Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands is truly one of the most magical places for an early morning walk in South Florida. We arrived before sunrise while it was still dark, and watching the sun slowly rise over the wetlands was absolutely beautiful. The boardwalk trail stretches over the water and marshes, creating the perfect setting to enjoy nature. As the sun comes up, the birds begin to wake, and the sounds of their morning songs make the whole experience feel peaceful and almost magical. My kids loved it just as much as I did. If you're planning a visit, I highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a cup of coffee and some water. The trail is easy to walk, but you'll want to take your time and enjoy the scenery. The parking lot is large and convenient. There are clean restrooms, a drinking fountain, benches along the trail, and covered areas where you can sit and take a break. Another pleasant surprise was the Nature Center itself. There's a small museum, a gift shop, and several animal exhibits that kids really enjoy. The gift shop is actually quite impressive, with lots of educational toys, souvenirs, and nature-themed gifts at very reasonable prices. The exhibits are completely free, and my children were especially excited to see the baby alligators in a beautiful aquarium and all the turtles. The only small downside was that the Nature Center doesn't open until 9:00 AM. After our long walk, the kids were eager to go inside, so we ended up waiting for about an hour. Thankfully, I had packed some snacks and a lunch box from home, which made the wait much easier. If you're visiting with children and arriving early for sunrise, I definitely recommend bringing a few snacks. Overall, this is a wonderful place to experience Florida's natural beauty, especially at sunrise. Peaceful, family-friendly, educational, and completely worth visiting. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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Nice and peaceful, a pleasant walk on the well-designed boardwalk... you just continue around... I like that, not having to repeat your steps. It was pretty quiet regarding animals... saw some bunnies, birds, turtles, and one sleepy alligator. The Iguana was pretty large. Free! Open sunrise to sunset. read more

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AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!! My friends and I (12) had an awesome time here. We enjoyed a nice walk and enjoyed all the nature surrounding us. We loved the gazebos! Strategically placed for shade and relaxation!! Loved the cleanliness of the restrooms and grounds. Wish I lived closer I'd be here almost every weekend! read more

Beautiful nature center with scenic boardwalks where you can look at tropical birds and alligators. There's no admission fee. You can check in at the main building to see if there are any guided tours. The volunteers ate very dedicated and helpful, and made this a very welcoming place. There's no fee for parking, and I found the spaces plentiful. The best part for me are the amazing wild birds. This is a birder's paradise, and I found that several experienced birders were able to share the location of some of the most hidden species. I was able to see 6 lifetime species. read more

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Really great place to walk on a boardwalk to see lots of birds and nature. A little crowded at midday but still worth the visit. read more

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Beautiful nature area for walking and observing wildlife. It feels like you're transported into another place, I would never expect this much natural land in this area. Spotted so many different birds, iguanas, fish, and gators. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

Still love coming here! It's so peaceful a true hidden gem for nature lovers and for anyone just looking to take a nice walk and just escape daily life. Located in Boynton Beach on Hagen Ranch Rd. This is 100-acres of nature and beautiful wetlands. An elevated boardwalk winds through the wetlands, you're immediately surrounded by greenery and the sounds of birds. The boardwalk is a full mile and it allows you to explore the ecosystem. Along the way, you'll see plenty of wildlife such as birds, turtles, ducks and on this visit I spotted some really unusual iguanas. Bring a camera... there's great photography. read more

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If I could give this spot 6 stars, I would! This is a Boynton Beach staple and a must-visit for anyone in the area that loves nature centers! The boardwalks all around the wetlands are so well-maintained and you always see so much teeming wildlife! I especially enjoy the indoor area that has frogs, gators, owls, etc. all rescued for us to enjoy and learn about. Whenever I'm in South Florida, I visit this spot multiple times a week to start my days since the walk itself is open from sunrise to sunset. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

Fun, nice way to experience the outdoors and sunshine. Saw a gator, otter, smaller owl inside and lots of birds. read more

I've been here multiple times and loved it every time. They have plenty of parking and it is free to enter the park. They have a board walk through the entire Nature Preserve so you don't need hiking boots or sneakers. You have a choice of a half a mile Loop or the one mile Loop. Plenty of benches to sit and rest on or just take in your surroundings. Every time we go we see so many different birds it's incredible. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Wetlands - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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We went to Waxahachie and there was a line to get into the parking lot, with difficulty I turned around. Green Cay was pretty busy but with a larger parking lot they were able to accommodate more cars & people. We saw lots of beautiful birds, some fish and turtles. There were lots of people of all ages moving at different speeds. The nature center was opened, tours were being given and they were volunteers answering questions. The gift shop was busy and the bathrooms were clean. It was a successful visit! read more

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Oh my, this has to be the best park to look at a variety of birds, plants, turtles, alligators, and much more. I love this park and wouldn't mind the trip again to catch a view of these beautiful birds. You can see a lot of people with professional cameras taking pictures. I am told that you really need binoculars to see all the hidden birds. Next time I come I will bring my professional camera to catch this beauty. It's worth the trip if you are into nature and birds. So glad my brother told me about this park. Parking is ample. read more

I have been to Green Cay Wetlands a number of times but the nature center is rarely open when I visit. I finally hit it at the right time and was reminded what a beautiful place it is. The nature center is open Wednesday through Saturday 9 to 3. Green Cay Wetlands is the former farm of Ted and Trudy Winsberg where they grew award winning bell peppers on their Native Green Cay Farm. The Winsberg were long time Florida Trail Association members. The Winsberg's sold the land in 1999 to Palm Beach Utilities and Parks and Recreation Department for one third of it's value on the condition that the land be turned into a preserve. Construction began in 2003 and a 1.5 mile boardwalk was added. By 2005 the Green Cay Nature Center had been added. The Green Cay Nature Center is a free educational resource for the community. It has exhibits on the history of the area, tanks with turtles and alligators, meeting rooms for programs, displays on the water cycle, and a gift shop run by the Friends of Green Cay to raise money for the wetlands. More than 140 species of animals now call Green Cay home. Although people love to come here for the animal sightings and to exercise on the board walk, the main purpose of Green Cay is to clean the treated waste water that is pumped in daily. The plants help filter the water before it is returned to the water cycle and becomes rain. The natural filtration of this area attracts birds. I have seen great glue herons, roseate spoonbills, anhingas, snowy egrets, cormorants, and ibis just to name a few. This preserve attracts a lot of wildlife photographers. There is a great display explaining the water cycle in the nature center. The Green Cay Nature Center recently got a new roof which closed Green Cay through all of last winter during the prime birding season. I am so glad it is open again and the center looks great. The board walk is open until seven o'clock every night so it is always worth coming out here, even if the nature center is closed. If it is open you are in for a treat and take a moment and stop in. It is even better to attend one of the educational programs. Dates and times can be found on the friends of Green Cay website. read more

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Enjoy the nice mile walk in the mornings or early evenings when it's not too hot and all of the birds are moving. Happy to have such a large parking lot, water fountains, clean restrooms, nature center with demonstrations, naturalists & a well stocked gift shop. I always bring my camera and am amazed at all of the beautiful photos I can take from so close to home. read more

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Wonderful place to observe birds, turtles, gators. Nice place to walk, get out and get fresh air. Be advised, bring water though, easy to get overheated in warm weather. Restrooms available read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Nature Center as the sun going down - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

Great free spot to check out fish & turtles. Gift shop is nice too. Worth the visit! Would recommend.

Excellent visit. Free parking. Interesting place for seeing wildlife. Free admission. Beautiful to see and feel.

It is such a great place to go for a walk- a short walk or you need to go around several times for more exercise! The place was recently redone! So it was refreshing to go to ! Everyone was following covid rules and they were all wearing masks outside and social distancing! You don't even feel like you are in Florida. A little nature on a boardwalk is perfect for the soul! read more

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Awesome outdoor natural treadmill. That's what it is for me. Wildlife is a bonus. Absolutely beautiful nature walk. Supported by donations. They do not charge an entrance fee and it is incredible to walk here. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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Boardwalk stroll through a working Florida ecosystem. Many types of birds live here. Sit and listen to them under one of the gazebo's along the boardwalk. 1 1/2 mile total stroll or walk fast and go around a couple times for a real heart walk either way it's lovely here. read more

Wonderful place to take a long (1mile+) walk on boardwalk through the wetlands...lots to see and enjoy in this tranquil setting! read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

Simply beautiful boardwalk around a nature preserve. The entire circle is about a mile. Wetlands, trees, birds, fish, turtles, may even spot a gator. It's also free! I can't imagine what it cost to build or what it takes to maintain. It's simply a beautiful nature walk. Be advised, there are stretches without shade or cover, so you may get hot or rained on. read more

It's a great place to just go and walk and unwind and relax and let your mind go. To meet some nice friends with common goals as far as working out and keeping up with fitness and nature lovers read more

Growing up in South Florida it's not unusual for an alligator to appear in your backyard or on the golf course at your country club. So I've seen lots of alligators in my lifetime, but it's still always exciting to see them...from afar that is. On Monday my dad asked if I had an hour for a nature walk and he took me to one of his new favorite discoveries, Green Cay Nature Centre. It's1.5 miles of boardwalk on top of a wetland filled with turtles, all sorts of birds, and yes...even alligators. I saw it all- including 3 adorable baby alligators. It's a beautiful spot for a relaxing walk, great activity for the kiddies, and I was thinking it would even be the perfect spot for a future run until I saw a sign saying "runners not allowed." See ya later alligator... read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Taken from Green Cay's Website... - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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This is the indoor nature center located within the Green Cay Wetlands. Although the boardwalk through the Wetlands is open from sunrise to sunset, the nature center is only open Wednesday through Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM. Although there are a few reptiles in tanks that you can observe close-up here, don't despair if you can't get in. The real beauty is in the Wetlands itself. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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What Green Cay lacks in water fowl it makes up for in lush, green foliage. You will discover some of the most exotic grasses, shrubbery and trees while strolling through this nature center. It's a must visit, in addition to Wakodahatchee, Delray Oaks, and the Morikami Gardens. read more

Though the Boardwalk is open 7am until sunset daily, the Nature Center itself is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and on all holidays which, of course, are the approximate days and times most people are able to make use of the facility. The exhibits are open Tuesday through Friday 9am to 3pm, with programs by reservation only. It's a beautiful center, gorgeously designed, situated out over the water with splendid views. It has a little gift shop, offers some interesting programs and its volunteer staff consists of some of the most knowledgeable, helpful and friendly people one could ever come across. I haven't mentioned the boardwalk or nature observations as those are covered by myself as well as others, not under this heading pertaining to the Nature Center, but under Green Cay Wetlands. http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-cay-wetlands-boynton-beach#query:Green%20Cay%20Wetlands read more

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The nature center was very informative, with lots of pictures and information on all the wildlife found at the wetlands. There was also taxidermy of some of the birds and prey animals. Unfortunately during our walk, we didn't encounter any alligators, but I was able to see a few baby gators inside the center. There were also tanks with the various turtles and frogs found on premises. There are also two log books for visitors to document birds and wildlife spotted during their walks. We also met Oliver the Screech Owl, who was as charming as he was adorable. His handler was very informative with information in regards to him, along with all other wildlife. We stopped in the center after our walk, but if it is your first time, I recommend you visit prior. Probably a good idea to check the wildlife logs also if you are hoping to see any particular critters. Check out my review on the wetlands for pictures of my walk. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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Awesome, FREE, nature center. About a half mile long wooden boardwalk that you can walk around. Lots of wild life, including alligators. Great place for a quick stroll or a scenic date. Highly recommended! read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

My first time going here in the last couple days and I already want to go back! I saw a lot of birds and interesting caterpillars with fur on them. This place was serene and peaceful and I can't wait to make the drive back up here to take more pictures! read more

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We had a blast at the Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center. There are lots to see and explore! There are elevated boardwalks and exhibits to see. This place teaches much about the wetlands in South Florida. There are open water pond areas that attract waterfowl. Also, there are freshwater marshes and tree islands on site. There are very knowledgeable guides who take you on tour! Lots of families come here. Overall it is a great way to spend a Saturday! I will definitely be returning! read more

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Beautiful nature preserve right across the street from my brother's home in S. FL. Whenever my nephew is driving me nuts, I just take him to the park and let him run himself right into naptime. Its gorgeous, green, and quiet, with animals all around. The wooden dock-like path is above the swamp, so you're totally safe from crocs(I hope). It's difficult to see any animals on weekend days because there are kids running around making a racket, buts fun and free! read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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Amazing place to see buttery gardens, birds and wildlife, it gets quite crowded at times so best to go at dawn or dusk... I will return!

I found this cool place on yelp when i first starting using it as an app on my phone. Green Cay is beautiful and perfect for nature lovers or a romantic walk. I still can't get over that it was for free!! Be sure to bring a camera bc you will see local wildlife like water fowl, turtles, and gators. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Walkway - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

I have been here and others places several times but yesterday afternoon was different. There was an abundance of seasonal birds but also hordes of walkers on boardwalk. I thought there might have been several bus trips dropping off these seniors but they were just afternoon car trippers. There were 20 walkers to each nature photographer so noise level was high and lots of boardwalk vibrations. On plus side 99% of the seniors wore masks and were very polite. I think the early mornings might get more people there for the nature. Guess a cool sunny day brings out everyone in South Florida. read more

This place was truly spectacular. Many nature photographers taking pictures of amazing wildlife as well as families and more mature adults taking relaxing walks. A very cool experience seeing wild alligators living in their natural habitat. read more

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This park never disappoints. Today, multiple water birds, four breeds of turtle, 2 alligators. Watched a cormorant juggling it's fish catch to get it head first into his mouth. Best nature park that I've found near Ft. Lauderdale. Always lot to see. read more

Beautiful place to walk around- Fit for people of all ages. It doesn't cost anything to walk around the park- they offer a 1 mile or a 1/2 mile trail. My boyfriend and I visited today for the first time, and we had a very nice afternoon. We saw a variety of birds and wildlife... tons of turtles and two alligators! Very pretty place to go visit! read more

Great place to walk. Beautiful scenery and animals. Come Wednesday through Saturday because the nature center is lovely for adults and kids alike. read more

Green Cay Nature Center - Oliver - Local Flavor Near Me - Boynton Beach, Florida

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A real South Florida gem. Once a local farm, it was donated to the county and flooded to create a wetland. Proof positive that creating wildlife habitat is the right thing to do. The 1.5 mile boardwalk will transport you back to wild Florida. Has a great nature center too- and it's free! read more