While we love Miami’s beaches, we’ll always make time to explore new places and get a feel for that refreshing sea breeze from one of Florida’s many natural wonders. Nestled on Jupiter island, right along the Treasure Coast, Blowing Rocks Preserve is a bucket list-worthy destination known for picturesque rocky shorelines and the impressive plumes of water they create. At less than a three-hour drive, the barrier island is also within easy reach of the city, making it an ideal weekend escape!
What to do at Blowing Rocks Preserve
Of course, you’ll find a series of interesting rock formations that are totally Instagram-worthy so don’t forget your camera! And while these cave-like structures are a main draw, there are plenty of things to do at the beach such as swimming, snorkeling, shelling or simply relaxing while taking in the views.
If you enjoy a good hike and tranquility, there are a couple of trails to explore among its 73 acres. The 0.4-mile Dune Trail guides visitors on top of the beach dune with sweeping views while the 300-feet long Mangrove Boardwalk travels through a mangrove forest and overlooks the Indian River Lagoon. You can also learn about the local ecosystem as well as native species at the Hawley Education Center located right on the preserve.
Seeing the blowing rocks
You may be wondering where the “Blowing Rocks” part of the name comes from. That’s because the nature preserve features the largest stretch of Anastasia limestone along the Atlantic coast, which causes the water to burst upwards from the rocks during strong winds and high tide. On extreme days, these unique blowholes can reach up to 50 feet in the air!
Before your visit, you’ll want to check the local tide schedule to see when there’s calmer waters for swimming (and viewing the rock formations) and rougher waters to witness the spectacle of these plumes of water. According to the Nature Conservancy, the winter months bring larger waves and stronger winds, letting the blowing rocks live up to their name.
Read all about this lovely sanctuary here.
📍: 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
⏰: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
💵: An optional $2 donation per person to help the Nature Conservancy maintain the preserve, and parking is free during open hours