It’s social-distance season, folks, and that means we have to modify our ideas of family fun. One thing that never gets old is spending time outdoors in nature and parks. Whether you are visiting Boca Raton and Delray Beach as a couple, solo traveler (we all know that means budget- friendly is preferable), family, or group of friends, the great outdoors is always a safe bet. In the era of social distance, where we are all getting in touch with our inner nature-lover, here are five outdoor nature and park attractions that are guaranteed to fulfill that need for an exciting outing.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
If you’re a South Florida native, you’ve probably heard of it. Have you ever gone to explore it, though? Wakodahatchee is a bird-watcher’s paradise with endless species of birds nesting next to where you walk and flying overhead. The boardwalk is built on 50 acres of what used to be a wastewater utility. Entry is free and the park is open daily. Another fun fact about this park is that two million gallons of waste water (don’t worry, it’s treated) are pumped into the Wetlands daily, which then naturally filters into clean, fresh water. If nature native to Florida is of interest, another spot to check out is Green Cay Wetlands, a similar park in Boynton Beach. The video links below are a short tour of our time in these wetland parks, so check them out. With shaded gazebos and benches overlooking birds, turtles, rabbits, fish, and more, it is guaranteed you’ll find a photo-op in front of stunning greenery to prove to your Instagram followers that you did, indeed, become one with nature. Namaste.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
If you’re a fan of the bonsai, then this is a bullseye. The Morikami is more of an experience than an observatory. Located on land that used to be a Japanese farming colony, the Morikami is a beautiful tribute to Japanese culture. The property is made up of serene gardens featuring bonsai trees, traditional Japanese shrines, and a museum. In this park, you’ll find picnic areas, nature trails, leisure walking paths, and more. Some paths circle around lakes filled with extravagant koi fish, which kids will love to stop and feed (fish food is provided). Your day will pass quickly as you stroll through all the paths available in this 200-acre park that was designed to reflect Japanese garden designs from the eighth through the 20th centuries. Children enter for $9, adults 18 and above enter for $15, and senior citizens pay $13. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are closed on major holidays and Mondays, and opening hours change depending on days and events. So always check the times before arrival.
South County Regional Park
Let’s go a little further south to Boca Raton. Did you say “a park that has absolutely everything you can think of?” Because if you did, this is it. There’s Osprey Point Golf Course with 27 holes, the famous Sunset Cove Amphitheatre, an expansive five-acre dog park, scenic biking paths, fishing areas, and several playgrounds. But wait, there’s more. South County park is also home to full-sized basketball courts, Har-tru tennis courts, soccer and football fields, softball fields, and the Daggerwing nature center. The nature center is equipped with a boardwalk, lookout deck, and butterfly garden. The park also provides picnic tables and pavilions with nearby free-standing grills that are found throughout the grounds. There is no entrance fee to the park and it is opened from sunrise to sunset. You will need multiple days to see all of South County Regional Park’s 900 acres. Whatever is on your mind, there is a place for it here.
The Beach
Close to any major city in Palm Beach County is a beach. Although beaches are not parks, per se, they are a great way to have a socially-distanced day in nature. A day can easily be spent beach hopping between Delray Beach and Boca Raton, with the scenic route of A1A coastal highway in between stops. It is a fact that ocean air has health benefits for your lungs. We are in a pandemic, people, and vitamin D is key. In Delray Beach, Atlantic Ave leads to a deep blue ocean with restaurants and shops right behind it. There is also proof that the color blue puts the brain and mine into a more relaxed state. This means that staring at blue waters is free therapy. After quarantining on and off for this past year, some therapeutic views are needed.
Why are we telling you this?
Marc Jablon at New Harbor Realty wants to ensure that you are making the most of your time in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. It’s as simple as that. On top of having all your Real Estate needs covered, Marc wants you to know the outdoor beauty that South Florida has to offer.
