Jupiter
Island residents and visitors often ask where they might take children or
grandchildren to see something “special” near Jupiter Island, or where they
might venture forth to experience the unique landscapes of Florida. There are
many superb “adventures” within relatively short, easy drives from Jupiter
Island. There are also world-class opportunities at greater distances for those
who can spend a day, or perhaps two days, exploring South Florida. I have
compiled the following list from my personal experiences, reinforced by the
comments of other residents who have also visited these places.
In addition to
fixed sites, there are also opportunities for fishing or birding excursions
that can be arranged to meet the specific interests of the visitor; for these I
have provided an overview and contact information that would be helpful in
making suitable arrangements.
The following
index lists all the sites included in my compilation. Following that are
individual descriptions for each site and trip planning information. Websites
are also included as a source of current information and special events. The
selections are generally ordered in increasing distance from Jupiter Island
Each one has it own merit. Examine them carefully, for while some may seem to
perhaps be quite similar, each offers something unique from the others.
Many of these are
natural history sites that can be visited in an hour or so and perhaps combined
with a local lunch. For the true outdoor adventurer, the all-day canoe trip
down the Loxahatchee River offers an unparalleled local experience. For those
with more time, airboat tours in the Everglades or lake Okeechobee, or a visit
to the wilds of the Big Cypress can be unforgettable experiences.
We leave it to you
to explore and enjoy the diverse opportunities that surround Jupiter Island!
INDEX
SECTION I
NATURAL HISTORY SITES
Blowing
Rocks Preserve
Hobe
Sound National Wildlife Refuge and Hobe Sound Nature Center
Loxahatchee
River Center
Jonathan
Dickinson State Park
Palm
Beach County’s Riverbend Park
Busch
Wildlife Sanctuary
Loggerhead
Marine Life Center
John
D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Florida
Oceanographic Coastal Center
Barley
Barber Swamp
Arthur
R. Marshall/Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
GARDENS
Mounts Botanical Garden
Fairchild Gardens (in Miami, but worth
drive)
HISTORICAL
MUSEUMS (less than 90 minutes drive)
Jupiter
Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
House
of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar
Richard
and Pat Johnson History Museum
Henry
Morrison Flagler Museum
574 South Beach Road,
Jupiter Island
Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the 73-acre Blowing
Rocks Preserve is an environmental preserve encompassing over a mile of Jupiter
Island. The oceanfront portion showcases Blowing Rocks, the largest outcropping
of Anastasia limestone on the Florida Coast. Rough seas slam against the cliffs
and generate spectacular geysers through the rock fissures, giving the site its
name. It’s a great site for photo buffs, but protects your gear from the salt
spray! The sandy northern beach supports both nesting sea turtles and
shorebirds.
Blowing Rocks was purchased by far-sighted residents
of Jupiter Island in 1969 to establish a unique coastal preserve. The Nature
Conservancy has removed exotic species and human disruptions to restore the
area to reflect what Florida barrier islands looked like a century ago.
Visitors glimpse one of our states rarest surviving landscapes – an intact
Florida dune habitat with beach sunflower, bay cedar, sea grape and sea oats.
Mrs. Hawley gifted a superb Educational Center,
staffed by the Nature Conservancy. It provides interpretive displays and
seasonal lecture programs. A boardwalk and short walking trail leads along the
shoreline of Hobe Sound.
Directions: On southern Jupiter Island; bisected by Beach Road. Parking lot on
ocean site for beach access, another parking lot opposite on west site for
Nature Center and trails along Hobe Sound.
Driving Time: 10 minutes
Hours:
Beach side, Educational
Center and Boardwalk: 9:00
– 4:30 pm
Fees: Beach access: $2.00 per person (kids 12 & under free)
Hawley Educational Center and
sound-side trails: free
Additional Information:
Phone: 561-744-6668
HOBE SOUND NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGE
HOBE SOUND NATURE CENTER
The Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge encompasses
much of the sand pine scrub community which faces along the western shore of
Hobe Sound and overlooks Jupiter Island. The extensive sea grass beds abutting
the refuge are an important foraging area for manatees, especially during the
winter. The refuge headquarters building and the non-profit Hobe Sound Nature
Center are located on the mainland Hobe Sound parcel.
An additional component, including more than a mile
of oceanfront beach as well as extensive mangrove communities is found on
northern Jupiter Island and accessed at the refuge parking lot at the north end
of Beach Road (1.5 miles north of Bridge Road). Visitors may park in the refuge
parking area (fee) and walk northward along miles of undeveloped beach looking
much as it did when Jonathan Dickinson was shipwrecked there over 400 years
ago. The beach is a critically important sea turtle nesting area during the
summer season, and supports many migratory shorebirds during the winter months.
Fishing is also allowed on the refuge, both on the Jupiter Island beach and in
Hobe Sound
The staffed Hobe Sound Nature Center on the mainland
features educational exhibits showcasing the flora and fauna of the Hobe Sound
refuge as well as live animal displays. It receives more than 100,000 visitors
each year. A small gift shop offers educational books and gifts. A short nature
trail is nearby.
Directions: Follow Bridge Road to US1 Highway. Turn left on US#1. Proceed south
for two miles. Turn left into parking lot at refuge
headquarters sign.
Driving Time: 5 minutes from Bridge Road
Hours: Refuge – sunrise to sunset, 7 days
Nature Center - Mon-Sat, 9am – 3pm
Fees: None
for mainland refuge area and Nature Center. Beach parking in Jupiter Island refuge lot is
$5.00/day, $12 annual pass.
Additional Information:
Refuge Website: http://www.fws.gov/hobesound
Nature Center Website: http://hobesoundnaturecenter.com
Phones:
Refuge – (772) 546-6141, Nature
Center – (772) 546-2067
JONATHAN DICKINSON STATE PARK
This magnificent state park encompasses more than
10,000 acres and thirteen different native communities. The Loxahatchee River,
Florida's first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, runs through the
park. Ranger-guided tours of the 1930s pioneer homestead of Trapper Nelson are
available year-round. Visitors can enjoy paved and off-road biking, equestrian,
and hiking trails. Cabins and both RV and tent camping sites are provided.
At the Eagles View Equestrian Area, a
concessionaire offers horseback rides ($25.00/person for an hour ride, or a
wagon ride ($10/person for 45 minute ride)
At the riverfront picnic area, a park
concessionaire offers snacks, rental canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats, as
well as a two-hour pontoon boat excursion up the Loxahatchee to Trapper
Nelson’s old homestead.
The Elsa Kimbell Nature Center is also located at the riverfront, and
provides a fascinating history and interpretation of the park through exhibits
and video.
Directions: From Bridge Road, turn south on US#1. Proceed four miles to state
park entrance gate (on right).
Driving Time: 15 minutes.
Hours: Main gate is open from 8 am until 6 pm.
Concessionaire is usually
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Fees: Park entrance
– Car is $6.00 for 2-8 passengers.
Additional Information:
Websites
Kimbell Nature Center: www.friendsofjdsp.org
Park Concessionaire: www.floridaparktours.com
Phones
Kimbell Center – (561) 745-5551.
Park Concessionaire - (561) 746-1466 for information on times and prices
for the river cruise or boat rentals.
THE LOXAHATCHEE RIVER CENTER
805 N. US Hwy # 1, Jupiter
The Loxahatchee River Environmental Center presents
the history and environmental value of the Loxahatchee River through a series
of displays, interactive exhibits, and captivating live tanks including touch tanks
for children. It showcases the Loxahatchee river system from its freshwater
reaches through the estuarine zone to its link to the Atlantic at Jupiter
Inlet.
The center is designed for all interest levels from
school children to long-time residents to seasonal visitors.
The Loxahatchee is among the best preserved rivers
in Florida, largely due to local efforts. The headwaters along the Northwest
Fork are designated as a federal Wild and Scenic River – the first river in
Florida to achieve this recognition.
A small gift shop displays books, clothing, gifts ,
music, educational items and low-cost jewelry related to the river, nature or
environment.
Directions: Bridge Road to US #1. Turn south and drive to Jupiter, crossing
high bridge over Loxahatchee River. Quickly cross over a 2nd low
concrete bridge to reach Burt Reynolds Park (a large Palm Beach County boat
launching park on both sides of road). Turn left at light to enter Reynolds
Park; River Center is just beyond fire station
Driving Time: 20 minutes
Hours: Tue-Sat: 9am - 4pm
Fees: None.
Donations welcome
Additional Information:
Phone:
(561) 743-7123
BUSCH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
2500 Jupiter Park Drive,
Jupiter
The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the grounds of the
Loxahatchee River District. Funded entirely by donations, the renown center
rescues injured or endangered Florida species for rehabilitation and return to
the wild. At the sanctuary, a short nature trail and outdoor displays of more
than two dozen native wildlife species captivate both young and old.
The Sanctuary maintains an active educational
program, including traveling exhibits and presentations, and have made several
presentations on Jupiter Island, as well as rehabilitated species found here.
Directions: Bridge Road west to I-95. Take I-95 south to next exit at Jupiter (exit 87A) At Jupiter exit, go east on Indiantown Road
to the third traffic light (Central Blvd.), turn right and go to the next
traffic light (Jupiter Park Drive). Turn right and make your first left into
the Loxahatchee River District and follow the signs to the Busch Wildlife
Sanctuary.
or
Bridge Road to Us #1.
Turn left (south) on US #1.From U.S. Highway 1, go to Indiantown Road in
Jupiter, head west to Central Blvd., turn left and go to the first traffic
light (Jupiter Park Drive). Turn right and make your first left into the
Loxahatchee River District and follow signs to the Sanctuary.
Driving Time: 20 minutes
Hours: Mon-Sat, 10:00am - 4:30pm
Fees: None, but donations greatly appreciated
Additional Information:
Website: www.bushwildlife.com
Phone: (561) 575-3399
RIVERBEND (BATTLEFIELD) PARK
9060 Indiantown Road,
Jupiter
Located on the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River, the 680 acre
Riverbend (Battlefield) Park marks the location of a major Seminole encampment
and the site of the last major battle of the 3rd Seminole War.
Developed and managed by Palm Beach
County, the passive park has a network of almost 10 miles of hard shell
bicycle/walking paths through pine and cypress woodlands - providing easy loops
of varying lengths through the tract. The park has restrooms, kiosk, large and
small picnic pavilions and office, but no major facilities
Canoe Outfitters of Florida maintains
a concession in the park renting bicycles (Thur-Mon) and kayaks and canoes. The
outfitter has been established here for more than 20 years and rents canoes and
kayaks for individuals or groups to canoe the federally designated Wild and
Scenic River corridor down the Loxahatchee River. Paddlers may either take
short out-and-back excursions from Riverbend, or paddle the entire river
corridor down into Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The outfitter provides a
shuttle service to return paddlers to Riverbend from the state park. The trip
is an unguided all-day affair with paddling varying from the twisting, canopied
cypress confines of the upper section to open sunlit paddling through open
mangrove channels further downstream. The trip, 8.5
miles in
length, typically requires 5-6 hours. It is moderately strenuous and not
suggested for wholly inexperienced paddlers. A short out-and-back on the
Loxahatchee, or the loop route through the restored natural flow-way in
Riverbend, is suitable for less skilled paddlers.
Directions: Bridge Road west to I-95. Take I-95 south to next exit at Jupiter (exit 87A) At Jupiter exit, turn right on Indiantown
Road. Proceed 1 mile. Riverbend Park entrance on left.
Driving Time: 20 minutes
Hours: Park - sunrise to sunset. Outfitter – Closed Tue and Wed – otherwise
9-5 weekdays, 8-5 weekends
Fees: Free; no entrance charge. For canoe rates, contact outfitter Canoe
Outfitters:
www.canoeoutfittersofflorida.com - Phone: (561) 746-7053
Add’l Information:
Riverbend ParkWebsite: http://pbcgov.com/parks/riverbend Phone: (561) 966-6617
LOGGERHEAD MARINE LIFE CENTER OF JUNO BEACH
14200 Hwy # 1, Juno Beach
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a
non-profit education and conservation facility located on the oceanfront in
Juno Beach. The superb facility is dedicated to marine conservation, especially
sea turtles. It is the only sea turtle “hospital” in SE Florida and includes a
state-of-the-art medical facility and rehabilitation program.
Built around a new “green” facility of 12,000 square
feet, the Center includes research labs, an outdoor classroom, an indoor
exhibit hall, and a large gift shop of many marine-related items including
jewelry, apparel and books. An array of outdoor saltwater tanks hold a variety
of live sea turtles with staff always present to explain their activities and
answer questions.
For children, a nature trail through the dune
community and a playground are close by, and the public ocean beach across the
street is staffed with lifeguards.
Directions: Bridge Road to US1. Turn south and proceed to Juno Beach. Loggerhead
Marinelife Center is located in Loggerhead Park in Juno Beach, just north of
Donald Ross Road on U.S. Highway 1. The park is situated between U.S. 1 and
Alt. A1A and has direct beach access.
Driving Time: 25 minutes
Hours: Open 7 days/week, 10:00 am –
5:00 pm M-Sat, 11:00-5:00 Sun
Fees: None,
Donations welcome
Additional Information:
Website: http://marinelife.org
Phone: (561) 627-8280
JOHN D. MacARTHUR BEACH
STATE PARK
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive,
North Palm Beach
Located on Singer Island, MacArthur
Beach State Park has two miles of undeveloped beach and acres of tidal sea
grass flats in Lake Worth. A long
boardwalk spans a tidal lagoon within the park affording close-up views of the
mangrove community and beach access. A tram runs across boardwalk to shuttle
beach visitors
The William
Kirby Nature Center has aquariums and videos interpreting the barrier island
communities. A variety of natural history programs are also hosted here.
Both double and single kayaks may be rented for
self-guided or ranger guided tours. The guided tours last 2 hours and are
scheduled around high tides; call number below for more details. Kayak rentals
were $12/hr or $30/half day at time this was written.
A small gift shop feature ocean/beach related
merchandise for both education and fun.
Directions: Bridge Road to US #1. Turn south on US #1 and proceed to PGA Blvd.
intersection with US #1 in North Palm Beach. Turn left onto PGA (Jack Nicklaus
Drive) and follow road to MacArthur State Park entrance on left.
Driving Time: 35 minutes
Hours: Park: Sunset to sundown, 7
day/week
Nature Center: 9:00am to 5:00 pm daily
Fees: State
Park -$5.00/vehicle, max 8 people
Additional Information:
State Park Website: www.macarthurbeach.org see “Things to Do for kayak concessionaire
information
State Park Phone: (561) 624-6950
FLORIDA
OCEANOGRAPHIC COASTAL CENTER
890 N.E. Ocean
Blvd. Hutchinson Island, Stuart
Located
on south Hutchinson Island, the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center is a
57-acre tract housing the non-profit Florida Oceanographic Society’s
headquarters and environmental education center. The game fish lagoon is a
750,000-gallon outdoor viewing tank showcasing native fishes of SE Florida’s
inshore waters. The center also has touch tanks of stringrays (with barbs
safely clipped), and starfish that fascinate all ages. Feeding programs are
held several times a day. The Center provides educational programs for
thousands of students from the four surrounding counties.
A
one-mile nature trail leads to the Indian River Lagoon; guided walks are held
several times each day.
Directions: US Hwy One north to SE Monterey Road, turn right (east) onto SR-714
E/SE Monterey Road and follow to SE Ocean Blvd., turn right go over bridge and
arrive at 890 NE Ocean Blvd. If you
reach NE Doubloon Drive, you've gone too far.
Driving Time: 30 minutes
Hours: Mon- Sat, 10am to 5 pm, Sun,
12noon to 4pm
Fees: Admission: Adults - $10.00, Children 3-12 - $5.00,
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Additional
Information:
Website: www.floridaocean.org
Phone: (772) 225-0505
BARLEY BARBER
SWAMP
Seminole Inn, 15885
SW Warfield Blvd. Indiantown
Barley Barber Swamp is a
stunning 400-acre cypress swamp located on the grounds of Florida Power and
Light’s Indiantown power generation facility. A 5800’ boardwalk makes a loop
through the swamp, bringing visitors close to some of the largest cypress trees
remaining in Florida.
Because of post-911
concerns, the popular swamp is now only open to guided tours hosted by the
Treasured Lands Foundation. These tours are only available from October through
May. The tours are free of charge, but require pre-registration. Tours last
about 3 hours and are conducted twice daily from Wednesday through
Sundays. Visitors must assemble at the
Seminole Inn in Indiantown (directions below), and are then transported by tour
guides to Barley Barber. Visitors must have a photo ID.
The Seminole Inn welcomes
Barley Barber visitors to their dining room for lunch from 11am-3pm on Tue-Sat
and dinner from 5pm-8:30pm on Fri and Sat nights from October until March.
Please call number below to confirm restaurant hours and schedule. Advance dining reservations not required. Call 772-597-3777 to make your reservations.
Directions: From Bridge Road; continue westward across US# 1 and proceed to
junction of Bridge Road (SR ) with the
Kanner Highway (SR76) approximately 8 miles west. Turn left onto Kanner Highway
and continue 15 miles to intersection with the Beeline Highway (Hwy 710). Note
that the Beeline crosses above the Kanner Highway at this junction such that a
left turn and then curve back to right are required to access the Beeline
Highway and the immediate bridge over the St. Lucie Canal. After crossing the
canal, the Beeline Highway is renamed Warfield Blvd. in Indiantown. The
Seminole Inn is located on right about 1 mile beyond the high bridge over the
St. Lucie canal.
Driving Time: Driving time is about 40 minutes; visitors are
expected to arrive 30 minutes before departure so plan for about an hour and 15
minutes from Jupiter Island
Hours: Between October and May, Wed
through Sundays at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm
Fees: None - Additional
Information: Website: www.barleybarber.org
Tour Info and reservations
phone: (772) 597-3777
LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE
10216 Lee
Road, Boynton Beach
The
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 220
square miles of Everglades habitat and is the northernmost remaining portion of
the Everglades. Home to more than 33,000 alligators, the refuge, a mosaic of
wetland habitats, also supports a vast diversity of wading birds and waterfowl
during the winter months. More than 250,000 people visit each year.
The
refuge visitor center has exhibits and information and a boardwalk trail
nearby. Walking paths also extend along the grass levee adjacent to the
Everglade marsh. Guided tours and audiovisual programs are also provided at the
Visitor Center and are listed in their newsletter on the refuge website
The
refuge outfitter, Canoe the Everglades, provides rental canoes for guided or
unguided paddling along a 5.5-mile trail marked with interpretive signs.
Directions: Bridge Road to I-95, south to Glades Road, head west to 441, then south two
miles. Turn right onto Lee Road and
enter refuge headquarters area.
Driving Time: Approximately one hour
Hours: Refuge – Dawn to dusk
Visitor Center – From
Nov-April the center is open 9am-4pm 7days/wk. During summer (May-Oct.) it is
closed on Mon. and Tue.
Fees: Refuge entrance fee - $5.00 per vehicle
Additional
Information:
Refuge Website: www.fws.gov/loxahatchee
Phone: Visitor Center (561) 734-8303
Outfitter Website: http://canoetheeverglades.com
Phone Outfitter (561) 733-0192
JUPITER INLET
LIGHTHOUSE AND MUSEUM
500 Captain
Armours Way, Jupiter
Completed in 1860, the Jupiter lighthouse
towers 105 feet above the almost 50 foot Indian shell midden upon which it was
constructed. Still operational today, the beacon can be seen 25 miles at sea.
The Jupiter Lighthouse
Historical Society has restored the lighthouse and manages the site. In
addition to providing the spectacular guided climbing tours of the lighthouse,
with its breathtaking views over the Loxahatchee River and Atlantic, the
Society also maintains a superb local history museum on site including a
relocated and restored 1892 pioneer Jupiter home. Located on the shore of the
Loxahatchee with views out the inlet, the shaded grounds offer a pleasant view
of the waterway activity.
The Society also maintains a
lighthouse/history related gift shop with books, clothing, memorabilia and
snacks.
Special private group tours
and evening climbs of the light can be arranged.
Children less than 48” tall
may not climb lighthouse. Cameras are welcome in lighthouse but not museum. No
camera tripods in lighthouse due to challenge of circular stair and priceless
irreplaceable glass Fresnel lens. Allow 2 hours for museum visit and lighthouse
climb.
Directions: From Bridge Road. Two choices: Drive south on Beach Road to
Jupiter. Approaching US #1 traffic light, turn left into Lighthouse Park and
proceed to museum parking lot. Other option: Bridge Road to US #1. Turn south
(left) on US #1 and drive to Jupiter. At traffic light intersection with Alt.
A1A/Bridge Road (also called SR 811/702), turn left. Turn right in one block
into Lighthouse Park.
Driving Time: 15 minutes
Hours: Jan-Apr: open 7 days.
May-Dec: Tue-Sun.
Hours 10am-5pm. Lighthouse
tours throughout day weather permitting; last tour at 4:00pm.
Fees: Admission: $9.00 adults, $5.00 children ages 6-18. Under 5 are free (see note on height
limit for climbing light)
Additional
Information:
Website: www.jupiterlighthouse.org - Phone:
(561) 747-8380
HOUSE OF
REFUGE MUSEUM AT GILBERTS BAR
301 SE
MacArthur Blvd, Stuart
Built
in 1876, the House of Refuge Museum is the oldest structure in Martin County
and the last remaining of ten such buildings once built along the Florida East
Coast. Originally staffed by the United States Lifesaving Service, they were
designed as refuges for shipwrecked sailors during the era when sailing vessels
plied the treacherous coast and shipwrecks were not uncommon. The stations had
no real rescue capabilities, only a keeper who could guide survivors reaching
shore to these few refuges along the then largely undeveloped east coast.
Today it is owned by Martin
County, and is managed and operated by the operated by the Martin County
Historical Society. It has been restored to display historical lifesaving
equipment and the Keepers Quarters as they would have appeared in 1904. Both
self-guided or guided group tours are available.
A small gift shop has
artwork, gifts, books, and souvenirs.
Directions: North on US Hwy One to Indian Street in Stuart. Follow Indian Street to East Ocean Blvd. Turn right on East Ocean Boulevard, and
continue east across two bridges to reach Hutchinson Island. Turn right on
MacArthur Boulevard from East Ocean Boulevard (at the Marriott Indian River
Plantation Resort). Follow the road
south approximately 1.2 miles to the House of Refuge on your left.
Driving Time: 30 Minutes
Hours: 10am-4pm, Mon-Sat. 1pm-4pm
Sun. Closed major holidays.
Fees: Adults - $6.00, children (5-12) $3.00, under 5 free.
Additional
Information:
Phone: (772) 225-1961 ext. 110
RICHARD AND
PAT JOHNSON HISTORY MUSEUM
300
No. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach
The Museum is housed in the historic
1916 Palm Beach County courthouse, restored at a cost of more than $18 million
by Palm Beach County and opened as the Richard and Pat Johnson Museum in 2008.
The Museum houses both a People
gallery and a Place gallery; The People Gallery traces residents from the
pre-Columbian inhabitants through pioneers settlers to recent families
utilizing kiosks, displays, and videos. The Place gallery showcases Palm Beach
County’s unique history, natural resources and growth.
The Museum also includes a Rotating
Exhibits Gallery highlighted noteworthy moments of Palm Beach County history.
The Museum also houses the offices of
the Palm Beach County Historical Society, which maintains a very extensive
collection of historical material, including more than one million photographs.
Directions: Bridge Road to I-95. South on I-95 to the Palm Beach Lakes Blvd exit.
Exit East on Palm Beach Lakes. Proceed
to Dixie Hwy (US #1). Turn right (south) on Dixie Hwy. Go to 3rd Street: turn left. The
Johnson History Museum (in old Courthouse) is on the southeast corner of Dixie
Hwy and 3rd Street. P arking Lot on left.
Driving Time: 45 min.
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tue-Sat.
Fees: Free
Additional
Information:
Website: www.historicalsocietypbc.org
Phone: (561) 832-4146
HENRY MORRISON
FLAGLER MUSEUM
One Whitehall
Way, Palm Beach
Henry
Flagler, a partner in Standard Oil, used his vast fortune to construct the
railroad down the Florida East Coast and a series of destination resorts along
the route. He built the Breakers Hotel and Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach,
and his personal winter home known as Whitehall. Built in 1902 as a wedding
present for his wife, it set the benchmark for Palm Beach mansions. Restored by
his granddaughter, this Gilded Age Mansion encompasses 60,000 square feet and
75 rooms. The mansion is indeed breathtaking, and houses fascinating exhibits
of Flagler and his works in Florida. One of his private rail cars is displayed
on the grounds, restored to the elegance of the era.
Directions: Bridge Road to I-95. Take I-95 south to Okeechobee Blvd. (Exit 70)
in West Palm Beach. Exit east on Okeechobee Blvd. Continue east about 3 miles,
crossing bridge across Lake Worth to enter Palm Beach. Okeechobee becomes Royal
Palm Way. Turn left onto Cocoanut Row at first traffic light in Palm Beach.
Continue north on Cocoanut Row about ½ mile to reach museum parking lot on
left.
Driving Time: 45 min.
Hours: Tue-Sat; 10-5pm, Sun 12-5pm
Fees: Adult $18.00, Youth (13-17 years –with adult) $10.00
Child
(6-12 years – with adult) $3.00, Child (under 6) Free.
Reserved groups of 20 or more $14.00/person
Additional
Information:
Website: www.flaglermuseum.us
Phone:
(561) 655-2833
MOUNTS
BOTANICAL GARDEN
559 No.
Military Trail, West Palm Beach
The oldest and largest public
botanical garden in either Palm Beach or Martin counties, the Mounts Botanical
Garden. Covering about 14 acres, it includes over 2000 species of tropical and
subtropical plants from six continents, grouped into 18 plant collections.
Native Florida species and fruit trees are also within the garden.
A Garden Shop includes a good
collection of horticultural materials.
The Garden hosts a variety of
gardening seminars, as well as plant sales in April and November. These plant
sales have been very popular with Island residents for many years, as a large
number of local growers offer a vast array of colorful and unusual plants
adapted to our environment.
Visit the website for a calendar of
scheduled events.
Directions: Bridge Road to I-95. Take
I-95 South to Southern Blvd. Exit west
to Military Trail, then go north on Military Trail 1/2 mile to Mounts Botanical
Garden (on your left, across from Palm Beach International Airport).
Driving Time: 45 min
Hours: Mon-Sat; 8:30-4:00pm, Sun;
noon- 4:00pm. Closed holidays.
Fees: $5.00 admission suggested
Additional
Information: Website: www.mounts.org
Phone: 561-233-1757
FAIRCHILD
TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
10901 Old
Cutler Road, Coral Gables
An
all-day adventure including a two- plus hour drive to South Miami, but for
serious gardeners a not-to-be-missed experience! One of the premier
conservation and educational gardens in the world.
Walking
the entire garden requires at least two hours. A narrated tram tours through
the extensive garden is part of admission fee. These last about 45
minutes. A free shuttle also transports
visitors between key areas of the garden. A variety of guided walking tours are
also available.
Directions: To avoid coastal traffic en route to Maimi, it is suggested that
the Forida Turnpike (toll) be used. Take Bridge Road to I-95. Take I-95 South
to Jupiter (next exit on I-95). Exit West and immediately reach turnpike
entrance on left. Take Florida turnpike south. Proceed to end in Miami. At end
of turnpike, merge onto I-95 south. Take
I-95 south to US 1 (S. Dixie Hwy.) Go south on US 1 to SW 42nd Ave. (LeJeune
Rd.). Turn left on SW 42nd Ave., and drive south to roundabout. Enter
roundabout and take 2nd right onto Old Cutler Rd. Drive 2 miles on Old Cutler
Road. Fairchild entrance will be on your left.
Driving Time: 2.5-3 Hours
Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm
Fees: Adults: $25.00, Seniors (>65): $18.00, Children
6-17: $12.00, Children<6: free="free" span="span">
Additional
Information:
Website: www.fairchildgarden.org
Phone: (305) 667-1651
