Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge was established September 30, 1969. It is a coastal refuge bisected by the Indian River Lagoon into two separate tracts of land totaling over 1000 acres. The 735 acre Jupiter Island tract provides some of the most productive sea turtle nesting habitat in the United States, and the 300 acre sand pine scrub mainland tract is valued because more than 90 percent of this community type has been lost to development in Florida. Sand pine scrub habitat is restricted only to Florida and an adjacent county in Alabama.

Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge contains the largest contiguous section of undeveloped beach in Southeastern Florida and is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the Southeastern United States. The beautiful natural expanse is enough of a reason to visit this park but be sure to check out the wildlife when here as well. From seabirds to amphibians and reptiles, there are a whole lot of animals to meet at the local Visitor Center. Bonus points: sport fishing is allowed here, as long as you follow guidelines, of course.

Address: 13640 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, United States

Official site: www.fws.gov

Phone: 772-546-6141

Entrance fee: $5 per day

Google rating: 4.7/5.0