Alisha If you have a mermaid heart like me, you’ll feel at home at Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island on Florida’s Atlantic coast. It’s is one of those places that leaves you in awe and calms your restless soul. With the largest Anastasia limestone shoreline on the Atlantic coast of the U.S., Blowing Rocks Preserve is a magnificent sight.
This shoreline is best known for showing the power of the ocean – at high tide when the sea is rough, the waves hit the rocks with so much force that it sends plumes of ocean water up to 50 feet in the air. But even in calm weather, Blowing Rocks Preserve is breathtaking.
A peaceful, 73-acre barrier island sanctuary protected by The Nature Conservancy, Blowing Rocks Preserve is home to a number of endangered plants and animals. It’s also a critical nesting site for rare loggerhead, green, leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles.
During nesting season from March to October, more than 600 female sea turtles lay their eggs on the quiet, dark beach. Lights from developed areas discourage females from nesting, making it critical to maintain dark, protected areas like this along the coastline.
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Blowing Rocks Preserve is one of four campus preserves under TNC Florida’s Center for Conservation Initiatives.
Things To Do at Blowing Rocks Preserve
In addition to admiring and climbing on the Blowing Rocks, you can swim, snorkel and relax along the peaceful shoreline. Keep in mind that the beach does not have a lifeguard.
If you dig in the sand or build sand castles, make sure to fill in any holes before you leave – they can be dangerous to sea turtles.
During low tide, you may find some beautiful Florida seashells while walking on the beach.
Along three short and sandy hiking trails through dunes and coastal habitats, adventurous explorers can observe rare birds, plants and animals.
The popular Dune Trail leads you through a sea grape tunnel and offers stunning views of the beach dune habitat and Atlantic Ocean.
Blowing Rocks Preserve also features two short scenic walks – a boardwalk through a mangrove forest and a garden loop through a native pollinator habitat.
Where in Florida is Blowing Rocks Preserve?
Blowing Rocks Preserve is located on the southern end of Jupiter Island, a barrier island on Florida’s east coast. The preserve is about 45 minutes north of West Palm Beach.
Address: 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
When is the Best Time to Visit Blowing Rocks Preserve?
The preserve is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. NOTE: The preserve is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Parking is free but limited. Try to visit on a weekday for the best chance at scoring a parking spot. We visited on a Sunday and got lucky to grab a parking spot as someone was leaving but other cars had to wait.
A donation of $2 per person is recommended to help maintain this incredible coastal preserve.
What’s Nearby Blowing Rocks Preserve?
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Blowing Rocks Preserve is less than three miles from the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. As a lighthouse lover, I had to check it out while in the area.
One of the few Florida lighthouses you can climb, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is well worth the $12 adult admission fee. Climbing the 105 steps to the top is a fun adventure. Once you make it to the top, your jaw will drop over the stunning views. And the refreshing ocean breeze will quickly cool you off after the strenuous climb.
Still active today as a public Aid to Navigation, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has guided mariners along Florida’s east coast since 1860. It features one of only 13 active First-Order Fresnel lenses in the entire United States.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is operated by the nonprofit Loxahatchee River Historical Society. The waterfront lighthouse, museum and exhibits around the grounds feature over 5,000 years of regional history. The lighthouse grounds are also home to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.
Want More Florida Adventures?
Like this Florida adventure idea? Check out more of our favorite Florida adventures.
Looking for more outdoor adventures around the U.S. to add to your travel bucket list? Check out 19 Outdoor Places in the U.S. That You Should Visit at Least Once from our friends at Next Stop Adventures.
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We have lived in Florida seven years and I never knew about this place! Thank you so much for sharing, can’t wait to go visit.
My pleasure! It’s truly a hidden treasure of the Florida treasure coast! I hope you enjoy your visit.
The color of the water is stunning! I love that there is a good mix of hiking and water-based activities to do here. Saving this for my next visit to Florida! Thanks 🙂
I was mesmerized by the water color and the waves hitting the rocks! It’s really the perfect Florida beach for hikers and nature lovers.