Blowing Rocks Preserve is a magnificent barrier island sanctuary located on Jupiter Island, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Blowing Rocks protects a variety of natural habitats, including beach dune, coastal strand, mangrove wetlands, tropical hammock and oak hammock.

Its rocky Anastasia limestone shoreline is the largest on the Atlantic coast. During extreme high tides and after winter storms, seas break against the rocks and force plumes of saltwater up to 50 feet skyward, an impressive sight for which the preserve was named.

Location
Jupiter Island, about 30 miles north of West Palm Beach.

Hours
Blowing Rocks Preserve is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except major holidays.

Size
73 acres

How to Prepare for Your Visit
Beach access fees are $2 per person and $1 per person for Nature Conservancy members. Become a member. Admission is free for children ages 12 and under. Annual passes are also available: $37 for an individual pass and $65 for a group pass (up to six people).

Visitors to the preserve can explore a boardwalk with interpretive signs along the Indian River Lagoon, a butterfly garden with native plants, and a beachside nature trail. The Hawley Education Center contains rotating educational and art exhibits, and a series of programs and workshops is given in the on-site classroom.

Directions
The preserve is located at 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455-2804. 
View map.

Coming from the north on I-95:

• Take Hobe Sound exit 96 and head east on Bridge Road (SR 708).
• Cross US 1 and continue on Bridge Road.
• Take a right onto Jupiter Island at the end of the road (just before the beach).
• Continue to the stop sign and bear to the left (south).
• The preserve is approximately 7 miles south and offers parking on both sides of the road.
  Coming from the south on I-95:

Coming from the south on I-95:

• Take Jupiter exit 87A (Indiantown Road).
• Continue east on Indiantown Road to US 1.
• Turn north (left) on US 1 to Jupiter Inlet.
• Immediately after crossing bridge turn right on South Beach Road (CR707).
• Drive 2 miles and look for preserve sign on right. Parking is 1/2 mile ahead. 

What to See: Seasonal Wildlife
As the weather turns cooler, a variety of birds migrate through the area, including warblers, offshore pelagic birds, hawks and falcons. Fall is also the season when the abundant sea grapes are fruiting, turning out grape-like clusters of berries.

Why the Conservancy Selected This Site
In 1969, this unusual segment of Florida beach was saved by Jupiter Island residents who donated the property to The Nature Conservancy. It was originally protected for its natural beauty, distinctive rock formations and an important sea turtle nesting beach.

What the Conservancy Has Done/Is Doing
Blowing Rocks Preserve serves as a model for native plant restoration, sea turtle protection and ecosystem management. An innovative education program shares these conservation goals with visitors and the local community.

The preserve is located at the southern tip of the Indian River Lagoon, a 156-mile long estuary that stretches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Jupiter Inlet. In an effort to help protect this fragile ecosystem, the Conservancy is helping to educate preserve visitors about the biological importance of the estuary, threats to its health and ways to protect it.

Contact Us
For more information, contact the preserve office at  (561) 744-6668 .

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Jeff Ripple (Blowing Rocks Preserve); Photo © Nancy Sefton (green sea turtle).