, etc. the area is beautiful. Not too crowded on the walk. Getting there was a little confusing, but I figured it out (park at the library). Would definitely recommend.

    Lisa H.

    I enjoyed my walk at this nature park. It was on the grounds of the library which was open to the public and absolutely beautiful inside ; 2 stories with huge windows and large open space. There were several paths to walk and one which lead around the lake. We saw water birds, iguanas and wonderful natural landscape including a non venomoblack snake. . Parking was easy in a large free lot.

    Ariana L.

    This is my go to park for walks in Boca! In general, the path is clean and not too crowded. There is tons of parking whether you park on the library side or the park side. The full loop that I walk is around the lake by the library, around the nature trail (green trail) and then under the road and around the lake in Patch Reef Park. It is about 2.5 miles and very easy to navigate. You will not get lost here! Both lakes are picturesque. My only complaint is that the red and yellow trails (woodsy paths in the nature trail) are not maintained enough, and it's hard to see the paths. There is a bit of wildlife - the occasional snake and gator, and lots of birds and iguanas!

    Ariel W.

    I have been to so many natural areas lately looking for the right one for me and I have finally found it! It's Pondhawk Natural Area. I just wish I lived closer. This area provides the size that I need to get a work out in. Located behind the magnificent Spanish River Library and Community Center you cross a bridge to enter the natural area of Pondhawk. The area is divided into three walking/ jogging trails. The first area I explored to the right of the bridge was the natural scrub area. You cross over a small boardwalk into the area where there is a wide paved path that loops around the area. It looks pretty much like every other scrub area I have been in lately. There is a lookout pavilion that looks out onto basically nothing. The path is easy to traverse and impossible to get lost on. Once you leave the scrub area the path continues on the left around the lake. I really enjoyed the lake path. I saw so many wading birds diving for fish. I also met the friendliest pelican. He let me come so close to take his picture. I loved meeting him. On the back side of the lake path I met the friendliest black cat. The ear was notched so I knew it was fixed. I had so much fun petting my new friend. The cat was well fed so it looks like it is enjoying it's life at Pondhawk guarding the path and greeting all the walkers and bikers. This trail let's out behind the Spanish River library. I had to cross the bridge again and this time turn left to reach the final path. You go down a paved path that takes you under the roadway and around another large lake. There are benches for sitting provided around both lakes. Again I saw an assortment of wading birds. Everyone in Boca seems to know about this place as I saw all kinds of people walking, running, biking, and inline skating. If you visit when the library is open you can use their restrooms and they even have a cafe inside the library if you want a snack or a drink. I didn't wear my exercise clothes the first day I came so I came back the next day properly dressed and with my daughter for company. Between all of the paths I got 5 miles in on my fitbit. The area is so beautiful. I highly recommend a visit.

    Ahmed S.

    Anyone looking for a scenic, beautiful quiet morning walk/hike, this is your place. At every time of the day this place amazes me. It's vast so you have a lot of ground to cover but it's very easy to navigate once you understand the layout. People bike, rollerblade, run, walk, jog, etc... it's honestly a great stress relief plus it truly is a great place for exercise and photography! Please keep in mind this area isn't necessarily safe especially during night. I would recommend to only go during daytime. I am the occasional night person and I go very well equipped with proper lighting (32,000 lumens) and self defense. During night either nobody is there...maybe you'd see people gathered to smoke weed etc... if anyone planned to rob you or attack you, there is nobody that will hear or save you. Plus there are warning signs for alligators. Heed my warning.

    Beautiful paved pathway
    Cayla S.

    I had passed by this reserve multiple times wondering how to get in. Finally, I made the short drive and entered the Spanish River Library parking lot where I saw a small sign for the reserve. There is plenty of parking which is nice. I went in the evening so many of the spots were open. At first, I was a little apprehensive when I first started walking because of the sign for alligators in the area. But I think as far as you follow the guidelines, you'll be good. The area is absolutely beautiful as you pass by a residential area, multiple benches and picnic areas. The paved concrete is suitable for biking and skating. Be mindful as you walk through the shaded vegetation areas, I spotted several feral cats. I can't wait to come back here to exercise and just think as I stroll around the pond.

    Flora on the trails.
    Naty K.

    This is more of a residential community pond and nearby forest than a nature preserve, which is what I was expecting, so it was a letdown. Located next to a library, you cross a bridge over this pond and end up in a forested area which contains many paved walking paths. I'm not a fan of cement walking paths, only because it means the area is no longer undisturbed, which leads to a loss of fauna and flora habitat. As a result, I did not see a single creature, not even a dragonfly. Pets are not allowed, so this isn't even meant to be a place to walk your dog. I saw a couple of people out here and they also left disappointed. Most of what you see in terms of flora is coontie, scrub, and pines. In terms of fauna, you may get lucky enough to see some ducks and egrets at the pond, but what bothered me most is that there was no sign of life within the natural area, not even a lizard. It felt rather apocalyptic, like something out of a sci-fi movie. If you live within walking distance, you might as well check it out to see for yourself, but I don't recommend wasting your time driving out here. There are many better areas in Palm Beach County to drive to and explore, like Loxahatchee, Green Cay or Wakodahatchee and you'll get more than enough of your fill of wildlife.

    Such an awesome park! Huge area for walking. There's multiple loops you can take around the park and lake (all paved with a wide sidewalk). Then you can take some nature trails that are part sidewalk with off shoots of sand trails. So much to explore. We've gone a few times and it's never been overly crowded. Bring your own water and a hat as there is partial shade for some of the walk but not all. The perfect place for a run or walk! Such a great spot.

    Visit the .07 mile Storywalk Trail!

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    2 years ago

    What a lovely little spot to walk and enjoy nature. It feels very safe and is very clean

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    4 years ago

    Great walking trail around a lake. Good for all levels, also there is plenty of parking

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    Review Highlights - Pondhawk Natural Area

    I scouted it a little so I knew the right move was to park at the Spanish River library.

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    Blazing Star Nature Preserve - Snoopy would be bummed

    Blazing Star Nature Preserve

    3.5(6 reviews)
    3.2 mi

    Blazing Star is 26 acres of scrub pine with a mile loop running on top of sugar sand. It is…read moreadjacent to the much larger Sugar Sand Park. This area was once part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, ancient dunes that lined the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the trail runs along I-95 and in addition to the cars you may hear the occasional train racing past. Plants you might encounter include sand live oaks, myrtle oak, Chapman oak, saw palmetto, slash pine, sand pine, bromeliad, prickly pear cactus, marsh ferns and cinnamon ferns and the invasive Brazilian pepper. When I came upon the pink and yellow lantana growing in the back of the preserve it was covered in zebra longwing butterflies. If you want to see the blazing star (Liatris), with it's stalks of purple flowers that the area takes it's name from you will have to plan your visit for late summer and early fall. If you are lucky you will see protected gopher tortoises. All I came upon however was a burrow. As you make your way through the preserve you will be serenaded by cicadas and crickets. This is a pretty isolate spot, especially when you get to the back of the preserve. Unlike a lot of other preserves I have visited this one is not paved so it is not wheelchair accessible. It was actually quite hard to even walk in the back but when I came upon a hundred butterflies floating around the plants it made the muddy sneakers and trek worth it. You have to be slow and quiet to fully appreciate this area but once you focus in a lot of surprises await you.

    I'd be lying if I said Blazing Star Nature Preserve is a bundle of fun…read more.. It's located adjacent to the east side of Sugar Sand Park separated by the Tri-Rail road road tracks. The entrance/parking area is small but there is always a spot to park; actually, it's rare to see any cars here at all. Theres a bench to sit and watch nothing... There is a bike rack... There is an informational board mounted on a tiny building; perhaps a storage shed or sorts)... And there is the entrance to the trails.... That's basically what the park offers... trails that meander through a protected 12 acre parcel of land... lots of cabbage palms and pine trees... And there is a bit of wildlife to ooh and ahh at (if you find them)... the wildlife includes all the typical South Florida wildlife but have heard fox are present but Ive never seen (and I'd imagine they'd leave the park and put themselves at risk with vehicular traffic and residential communities). One of the reasons I don't love the park (and it's not because they don't offer more amenities), is the lack of accessible paths. The trails through the park are sugar sand (just like the namesake of our neighboring park, Sugar Sand Park)... they get a sprinkle of pine needles that gives the trail a bit of stabilization but for the most part they are exposed sugar sand... just white, soft, unforgiving sugar sand that makes walking a bit of a challenge (like trying to take a jog on the dry part of the beach). It'd be great if the City of Boca Raton would add or mix some shell rock to the paths... it'd make the park considerably more user friendly... or maybe even covering the paths with mulch.

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    Blazing Star Nature Preserve
    Blazing Star Nature Preserve
    Blazing Star Nature Preserve

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    Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens - Turtle Time at the gardens

    Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

    4.6(872 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Morikami Museum is a beautiful place to visit. I'd suggest going in the morning or when the sun…read moreisn't too hot, since there's a lot of walking depending on how you choose to explore the grounds. There are a few side trails branching off the main paths that are quieter and worth taking if you have time. I loved that there were plenty of rest areas that felt silent and peaceful -- great for taking a break and just soaking it all in. The koi pond was a highlight too. The landscaping is serene and really well kept, with lots of spots that make you want to stop and take it in. I really enjoyed it for a peaceful stroll and ended up taking a ton of nature pictures -- the light, the greenery, and the traditional architecture all make for great photos. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a calm, scenic experience.

    We came here on Mother's Day -- a Sunday in May. As you can imagine, it was quite busy. So busy, in…read morefact, that we only saw a peak at the inside museum and a quick visit to the gift shop. We spent our time visiting the Japanese gardens. It was excruciatingly hot the day we visited. We were glad for the frequent benches to stop and rest. We enjoyed the beauty of the various gardens. Especially liked the bamboo grove as my husband got to explain to a few folks a bit about bamboo and the ingenuity of his grandfather using bamboo on his farm in Georgia as irrigation conduits. The sign saying don't carve the bamboo next to a carved stalk was ironic... In addition to the various plant gardens, there were the rock gardens, the waterfalls, and the pine forest. Liked seeing the koi fish and turtles. Another highlight was the bonsai exhibit. Throughout the winding path, there were stone lanterns and small wooden huts. At the entrance to the area with the original 1977 museum is a laughing Buddha statue of Hotei, the god of happiness. Smaller than expected, you might miss it the first time you pass by. As a caveat, prepare for lots of walking. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat or carry a parasol, sunglasses. They have a couple areas with steps, but there is an alternative "easier" path for strollers or handicapped. And if possible, come when it's cooler. I'm glad we walked the entire perimeter. But for someone very much out of shape, I know I'll be feeling my achy muscles. I'm glad we got this brief glimpse into the history and culture of the Japanese in South Florida. It's one of the most distinctive tourist attractions in our area.

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    Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens - It's all about the views.

    It's all about the views.

    Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens - Tea House

    Tea House

    Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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    Atlantic Dunes Park - Atlantic Dunes Park, Delray Beach

    Atlantic Dunes Park

    4.5(33 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    This is our local beach when we go to Delray. In the past, it would have been a 5 star but sadly…read morethe beach is being washed away. What is left of it makes for cramped seating unless you are willing to walk, which we did, but had we been with our in-laws it would not have been that easy. Also the stairs and walking path seems as if they are falling apart. Need some remediation and a good paint job. Positives are still showers and restrooms. And easy metered parking right across the street. Very sad to see.

    Saturday morning, I got up early and headed to Atlantic Dunes Park. I arrived early enough that the…read moreregular parking lot was still locked, which was a serious bummer. I get that someone needs to be here to open it but this was a disappointment. Once I did find a spot to park, it was a nice walk through the mangroves and along the boardwalk over the dunes to the beach. I found a seat, probably trespassing from one of the communities but the chair was comfy. With my coffee in hand, I was here for over an hour as the Sun slowly came over the horizon. I was undisturbed. Other beachgoers walking back and forth but folks seemed to get my vibe and did not approach. There is a beached sailboat here since December. Maybe it's still here when you visit. It made for some fun photos. There is a bathroom facility and a beach shower and a picnic pavilion. Parking across the street requires feeding a meter. Don't forget that. [Round number review 22000 - 972 of 2024 - 1848 in Florida]

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    Atlantic Dunes Park
    Atlantic Dunes Park - Atlantic Dunes Park, Delray Beach

    Atlantic Dunes Park, Delray Beach

    Atlantic Dunes Park - Atlantic Dunes Park, Delray Beach

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    Atlantic Dunes Park, Delray Beach

    Pondhawk Natural Area - hiking - Updated May 2026

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