Belle Glade FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Belle Glade, Florida.
1. Glades Pioneer Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Glades Pioneer Park is a beloved community recreation area in Belle Glade that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's heritage. The park features open green spaces, sports facilities, and areas for family gatherings and community events. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while experiencing an authentic piece of Belle Glade's local culture.
2. Lawrence E. Will Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Lawrence E. Will Museum preserves and celebrates the unique history and culture of Belle Glade and the surrounding Everglades region. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and stories that document the agricultural heritage, natural environment, and community development of the area. Visitors can gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of those who have called this distinctive part of Florida home.
3. Sugar Cane Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Sugar Cane Golf Club offers golfers a picturesque playing experience surrounded by the agricultural landscape that defines Belle Glade. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens that challenge players of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy a round of golf while taking in views of the surrounding sugar cane fields that give the club its fitting name.
4. Black Gold Airboat Tours
THRILLING EVERGLADES ADVENTURE
Black Gold Airboat Tours provides exhilarating exploration of the wetlands and wildlife around Belle Glade. Experienced guides navigate visitors through the unique ecosystem on high-speed airboats, offering opportunities to spot alligators, birds, and native plants. The tour offers a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Everglades region.
5. Belle Glade Marina Campground
LAKESIDE CAMPING RETREAT
Belle Glade Marina Campground provides a relaxing lakeside retreat for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area. The campground offers facilities for both tent and RV camping with convenient access to Lake Okeechobee for fishing, boating, and water activities. Visitors can enjoy stunning lake views and peaceful natural surroundings while experiencing the outdoor recreational opportunities the region is known for.
6. Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
VIBRANT ARTS VENUE
The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center serves as Belle Glade's premier venue for performing arts and cultural events. The center hosts a diverse calendar of performances including music concerts, theater productions, dance shows, and community gatherings throughout the year. Visitors can experience quality entertainment and artistic expression in this cultural hub that enriches the Belle Glade community.
7. Skydive Palm Beach
THRILLING AERIAL ADVENTURE
Skydive Palm Beach offers adventurous visitors the ultimate adrenaline rush with tandem skydiving experiences over the scenic Belle Glade area. Jumpers are treated to breathtaking aerial views of Lake Okeechobee, the vast agricultural fields, and the unique Everglades landscape. The professional instructors provide comprehensive training to ensure a safe and unforgettable freefall experience for thrill-seekers of all experience levels.
8. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail
ICONIC LAKESIDE RECREATION PATH
The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail is a 109-mile path that circles the massive freshwater lake, passing through Belle Glade and offering outstanding recreational opportunities. The trail alternates between paved and unpaved sections, perfect for hiking, cycling, and running while providing spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and photography along this scenic route that showcases the natural beauty of South Central Florida.
9. John Stretch Park
RELAXING WATERSIDE RECREATION
John Stretch Park provides a pleasant rest area with amenities including picnic tables, restrooms, and potable water near Belle Glade. The park serves as an excellent stopping point for those hiking the Florida Trail or exploring the Lake Okeechobee region. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while taking a break to appreciate the natural surroundings of this convenient recreational spot.
10. Herbert Hoover Dike
HISTORIC FLOOD CONTROL STRUCTURE
The Herbert Hoover Dike is a 35-foot-tall historic flood control structure built in the 1930s that surrounds Lake Okeechobee and passes through Belle Glade. The massive earthen dam stretches for miles, protecting surrounding communities while serving as the foundation for much of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Visitors can walk along sections of the dike to enjoy elevated views of both the vast lake and the agricultural landscapes that define the region.
11. Big Cypress National Preserve
VAST PROTECTED WILDERNESS
Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 720,000 acres of swampland, a critical watershed for the Everglades ecosystem not far from Belle Glade. The preserve serves as sanctuary for diverse wildlife including alligators, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, and the endangered Florida panther. Visitors can explore this remarkable landscape through various activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, paddling, and participating in ranger-led programs that highlight the ecological importance of the region.
12. Palm Beach
LUXURIOUS COASTAL ESCAPE
Palm Beach is an upscale island community featuring pristine beaches, luxury shopping, and world-class dining within driving distance of Belle Glade. The area is known for its elegant architecture, including the famous Breakers Hotel and the former Flagler mansion that now houses the Flagler Museum. Visitors can enjoy the contrast between Belle Glade's agricultural heritage and Palm Beach's coastal opulence during a day trip to this renowned destination.
13. Peace River
SCENIC PADDLING DESTINATION
Peace River offers a memorable canoe and camping adventure in South Central Florida, not far from the Belle Glade region. The river is known for its peaceful waters, abundant wildlife, and fascinating fossil hunting opportunities as paddlers can often find prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils along the riverbanks. Visitors can enjoy multi-day paddling trips with riverside camping for an immersive natural experience in one of Florida's most scenic waterways.
14. Florida Caverns State Park
UNIQUE UNDERGROUND WONDER
Florida Caverns State Park showcases the rare phenomenon of dry caves in Florida, offering guided tours through stunning limestone formations located in the northwest Panhandle region. The park features stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and other dramatic cave features that have formed over thousands of years. Visitors from Belle Glade seeking a different Florida experience can explore this underground marvel along with the park's additional amenities including hiking trails, camping, and fishing opportunities.
15. Wellington Environmental Preserve
ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION CENTER
Wellington Environmental Preserve offers 365 acres of wetlands, trails, and wildlife habitat near Belle Glade with an emphasis on environmental education. The preserve features a 6.5-mile perimeter trail, an observation tower, and educational signage explaining the importance of wetlands in South Florida's ecosystem. Visitors can observe native birds and other wildlife while learning about water management and conservation efforts that protect the region's natural resources.