Ocean Breeze FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ocean Breeze, Florida.
1. Indian River Lagoon
SCENIC WATERWAY PARADISE
The Indian River Lagoon offers visitors a pristine waterway experience with opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking in Ocean Breeze. This biodiverse estuary is home to thousands of plant and animal species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors can enjoy peaceful days on the water while taking in the natural Florida coastal scenery that defines the Treasure Coast region.
2. Ocean Breeze Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY HUB
Ocean Breeze Park represents the historical heart of this small coastal town, established in 1938 by Harry and Queena Hoke. The park offers a glimpse into the town's origins as a seasonal RV community before it became an incorporated municipality in 1960. Today, it serves as a central gathering place for residents and visitors seeking to experience the town's friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
3. Jonathan Dickinson State Park
NATURAL WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Jonathan Dickinson State Park spans over 11,500 acres of protected wilderness near Ocean Breeze, offering outdoor enthusiasts a wealth of recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems including sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, mangroves, and river swamps while hiking, biking, camping, or paddling the scenic Loxahatchee River. History buffs will appreciate learning about the park's fascinating past, from its time as a top-secret radar training school during World War II to the story of shipwreck survivor Trapper Nelson, the legendary 'Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.'
4. Blowing Rocks Preserve
DRAMATIC LIMESTONE SHORELINE
Blowing Rocks Preserve features a spectacular limestone shoreline that creates dramatic geysers of saltwater when waves crash against the rocks during high tide. This unique natural attraction, managed by The Nature Conservancy, offers visitors a rare glimpse at one of the largest Anastasia limestone formations on the Atlantic coast. Beyond the impressive rock formations, the preserve maintains several hiking trails through native Florida coastal habitats that have been carefully restored to their natural state.
5. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
MARINE LIFE EDUCATION
The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center provides a fascinating window into the diverse marine ecosystems of Florida's east coast through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can experience touch tanks, guided nature walks, and daily stingray and sea turtle presentations led by knowledgeable staff. The 57-acre marine life center sits on Hutchinson Island and features a 750,000-gallon lagoon for fish feeding, nature trails through mangrove forests, and a sea turtle pavilion.
6. House of Refuge Museum
HISTORIC LIFESAVING STATION
The House of Refuge Museum stands as Martin County's oldest building and the last remaining of ten rescue stations built along Florida's coast in the 1800s to assist shipwreck survivors. The historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the challenging lives of the keeper and his family who once maintained this remote lifesaving station on the treacherous Atlantic coastline. Exhibits include authentic period furnishings, historical artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, and fascinating displays detailing the maritime history of the Treasure Coast.
7. McKee Botanical Garden
LUSH TROPICAL PARADISE
McKee Botanical Garden showcases 18 acres of tropical botanical beauty with over 1,000 native and exotic plant species in a lush landscape. The garden features one of Florida's largest collections of water lilies, creating a breathtaking display that draws visitors from across the region. History and horticulture blend seamlessly as visitors explore winding paths through palm forests, cross over picturesque bridges, and discover historic stone structures that have been preserved since the garden's founding in 1932.
8. South Beach Park
PREMIER OCEANFRONT RECREATION
South Beach Park offers visitors pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear Atlantic waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, shelling, and water sports. The well-maintained beach park includes amenities such as restrooms, showers, and convenient parking while maintaining its natural beauty and uncrowded atmosphere. Adventure seekers can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, or surfing in the gentle waves that make this beach a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
9. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
HISTORIC BIRD SANCTUARY
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge holds the distinction of being America's first national wildlife refuge, established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt to protect native birds from hunting for their decorative plumage. The 5,400-acre sanctuary in the Indian River Lagoon provides critical habitat for numerous bird species, including brown pelicans, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills. Visitors can observe the abundant wildlife from viewing platforms and hiking trails while learning about the refuge's pioneering role in America's conservation movement.
10. Riverside Theatre
PREMIER PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES
Riverside Theatre stands as Florida's largest professional theater, hosting over 300 performances annually including Broadway-caliber shows, comedy acts, and concerts. The state-of-the-art venue features two stages: the 650-seat Stark Stage for major productions and the intimate Waxlax Stage for experimental works and cabaret performances. Theatergoers can enhance their experience by enjoying pre-show dining at the on-site restaurant or attending one of the many special events hosted throughout the performance season.
11. The Gardens Mall
UPSCALE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Gardens Mall offers a luxurious shopping experience with over 150 specialty stores including high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and designer boutiques. This elegant two-level shopping destination features stunning architecture with natural light, tropical plants, and artistic water features throughout the common areas. Shoppers can enjoy diverse dining options from quick bites at the food court to relaxed meals at one of several restaurants before continuing their retail therapy.
12. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
NATURAL COASTAL WILDERNESS
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park preserves 438 acres of natural tropical coastal habitat, offering visitors a rare glimpse of what South Florida's barrier islands looked like before development. The park features pristine beaches, a rocky reef perfect for snorkeling, and a unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock habitats accessible via a 1,600-foot boardwalk that crosses Lake Worth Lagoon. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking through mangrove-lined waterways, hiking scenic nature trails, or simply observing the abundant wildlife that includes herons, osprey, manatees, and numerous tropical fish species.
13. Twisted Trunk Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Twisted Trunk Brewing welcomes beer enthusiasts to sample their handcrafted brews in a spacious taproom featuring rustic décor highlighted by a bar made from a 100-year-old twisted trunk of a Banyan tree. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities to learn about the beer-making process while tasting a rotating selection of house-made ales, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. The family-friendly establishment often hosts food trucks, live music, and special events that complement their commitment to quality craft brewing.
14. South Florida Paddle
GUIDED WATERWAY ADVENTURES
South Florida Paddle offers guided kayak and paddleboard tours through the pristine waterways surrounding Palm Beach Gardens and the greater Treasure Coast area. Expert guides lead small groups through mangrove tunnels, past wildlife habitats, and along scenic coastal routes while sharing knowledge about the local ecosystem and history. Equipment rentals are available for those who prefer to explore independently, with friendly staff providing maps of recommended paddling routes suitable for various skill levels.
15. The Lane Spa
LUXURIOUS WELLNESS RETREAT
The Lane Spa offers guests a comprehensive wellness experience with services ranging from customized facials and therapeutic massages to body treatments and salon services. The elegant facility features tranquil relaxation areas, steam rooms, and private treatment suites designed to create an atmosphere of complete rejuvenation. Visitors can select from signature treatments incorporating natural ingredients and advanced techniques or opt for spa packages that combine multiple services for a day of indulgent self-care.