Want to paddle through mangrove-lined coves, spot common Florida Keys reef fish and snorkel on what feels like a private island? Then you need to visit St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park! Here are five things you must know about this well-kept south Florida secret.
Photo courtesy of @yes.i.did.that via Instagram
1. It’s only accessible by boat.
Located on the east of Port Salerno and on the northern end of Jupiter Island, St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is a dream come true for those looking for a more exclusive island feel. Visitors are welcome to travel by motor or people-powered boats. Admission is only $3 per boat and $2 per canoe/kayak!
Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks
2. Turtles totally dig it.
We’re not the only ones who love St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park! Between the months of March and October, this Florida gem is also a popular nesting area for loggerhead, leatherback, and green turtles. The precious Martin County residents come ashore at night to build their nests and lay their eggs. In fact, each year the park has around 1,000 nests on the beach! That’s a lot of tiny turtles!
Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks
3. It’s a kayak-lover’s dream!
Those who have been bitten by the paddle bug definitely need to visit St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park. The park is home to a 4.2 mile kayak trail that takes visitors through mangrove estuaries and maritime hammocks. Kayakers are often treated to an up close & personal look at Florida’s beautiful wading birds too – so be on the look out for blue heron, white ibis and snowy egret.
Photo courtesy of @longbachnguyen via Instagram
4. When to visit.
Make sure to take note of their visitation information! The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. And, like we mentioned in #1, admission is only $3 per boat and $2 per canoe/kayak!
Want to learn even more about St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park? Click here.
5. What to expect.
Did the previous four entries convince you that St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is the place for you? See for yourself why to want to visit this beautiful area! Watch a brief video here.