A Guide to Palm Beach Parks

The Jack Elkins Team


Palm Beach, FL, is a delightful mix of luxury and relaxation, revered for its exclusive coastal charm. Known for its luxurious resorts and pristine sandy beaches, Palm Beach offers more than just a sun-soaked retreat. It's a vibrant community where the grandeur of stately mansions blends with a rich array of outdoor activities. Both residents and visitors relish cruising the Intracoastal Waterways, dining outdoors at top-tier restaurants, and exploring the varied natural landscapes.

The real estate market in Palm Beach is as varied as it is prestigious, featuring everything from historic properties to modern homes with expansive lots and exquisite finishes. With options ranging from quaint beachside cottages to grand estates, the Palm Beach real estate market caters to various preferences and lifestyles.

As we delve into the numerous parks and recreational opportunities Palm Beach has to offer, it becomes clear that this community is not only a fantastic place to visit but also a wonderful place to live. Join us in discovering the stunning natural scenery and leisure activities that make Palm Beach an idyllic paradise for its residents and an attractive choice for potential homebuyers.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is the sole state park in Palm Beach County located on an Atlantic Ocean barrier island. It has a pristine natural environment. The park is a haven for various activities, from snorkeling and swimming in clear waters to exploring coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forests. Its well-equipped picnic areas make it a perfect spot for a family outing or a peaceful retreat into nature.

At the heart of the park is a nature center that educates visitors about the park's critical role in preserving rare plant and animal habitats. This biological treasure also offers birdwatchers a rich tableau, with frequent sightings of herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. For those interested in fishing, the park provides ample opportunities to cast a line from the lagoon by wading or kayaking and from designated non-swimming areas of the beach.

Okeeheelee Park

7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach

Okeeheelee Park is a comprehensive recreational area catering to various interests and activities across its expansive grounds. For sports enthusiasts, the park offers five lighted baseball fields, four lighted softball fields, six lighted tennis courts, grass volleyball courts, and six pickleball courts. Additionally, the park features a unique BMX track and a disc golf course, providing varied sporting options for visitors of all ages.

Dog owners will appreciate the dedicated dog park, while families can enjoy the well-maintained picnic areas, pavilions, shelters, and a playground. The park is also home to an equestrian center, which spans 111 acres and includes a covered arena, training rings, and open riding areas, making it a prime location for horse enthusiasts.

Golfers have access to a golf course with three nine-hole courses, providing challenges for players at different skill levels. The nature center at Okeeheelee Park enhances the educational experience with an exhibit hall that features live animals, meeting rooms, and an outdoor classroom.

The park boasts eight miles of bike paths, nine miles of equestrian trails, and an exercise course with 20 stations for exploring the outdoors. It also includes a boat launch and two lakes—one for non-motorized activities and another equipped with a water ski course, making it ideal for fishing and water sports.

Mounts Botanical Garden

531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach

Mounts Botanical Garden is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Palm Beach County, covering 20 acres of cultivated land. This verdant oasis features a collection of over 7,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants arranged in 25 distinct display gardens. Each garden, such as the Herb Garden of Well-Being and Tropical Forests, offers a unique botanical experience, showcasing diverse plant life that thrives in Florida's climate.

The butterfly garden is a highlight, providing a vibrant, educational experience for visitors of all ages interested in learning about the lifecycle and habitat of butterflies. This particular garden is not only a visual treat but also an important conservation tool, helping preserve species and educate the public about the environmental benefits of butterflies.

Mounts Botanical Garden serves as both a recreational and educational facility, with its vast array of plants and themed gardens offering inspiration and knowledge to gardeners, educators, and nature enthusiasts alike. It's a place where one can easily spend hours immersed in the beauty of nature and the intricate world of plant life.

Grassy Waters Preserve

8264 Northlake Blvd, West Palm Beach

Grassy Waters Preserve is a vital part of the Palm Beach ecosystem, encompassing 23 square miles or 14,500 acres of what remains of the northern Florida Everglades. These expansive wetlands ecosystem is a hub for environmental conservation and a center for community engagement and education, offering school and summer camp programs.

For those looking to explore the area's natural beauty, Grassy Waters Preserve offers several recreational activities. Canoeing enthusiasts can self-launch at Gator Lake, which is reserved for non-gas-powered watercraft. Fishing is popular off the ADA-accessible pier on Eagle Loop, providing stunning views over Gator Lake. The preserve is also a haven for hikers, featuring six different trails, including the shaded paths of the Hog Hammock Trail, known for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Four trails, including the extensive Owahee Trails, are also suitable for biking.

The Nature Center at the preserve enhances visitor experiences with rotating exhibits that delve into the history of the Everglades and include a tactile play area for younger visitors. Additionally, the preserve features a native plant butterfly garden and various picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a peaceful day spent in nature.

Wellington Environmental Preserve

3491 Flying Cow Ranch Road, Wellington

Wellington Environmental Preserve spans 365 acres and serves a dual purpose of recreation and environmental protection. Located approximately 12 miles from Palm Beach, this preserve is part of a critical effort under the 1994 Everglades Forever Act, which mandates the cleansing of rainwater from Wellington of phosphorus before it is released into the Florida Everglades.

The preserve features a variety of nature trails and boardwalks tailored for walking and horseback riding. One of the key features is the 3.6-mile perimeter Equestrian Trail, which connects to the larger, 65-mile Wellington bridle trail system, providing extensive riding opportunities for equestrian enthusiasts.

Additionally, the site includes an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and its diverse ecosystems. A particular highlight is the stunning butterfly garden, designed not only for beauty but also as a habitat for pollinators, enhancing local biodiversity.

Discover the vibrant lifestyle of Palm Beach

Palm Beach has stunning parks, vibrant wildlife, and abundant outdoor activities, so residents enjoy an active and serene quality of life. The Jack Elkins Team is ready to guide those considering making this idyllic location home. As Palm Beach real estate leaders, they offer concierge services to ensure a seamless and elevated real estate experience.



WORK WITH US

As leaders in Palm Beach real estate, the Jack Elkins team offers unrivaled concierge service to both buyers and sellers looking for an elevated real estate experience.

Contact Us

Follow Us on Instagram