Wakodahatchee Wetland

Top choice


Easily overlooked because it's man made, this incredible collection of ecosystems is spanned by a sturdy boardwalk, bringing you right next to (and in some cases over!) birds, hammocks, turtles, gators and more. The best thing is that unlike most birding areas, here the wildlife is totally unafraid as people cannot leave the boardwalk. It means photographers (or kiddos!) can get remarkably close to birds who simply couldn't care less. Nesting behaviors, in season, are particularly fascinating.

The 30- to 45-minute loop takes you through a variety of ecosystems, all freshwater, most of them actual swamp. Here and there the trail ducks into forest and at one point goes over a small pond (look for gators!) before coming back to the shallow swampiness that at one time was all of Florida. Despite the compact size, it's got a huge range of birds and wildlife, and is a particularly fun spot for kids or for the elderly who may have mobility issues or need to remain in a wheelchair.

It's located about 20 mins drive from West Palm Beach, in Delray Beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

3.62 MILES

Japanese immigrant and pineapple farmer Sukeji 'George' Morikami, a member of the original Yamato settlement of Delray, donated his spectacularly…

2. Cornell Art Museum

4.58 MILES

Housed in the restored 1913 Delray Elementary building within Old School Square, this charming museum hosts rotating exhibits featuring an eclectic mix of…

3. Old School Square

4.58 MILES

Otherwise known as Old School Square, this highly successful preservation project encompasses Delray's 1913 elementary school, 1925 high school and 1926…

4. Atlantic Dunes Park

5.74 MILES

Has 7 acres of shorefront, clean restroom facilities, volleyball courts and picnic areas.

5. Public Beach

5.91 MILES

A hip gathering spot for young locals and visitors with excellent surf for swimming and life guards. Coin-operated parking meters charge $1.25 per hour.

6. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

8.94 MILES

Boca's best asset is this stretch of waterfront parkland. It's a preserve of tropical hammock and dunes ecosystems, and a haven for all manner of sea…

7. Boca Raton Museum of Art

9.19 MILES

In Mizner Park, this elegant museum showcases the minor works of modern masters such as Picasso, Chagall and Modigliani (note: these may rotate). It also…

8. Mizner Park

9.27 MILES

Since Boca lacks a cohesive downtown, Mizner Park generally serves as the city's center. At the north end, the Count de Hoernle Amphitheater accommodates…