St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park

This remote park occupies the northern end of the peninsula (Jupiter Island), which it shares with Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. Only accessible by boat, this park offers one of the most remote beach experiences left in this part of the state. Boardwalks through the mangroves can be good for Mangrove Cuckoos in summer and migrants in fall and winter. The beach is pristine and offers a stark contrast to the development of Hutchinson Island to the north across the inlet. Plovers, gulls and terns use the beach and occasionally, wintering Purple Sandpipers turn up on the northern jetty. The only access for this property is by boat, and there are no nearby concessionaires. Bring your canoe or kayak and launch from the park at the end of SR 722. Paddle the unmarked canoe trail through the mangroves or tie up at the park’s extensive dock. A beautiful place to bird…worth the challenge of getting there.