Hours of Operation

The Hobe Sound Nature Center is open six days a week, rain or shine. The Nathaniel P. Reed National Wildlife Refuge trails and Indian River Lagoon beach access located on-site is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Nature Center: Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, closed on Mondays

The Hobe Sound Nature Center is closed Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Admission is by Donation

At our nature center, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to connect with the beauty and wonder of the natural world. That’s why admission is donation-based, allowing you to contribute what you can. Your generous support helps us maintain the trails, care for wildlife, and offer educational programs that inspire a love for nature. Thank you for helping us protect and share this special place with our community!

Where is the Hobe Sound Nature Center?

The Hobe Sound Nature Center is located at 13640 S.E. Federal Highway (U.S. 1) Hobe Sound, Florida 33455, two miles south of Bridge Road (State Road 708) in Hobe Sound, Florida. It is located 15 miles north of Jupiter and 20 miles south of Stuart in Martin County, Florida.

Museum

Explore our cozy yet captivating nature museum, where every exhibit tells a story of Florida’s unique, critical habitats and wildlife. Meet our resident animal ambassadors - creatures with unique tales of resilience who now call our center home. Engage with interactive exhibits that bring ecosystems to life, from the wonders of animal tracks to the secrets of sea turtle hatchlings’ plight for survival. Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds, our museum offers an unforgettable way to connect with the natural world.

Education Center

Nestled in the heart of the Nature Center, our spacious classroom is a vibrant hub of activity and learning. Designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, this welcoming space is where children gather for enriching classes, nature-themed camps, “Nature’s Nook” storytime, and memorable special events. With its large windows inviting natural light and a connection to the surrounding environment, our classroom provides the perfect setting for young minds to explore, discover, and grow.

Indian River Lagoon Beach Access

Nestled along the tranquil shores of the Indian River Lagoon, our sugar sand beach is a haven for families, paddleboarders, and nature enthusiasts alike. With its soft, white sands and calm, inviting waters, it’s the perfect spot to relax, explore, and reconnect with the beauty of nature. Whether you’re launching a kayak, enjoying a peaceful picnic, or simply soaking up the sun, this hidden gem offers something for everyone. Come and experience the magic of the lagoon and create unforgettable memories in this serene paradise.

Hiking Trails

Discover a hidden gem on the hiking trails of the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, weaving through Florida's scrub habitat and lush hardwood hammock. This tranquil path offers a peaceful retreat, showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of these vital ecosystems. Perfect for all skill levels, the trail invites you to experience the sights and sounds of native plants, wildlife, and a true connection to Florida’s wild side. Come take a stroll and uncover the wonders waiting just off the beaten path.

Storywalk

Embark on an adventure that meshes literacy with outdoor exploration. Written by local children’s author, Marianne Burke, follow the story of Polly, a mama opossum, looking for the perfect home for her babies, as you walk through scenic trails and along our beautiful sugar sand beach. Along the way, you’ll uncover fun facts about local wildlife, enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and experience an interactive adventure for all ages. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a family looking for an engaging outdoor activity, this is the perfect blend of storytelling, education, and exploration

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Admission is by donation only.
The gates open automatically at sunrise and close at sunset.
Yes.
To experience both the Nature Center and the outdoor spaces to the fullest, plan on giving yourself at least 1-2 hours.
Yes, you are welcome to share the outdoor spaces with your pup(s) at our headquarters (i.e., trails and beach). However, dogs must always be on leashes and are never permitted inside the museum. Please note that dogs are NOT permitted at the Refuge Beach at the north end of Jupiter Island.
Yes. Stop by anytime during our hours of operation to pick up your pass. Cash or check only.
Yes! Email us anytime (programs@hobesoundnaturecenter.org) to set up a customized experience for ages 3+. We host both on- and off-site native wildlife presentations, hands-on explorations programs, and field excursions. We love to host school groups at the nature center, where students can engage in a variety of unique, immersive learning opportunities. Our most popular programs include learning about Florida’s threatened habitats and species (e.g., sea turtles, manatees, reptiles, and birds), during which our resident “teaching” animals act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts.
We do not rehabilitate injured animals, though we do provide homes for non-releasable wildlife. If you find an injured animal, please call the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center (https://www.tcwild.org/contact-us) (772) 286-6200 or Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (https://www.buschwildlife.org/rescue ) (561)575-3399.
The wildlife refuge was established in 1969 when the Reed Family and generous residents of Jupiter Island donated over 1,000 acres to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, resulting in two, separate tracts of land separated by the Indian River Lagoon. The largest tract is a barrier island beach, located on the north end of Jupiter Island, and the other tract encompasses a 300-acre scrub habitat, where the Refuge and Nature Center headquarters are located.
No, we are not permitted to sell food or beverages. We do, however, have filtered water stations and fountains.