Great place to walk, lots of shade, many trails, family friendly, fishing, dock, cleaning station,…read morelaunch ramp and playground. Plenty of parking.

I love this park. It's fun to walk in and enjoy the scenery. It's easy to find a space in the early…read moremorning hours. There's a pretty bench/gazebo area, perfect to take a rest and read a book. Sometimes you'll find people kayaking or even see a gator popping up!

Pretty area but a bit muddy with high puddles when we went and look out towers were closed. We…read morewill have to check it out again after good weather.

Fantastic place to walk the trails. You get to see different environments & topography. If you are…read morelucky, you see lots of birds & tortoises & and an armadillo or two. The nature center is great as well. They have a nice exhibit and resident ambassador animals. Tip: they recycle plastic bags and styrofoam here so I always save and bring to drop off. Thank you Oxbow!!!!!

Haney Creek Trail is actually two trails. The trails are primarily used by dog walkers, people…read morelooking to exercise, bird watchers, and nature photographers. Some of the wildlife that had been seen along the trail include foxes, turtles, black indigo snakes, and butterflies. Some of th plants you will find here are sweetbay magnolias, dahoon hollies with red berries, white water lily, and tarflowers. Amenities at the trail include restrooms, pavilions with picnic tables, water fountains, and trail maps. The north track is a 1.1 mile loop trail that goes through scrub habitat around wetlands and through sandy pine trails. This is the trail that takes you to the dog park. In 2017 Stuart completed a water restoration project involving 153 acres of wetlands that created a fresh water and tidal wetland that cleans storm water run off and improves water quality in the St. Lucie estuary. It improves the health of the ecosystem. The water in the ponds remove pollutants and provide a habitat for wildlife. The project also added 1/3 of a mile to the nature trails. The southern trail requires you to cross over roads and is not very clearly marked. This trail goes through a pine woods habitat. I only had time to visit the north trail and had a pleasant walk. If I lived nearby I would be a regular visitor. I applaud Stuart for working to preserve the wetlands to ensure the health of the nearby St. Lucie River.

I'm determined to try every walking/hiking trail around Martin County. I had to ask around to find…read morethis one. There are two trails, the North Trail and the South Trail. The North Trail, in my opinion is better. There isn't a lot of shade and most of it is sugar sand, but the sand isn't super soft so it's not that bad to walk on. It's impossible to get lost here. There are numbered markers everywhere along the walking path. There's also a small dog park near the parking lot with different sections for large and small dogs. Now, the South Trail is just bizarre. The first part of it runs along a busy road. Then you have to cross a busy street. Kinda strange, no? Then it loops around and you're in back of someone's house. There's also a lot of glass bottles people have thrown so be careful if you bring your dog here. Guess what? After that there's a SECOND busy road you have to cross. Well now I was just annoyed but the trail got better after that. If that section was longer, I would have enjoyed this trail more but it was wasn't long at all. All in all, I think the North Trail is a lot better, it's quieter and you don't have to cross any streets during your walk.

This beautiful twelve acre island park is located on the north fork of the St. Lucie River. In the…read moreearly 1960's the Kintz family, established a small fishing camp here. The marina has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. Today it includes a boat launch and a small dockside store that carries bait and fishing supplies for people who want to fish off the platforms and piers throughout the park. River Park Marina is not just a fishing destination. The park also has restrooms, pavilions with picnic tables and grills, and a large playground. There is canoe and kayak launch and this is a great park for bird watching, both from land and from the river. There is also a hiking trail through the park. River Park Marina is the home of River Lily Cruises on a trident pontoon boat with a covered canopy. It is the longest continuously operating tour in St Lucie County. They offer an hour and a half eco tours that departs at 11 AM, October through July. They also have an Evening Relaxation Cruise on a different part of the river. Check their website for times, reservations, and prices.

Came and went to this area in FL. It had a beautiful view. Go and check it out. It'll be worth it,…read moreplus you can catch crab , fish and see dolphins there too. It's worth the drive!! Ya'll enjoy!!

Kind of a surreal place for someone that doesn't live in Florida. Not a lot to see - it's quiet and…read morejust a place to walk around. The visitors building was closed so the $3 fee wasn't worth it plus some trails were closed or the sidewalk would just abruptly end.

Savannas Preserve State Park is made up of 6,000 acres and runs over 10 miles from Ft. Pierce to…read moreJensen Beach. The park takes its name from the fresh water marshes, also called savannas that used to line Florida's coast. This park contains the largest freshwater marsh in southeast Florida. I entered the park at the trailhead on Jensen Beach Boulevard but there is an Environmental Education Center at 2541 SE Walton Rd, Port St. Lucie. The center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m while Savannas Preserve State Park is open every day from 8 AM to sunset. There is a lock box where you insert you $3 cash admission. Located adjacent to the parking lot is a picnic pavilion and restrooms. From the parking lot I took the white trail which connects to trails north of Walton road. Unfortunately trail conditions become submerged during parts of the year which was the case when I visited. I took off my shoes and went barefoot and attempted the trail anyway. The grass was very soft in the dry parts but I finally lost the trail in the water at the turnoff for the marsh overlook. I found myself in the middle of the water and after seeing the alligator sign at the start of the trail I decide it wasn't such a good idea to be there and headed back. I still got a good over a mile hike in. I need to come back when the trail is dried out. Although I didn't see any animals, bobcats, deer, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, alligators, Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Great Blue Heron, and the endangered Florida Scrub-jay all make their home in the park. I was the only one on the trail and it was very peaceful and quiet. Savannas Preserve State Park offers canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers can enjoy the diverse habitat and undisturbed solitude. They are 8 miles of trails for use by equestrians and hikers.

This is a 65 acre preserve located in historic White City. It is part of the North Fork St. Lucie…read moreRiver Greenway, a network of over 65 miles of greenspace that serves as an important highway corridor for wildlife, people, and plants to traverse. The land that is now the preserve was once George Venters' citrus groves and tomato, pineapple, and bean fields. Fruit that was grown here was sold as part of the Indian River Citrus League of Growers and Groves. In the late 1920's Indian River citrus was very popular and it was sold around the world. Today this area has been reclaimed by native plant communities but you may still find a hidden wild tree descended from the original grove but the fruit will be bitter. From the parking lot it is a short walk to the trailhead. One path takes you around the lake. Branching off from the lake path is a half mile interpretive trail in the mature hydric hammock that takes you through what was once the Venters' farm but is now old live oaks, laurel oaks, slash pines, cabbage palms, red maples, pond apples and Carolina ash and flood plain forest. Here you may see squirrels, red-bellied woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers and cardinals. Wild hogs descended from the ones brought over to Florida by the Spanish in the 1500's have also been seen here. Along the trails are picnic tables and benches. On my walk I saw a number of Eastern land lubbers, a large colorful grasshopper found in the southeastern Unites States. At one point there were so many on the ground near the back of the pond that I really had to watch where I was stepping. When I was last here five years ago there wasn't any water. Now the focal point of the preserve is a four acre man made lake can be used for catch and release fishing. The pond is an important habitat for wildlife while filtering out pollutants such as sediments, fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals, oils and grease that would have drained directly into the St. Lucie River. It was gratifying to see how this natural area has been transformed into a beautiful nature area that is the perfect place to take a short hike and connect with nature.

If you are looking for something to do with the children free of charge, check out this park. This…read morepark has a few soft play areas that cater to different age ranges. There is also a small water play area that I would suggest doing last, so make sure to bring a change of clothes & a towel because the kids will want to get wet. On really hot days like today be careful because there is barely any shaded areas, some of the play areas will burn because of the direct sunlight. We usually bring water, snacks, a blanket, a portable fan & sunscreen. There are restrooms to be able to change. If you have a baby there is a baby changing table as well. There are water fountains. There are benches and little seating areas. The park is very clean & well kept. The staff that I've seen through the park are very polite. Every time we have come out, there has been a shaved ice mobile truck, they have all been very delicious and very refreshing, especially on sunny hot days usually they accept cash, cards and contactless payment. Most definitely would be perfect if it was more shaded but the kiddos would enjoy it no matter the weather.

I visited Pioneer Park a few days ago, and let me tell you, it's a little gem. Even though it's…read morereally small, it's so clean, tidy, and charming that it feels great to just sit and watch while your kids play -- or simply unplug for a bit from the rush of the day and breathe in some peace and quiet. I can't wait to see how the terrace project turns out, with its different spots to enjoy the evenings by the river.

The 16 acre Lyngate Park opened in 1979 in Port St. Lucie on the north fork of the St. Lucie Rive…read moreAquatic Preserve. The park takes its name from the Lyngate neighborhood built in the 70's and 80's and which is made up of a mix of open neighborhoods, gated and ungated subdivisions with community amenities such as clubhouses and tennis courts, condos, and single family homes. Lyngate Park amenities include a 3/4 acre dog park with separate fenced-in areas for large, medium and small dogs along with shade structure and water fountain, a 36'x40' pavilion with lights, electric, water, two grills and eight 8' tables, a 24'x24' pavilion with four 10' tables, one grill, lights, and electric, two baseball/softball fields, two lighted tennis courts, basketball court with lights, four racquetball courts with lights, restrooms, sand volleyball court, and lighted playground for ages 2 to 12. Lyngate Park is home of the American Little League. Lyngate Park has well-maintained walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground that's perfect for kids. The green spaces are ideal for lounging or playing, making it a great spot for family gatherings or a peaceful afternoon. The abundance of shade trees is an especially welcome feature during the hotter months of the year. This park is a welcoming and peaceful environment that truly enhances the community spirit of Port St. Lucie. With its wide variety of amenities there is something to appeal to everyone.

I reported the noseeum/sand-flea issue to the city and county recently. Neither entity is willing…read moreto treat the infestation of biting bugs. This is a known annual problem that reoccurs each year on the ball fields but eventually goes away depending on climate per city. Mosquito repellents do not work for these biting bugs and they swarm at night biting teammates during softball games.

The Walton Scrub Preserve is 33 acres across from the Indian River Lagoon. Funding for this…read morepreserve was provided by Florida Communities Trust's Preservation 2000 Program and St. Lucie County's Environmentally Significant Lands Program. The sandy trail that runs through the preserve is a half mile loop hike through the scrub and maritime hammock habitat that is home to gopher tortoises, sand skinks, and blue jay. Scrub habitat is endangered in Florida because it is only found at high elevations which is exactly where developers like to build. Scrub habitats are harsh environments for plants and animals to live in and they have had to make adaptations in order to survive in this environment. For example many plants here rely on a specialized fungi found in the soils that provides the plant's root system with the necessary nutrients. I like hiking the higher elevation because you don't often get a chance to do that in Florida. That combined with the sand trail gives you more of a workout. This preserve helps to protect the threatened and endangered plants and animals that reside within it. At times the trail runs close to the FEC railroad tracks on the west side of the preserve. Also on the property is a house that was last occupied by the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA), a marine research facility. There is a lookout tower on the map but it no longer exists. I didn't see much but this a great place to get out in nature and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

We came here while visiting the area and really enjoyed the learning center!…read more We only stayed for a few hours but there was definitely a lot more to see and do here. We got to see a lot of fish and native Florida wildlife! There were a lot of walking trails, kayak/canoe launches, and tons of information posted around about native Florida habitats! There was also a play area for kids as well. We spent a lot of the time in the aquarium room (and yes it's a room not a super huge space) since it was air conditioned and our daughter really enjoys seeing the fish. They have a touch tank that's open for a few hours throughout the day, but we noticed that if the tank isn't open, there was no staff in the space. The facilities seemed a bit older but overall well maintained. There were summer camps going on while we were there, and felt like they sort of overtook some of the spaces we were in from time to time. Not a super huge deal as we were able to go explore other parts but it did feel somewhat chaotic as a large group of 8 year olds ran into the area. You do have to pay admission, there is a pass available as well if you plan to visit more than once. Parking was not plentiful so be mindful when planing, to come early or during a more "off" time. Overall this was a neat place to go to if you enjoy learning about Florida wildlife and nature.

Stopped into the Environmental Learning Center on a whim after driving past it many times, and now…read moreI'm wondering why I waited so long. This place is one of those hidden little Treasure Coast gems that almost hides in plain sight. The boardwalk trails through the mangroves were peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly immersive. Every turn felt like a mini nature documentary. Within a short walk I spotted a ribbon snake cruising through the water, an orb-weaver spider that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie, and plenty of birds and wildlife along the way. Bring a camera because you'll use it. Bonus points for the rare opportunity to admire a spider web without immediately walking face first into it. The grounds are well maintained, educational without feeling overly touristy, and just plain relaxing. There's a nice balance between nature preserve, learning experience, and quiet escape from the everyday rush. Also appreciated that you can spend 30 minutes here or easily lose a couple of hours wandering the trails and slowing your brain down a notch. We didn't try the kayak rental this time but made a mental note for the future. If you live in or visit Vero Beach and enjoy nature, photography, kayaking, wildlife, or just finding peaceful spots that don't involve crowds and traffic, this place is absolutely worth a stop.