Spending time outdoors this time of year really is magical.
It’s as if Mother Nature is rewarding us for surviving the last few months battling blistering heat and torrential downpours. The cooler temperatures and low humidity this time of year is exactly why Florida is such a popular destination. Winter months turn the outdoors into a playground, a time to head outside and soak in a healthy dose of vitamin D and ditch the gyms to exercise among natural wonders in our own backyard.
Grab your bike, your running shoes or your walking partner and go explore. Because, before you know it, we’ll all be back to sweating once again.
If you’re wondering where to start, check out some cool spots on the following pages!
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Photo Courtesy of Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge:
ONE-OF-A-KIND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge welcomes anyone up for a stroll through a one-of-a-kind wildlife sanctuary.
There are more than 40 continuous miles of trails for hiking and biking as well as a boardwalk that winds through a cypress swamp. The draw to this 226-square mile refuge is the wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may spot white-tailed deer, river otters or armadillos.
The refuge sits west of Boynton Beach and the land is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services. Visitors have compared the conservation area to a jungle, which means the bugs can be fierce at times, so don’t forget the insect repellent. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars because, just like with a safari, you never know what you might see.
Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands
Photo Courtesy of Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
Green Cay Nature Center And Wetlands:
WELCOME TO OLD FLORIDA
At the Green Cay Wetlands, visitors feel like they’re standing in the middle of old Florida. Almost two miles of raised boardwalks snake through habitats including wetlands and cypress swamps on this 100-acre property.
The creation of Green Cay is unique as it’s due to the generosity of Ted and Trudy Winsberg, who once farmed the land and worked hard to preserve the area to avoid any land development.
A mini-Everglades in Boynton Beach, Green Cay is known for bird watching, photography and a great place to escape hectic routines.
Ocean Boulevard Path
Photo Courtesy of Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
Ocean Boulevard Path:
AN AMAZING VIEW
If you find yourself needing a change of scenery the next time you exercise outdoors, we think the path along Ocean Boulevard would be the perfect place to go.
Here, you can walk, run or bike ride among palm trees and upscale homes close to the water. The scenery really is breathtaking, and it beats walking on a treadmill inside a gloomy gym.
The path stretches through Boca Raton and runs parallel to State Road A1A. Fun fact: It’s part of the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile bike trail that stretches from Maine to Key West.
Ocean Boulevard is an understandably popular path and can be crowded, likely because it allows access to three parks — Spanish River, Red Reef and South Beach — so beware of extra foot and bicycle traffic on the weekends.
Morikami Museum and japanese Gardens
Photo by Maria Edelman
Morikami Museum And Japanese Gardens:
Beauty and History Combined
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is a tranquil spot, an ideal getaway from daily stresses of life.
Keep in mind that this is not a place for competitive runners, and bikers are not allowed. Rather, it is a spot for those seeking inspiration or a chance to connect with nature and their inner calm. Walking paths leading to koi ponds and pristine, manicured bonsai trees set the tone.
Why bonsai trees? Because it’s an art form special to Japan — a country that Palm Beach County just happens to have a connection to. In the early 1900s, farmers from Miyazu, Japan flocked to northern Boca Raton to form a farming colony named Yamato. Though the colony dispersed in the 1920s, its history lives on in the museum and gardens, where visitors can learn about Japanese culture through experiences such as monthly tea ceremonies and popular festivals.
Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee that includes access to the museum (well worth the visit) and gardens.
El Rio Trail
Photo Courtesy of The City of Boca Raton
BRING YOUR BIKE
The El Rio Trail isn’t just a place to park your car so you can hop onto the Yamato Road Tri-Rail Station. It’s also an area where you can take a walk, a run or a bike ride in Boca Raton.
The paved trail (about five miles round-trip) starts at Glades Road and runs along the El Rio Canal — so if you’re in the mood to fish, bring your pole.
It’s so popular among cyclists that a bicycle fix-it station and lockers are available at the Tri-Rail Station.
And if you’re into iguanas, this is a great spot to admire them. One reviewer counted 150 iguanas during her trek.
Patch Reef Park
Photo Courtesy of The City of Boca Raton
Patch Reef Park:
FITNESS STATIONS GALORE
We are fortunate to have fitness stations at some of Boca Raton parks, and Patch Reef Park is one of our favorites.
Seventeen activity stations can be found throughout the 1.8-mile trail, so you can easily squeeze in a full-body workout outdoors. Signs at each station explain the exercise and muscle groups you’re working. Bring your Smartphone and use the camera to scan QR codes that lead you to exercise videos.
If you aren’t in the mood for circuit training, this park has lots of other options, including the Pirates Cove Playground, tennis courts and plenty of green space for anything from picnics to a quick game of frisbee.
Okeeheelee Park
Photo Courtesy of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
Okeeheelee Park:
1,700 ACRES TO EXPLORE
At Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, you can water ski, mountain bike and play golf or tennis. The list is almost endless because this massive park — 1,700 acres — is one of the largest parks in South Florida.
Okeeheelee Park offers hiking trails, too.
Choose the mile-long fitness trail or bring your bike and enjoy the eight miles of bike paths. Wheelchair-accessible paved paths are also available and walking trails allow every visitor to immerse themselves in this pristine park.
Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park
Photo Xavier Maranon
Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park:
FOR THOSE ON THE MOVE
There’s plenty to do at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, and, while it might be tempting to soak in the sun from the comfort of a picnic blanket, we suggest you take advantage of this outdoor space that is geared for those on the move.
Besides walking, running and biking, you can play tennis, visit the nature center or get wet at the waterpark. Feel free to bring your furry friend to the dog park as well. Skip the gym and use the eight exercise stations instead.
Spanish River Park
Photo by Xavier Maranon
Spanish River Park:
A PARK AND A POSTCARD PERFECT BEACH
Location makes Spanish River Park a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, visitors flock here because they get the best of both worlds — a park and a postcard perfect beach. Parking is ample and getting to the beachside of the park is easy — thanks to the city-built tunnels beneath State Road A1A, visitors don’t have to cross busy roadways.
More good news: dogs are allowed on a portion of this beach from Friday to Sunday (hours are 7-9 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to sunset).
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Photo Courtesy of The City of Boca Raton
Wakodahatchee Wetlands:
CALLING ALL BIRD LOVERS
Florida is known for Disney World, its beaches and, of course, the sunshine. But did you know that it’s also home to the Great Florida Birding Trail?
A section of the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach is included in this birding trail and there’s good reason why — Wakodahatchee is said to have 178 bird species and is known as a Wood Stork nesting spot from February to April.
Visitors have raved about the photography they’ve taken here, so for those amateur photographers out there (or if you have the time and the patience), it’s quite likely you’ll return home with amazing pictures to share.
Sugar Sand Park
Photo Courtesy of The City of Boca Raton
Sugar Sand Park:
NATURE AND A CAROUSEL
An old-fashioned carousel that sits in the middle of Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton lures families here on most days.
Beyond the impressive carousel, a science-themed playground beckons where kids can climb, swing or cool off in a splash pad among dolphin and sea turtle statues. Afterwards, they can head next door to the museum, geared to children aged 5 to 12 to learn about science through interactive exhibits.
There are also two short trails among the 132 acres – Slash Pine and Sand Pine. For those wanting a quick escape from the chaos of the children, you can head here to relax. Stop inside the visitor’s center for a nature walk brochure so you can learn about the self-guided tours.
Make sure to hop on the carousel when you return. After all, you’re only as old as you feel.O