I live where others vacation. Hobe Sound has a secret pristine beach, a canopy of majestic Banyan trees, modern restaurants, and dining under a palapa in a locals’ eatery. You can observe sea turtles laying eggs and enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, numerous other water sports and biking when visiting this part of Florida on the Atlantic Ocean 30 miles north of Palm Beach. There’s even polo!
10 Best Things to Do in Hobe Sound
Hobe Sound Beach Florida
Hobe Sound Beach, located at the end of Bridge Road, is a unique experience while wandering through an unbelievable tree-lined canopy of Banyan trees. The public beach has a lifeguard, a pavilion for shade with picnic tables, outdoor showers, and, yes, free parking.
Local Tip: Don’t stop here. Turn left for a short drive to the National Wildlife Refuge. This oasis of peace is one of Florida’s gems where beachcombing for 5-miles in either direction on a sparsely populated secret beach is available.
Experience the constant sound of the surf, aqua green/blue Atlantic Ocean water, small shells, crabs scurrying to their holes in the sand, and an overhead formation of Brown Pelicans. Watch one dive into the water from 30-feet above to catch their prey.
Laughing gulls may squawk at you and pose for your camera. The tiny sandpipers scatter in front of you. On early morning walks, you may mingle with surf fishermen trying their luck for Pompano or Snook. This beach access on Jupiter Island offers one of the last undeveloped stretches of Atlantic beachfront in South Florida.
Enjoy, but don’t tell anyone about your find – the secret beach.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
11,500-acres for hiking, boating, cycling, fishing, camping, and more await the visitor to this park. Climb the observation tower to view the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, motorboats, bicycles, or try horseback riding. There’s several tours of the park you can sign up for too.
Touch a Turtle Egg
Hobe Sound Nature Center has a short hike to the Intracoastal Waterway. The Intracoastal is a 1,200-mile water route that offers sheltered passage for boats along the eastern seaboard. Experience a white sand beach and view the perfect Florida sunset.
The return hike takes you through a coastal hammock and sand pine scrub. You may come across gopher tortoises, scrub lizards, eagles, and ospreys along the way. Visit from February to September and schedule a night turtle walk.
A brief orientation is given, then on to the beach to (hopefully) watch the huge Loggerhead Sea Turtles paddle out of the sea to the beach where they dig a hole and lay eggs. Guides with red flashlights focus on the ping pong size soft eggs. A thrill for a child is holding an egg. Reservations are a must for this experience.
Navigate the Mangroves
Navigate a rented kayak or take a tour through the mangroves on the Loxahatchee River. This is the real Florida where the water silently splashes, a turtle slips off a log, or the big eyes of an alligator stare up at you.
Hanging down around you are Spanish moss and air plants. Sometimes wildlife such as manatees feeding on seagrass, deer keeping eyes on you, maybe a wild hog, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, or an eagle may be spotted.
Local Tip: At every turn, tie a plastic ribbon onto a branch for your return voyage as the mangroves can be a hidden maze. Collect them as you head back.
Hug a Majestic Banyan Tree
Rent-a-bike at the bike shop in the Winn-Dixie shopping center on Bridge Road. Head east on Bridge Road to terminate on Jupiter Island, which holds the distinction of having the highest per capita income of any place in the country.
Turn right at the beach and cycle, viewing the luxurious homes. On the way, maybe you will have the experience of a bridge opening over the Intracoastal with a sailboat plowing through.
Drive over the bridge and cycle under a canopy of Banyan trees lining the road where velvet soft grass sparkles under the sun. Benches are available if you choose to rest and observe the peace and quiet of nature.
Discover Old Florida
Was old Florida romantic? The truth is, one had to face the elements: heat, humidity, snakes, and alligators. The tropical growth was so thick that walking in it could lead to rash, horrible cuts on the body, and swarms of mosquitoes. Native plants called Spanish needle and Spanish bayonet were not so named for their friendliness.
There was one who was able to brave the terrain. Trapper Nelson. He survived and carved out a living on the Loxahatchee River. Hop on a pontoon boat for a tour with a guide to the site he lived with its multiple primitive buildings. His fascinating story is recalled in this podcast. Listen before visiting.
Local Tip: The tour takes off for a fee in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Make sure you check the departures as only on high tide does the tour go to the site.
Hobe Sound Polo Club
Hobe Sound Polo Club on February Saturday afternoons offers free admission and free parking. Set your chairs in front of your car in this beautiful setting to watch the polo matches. A food truck is also available.
Early February hosts the Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts. A popular event with more than 200 artists and craft artisans.
Dine Under a Tropical Palapa With the Locals
Breakfast dining under the palapa is a locals’ hangout at Harry and the Natives, a Hobe Sound landmark since 1941. New on the scene are two new restaurants.
Kork is in the home of the original Hobe Sound Post Office. Parked in front of the 2nd new restaurant, The Grille Martins Landing may be a Rolls Royce indicating the clientele. For lunch specials, try Courtney’s with the big stuffed burgers. Numerous other fun restaurants are in the area.
A Different Christmas Parade
The Intracoastal lights up in early December with a lead boat, shooting fireworks, followed by numerous boats lit up and decorated. If you have never seen a boat parade, it is a novel experi
Christmas Extravaganza
Early in December, the Hobe Sound Bible College hosts the Singing Christmas Tree. Bleachers on a stage shaped like a Christmas tree are filled with the choir, multicolored lights, and a large red cross with music filling the auditorium. Angels hang suspended from the ceiling, and the Christmas story is portrayed. The Bible College is noted for musical education that places musical directors all over the country.
Where to Stay in Hobe Sound
Looking for where to stay in Hobe Sound? Check out these hotels located near Hobe Sound.
Booking.comIs Hobe Sound Worth a Visit?
Yes, Hobe Sound is a wonderland rich for exploring nature, bird watching, enjoying the ocean, feeling sand tickling your toes, palm trees swaying, and uncrowded beaches. Come see us in paradise.
Getting there: Fly into West Palm Beach Airport, rent a car and drive north on I-95. Exit 96 Hobe Sound and proceed east to US Hwy 1. Here you will meet Bridge Road, the center of action for Hobe Sound.
Last Updated on February 15, 2023