Partner Spotlight

Jonathan Dickinson State Park (the largest state park in Southeast Florida) is nestled within Hobe Sound, spanning more than 10,000 acres of diverse terrain. Within minutes of entering the park, visitors encounter a mosaic of ecosystems, including coastal sand hills, upland lakes, pine flatwoods, and the Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak or canoe beneath the river’s ancient canopies, hike or bike miles of trails, join a guided tour, or climb the observation tower atop Hobe Mountain (the highest natural point in South Florida) for sweeping views that stretch to the Atlantic Ocean.

Jonathan Dickinson also offers a fascinating dose of history. The park is home to the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center, which highlights local flora and fauna; the preserved homestead of Trapper Nelson, a legendary frontiersman known as the “Wildman of the Loxahatchee;” and the remnants of Camp Murphy, a top-secret radar training facility for the U.S. Army. Whether you come for the day or stay overnight at one of the park’s campgrounds, glampsites, or cabins, Jonathan Dickinson delivers an authentic experience that’s both wild and welcoming.

Accessible only by water, St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park offers a true off-the-grid adventure. Located on a beautiful barrier island just east of Port Salerno, this protected paradise is one of just a handful of completely undeveloped stretches of Florida’s southeastern coastline. The park encompasses more than 900 acres of mangrove estuaries, maritime hammocks, and a pristine beachfront that serves as an essential nesting ground for endangered sea turtles such as loggerheads, greens, and leatherbacks.

Visitors can arrive by kayak, canoe, private vessel, or with a local tour operator (like Treasure Coast River Cruises) to explore mangrove tunnels teeming with herons, egrets, and occasionally manatees. A winding boardwalk leads visitors across the island to a secluded stretch of beach perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking in the sounds of the surf. For those seeking solitude, it feels like stepping back in time to a Florida untouched by crowds or concrete.

For a more accessible escape, head to Seabranch Preserve State Park in Hobe Sound. This 920-acre coastal preserve protects one of Florida’s rarest habitats (the Florida scrub), home to gopher tortoises, scrub jays, and other important species. Its sand pine and oak scrub landscapes thrive thanks to regular, prescribed burns that maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Visitors love the park’s network of verdant trails, perfect for hiking, jogging, and birding. Interpretive signage along the pathways provides insight into the area’s geology and plant life, while scenic overlooks reveal the natural splendor of these coastal environments. Despite its proximity to the beach, serene Seabranch truly feels worlds away.

Stretching across both Martin and St. Lucie Counties, Savannas Preserve State Park protects one of the last remaining examples of Florida’s freshwater coastal savannas—an ecosystem that once extended from Sebastian to Miami.

Visitors can enter from Jensen Beach Boulevard or via Hawk’s Bluff Trail, a striking route that highlights the park’s tranquil beauty and biological diversity. It’s an ideal spot for photographers and nature lovers seeking a short but gratifying outdoor experience. This 1.5-mile loop carves through oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and sawgrass marshes, offering panoramic views of open savannas and glimpses of wildlife.

Just inland from the lively streets of historic downtown Stuart lies one of Martin County’s most under-the-radar natural treasures: Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park. This vast wilderness spans more than 6,000 acres of wetlands and pine flatwoods adjacent to the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. The park offers a rugged experience that rewards adventurers with a glimpse of Florida’s wild heart.

Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can traverse a network of primitive trails that meander through open prairies and shaded pine forests, often spotting osprey, sandhill cranes, or white ibis. The preserve also serves a vital ecological purpose and helps protect the St. Lucie Estuary by filtering water that flows from the uplands into the river system. To access the park, simply call Jonathan Dickinson State Park for the Atlantic Ridge gate code.