The Palm Beaches are known for its tropical beaches, year-round sunshine, high-end shopping, great school districts, numerous things to do and great dining to name a few. Many do not know that Palm Beach County is home to more than 25 Natural Areas waiting for you to explore.

These protected areas of Palm Beach County are home to a diversity of animals and plants and offer visitors a wide range of activities such as hiking, walking, kayaking, bird watching, environmental education and more.

Here is just some of Palm Beach County’s best Natural Areas.

Cypress Creek Natural Area – 10035 W. Indiantown Road, Jupiter

Located on W. Indiantown Road, Cypress Creek is home to more than 2,000 acres for you to explore. The Jenga Wildways are a multi-use trail that are perfect for cyclists and equestrians and connect the natural areas with Riverbend Park. The Natural Area is home to miles of trails that take visitors through wetlands, woods, and swamps, along with wildlife observation areas, kayak/canoe launches and a fishing pier.

Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area – 11855 Beeline Highway, Palm Beach Gardens

Located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, the Natural Area is home to miles of hiking trails, water trails, wildlife observation areas, animals, and exotic plants. The Natural Area features a four-mile water trail that visitors often see egrets, limpkins, herons, and snail kites along the journey. The best way to explore this Natural Area is on the water.

Winding Waters Natural Area – 6161 Haverhill Road, West Palm Beach

Winding Waters is home to over 548 acres of pine and cypress forests and wetlands. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, or run for miles along the trails surrounding the wetlands.

Other Natural Areas to explore in Palm Beach County include Yamato Scrub Natural Area and Pine Glades Natural Area.