12 Nature Centers Near Port St. Lucie, FL
Looking for a way to explore the natural beauty and wildlife around Port St. Lucie? You’re in luck! There are several amazing nature centers and wildlife preserves nearby that offer educational experiences and outdoor activities for the whole family.
Whether you’re interested in hiking (Florida version), observing wildlife, or learning about local ecosystems, these nature centers are the perfect way to get out and connect with nature.
Here, we’ll introduce you to some of the best nature centers in or near Port St. Lucie, Florida, including the Oxbow Eco-Center, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Observation and Education Center, Saint Lucie Aquarium, and more. Check them out 👇🏼
1. Oxbow Eco-Center of Port St. Lucie
The Oxbow Eco-Center is a 200-acre preserve in the heart of Port St. Lucie that offers a wide range of environmental education programs. You’ll find hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and an exhibit hall with interactive displays about the ecosystems of the area. Turtles, armadillos, and many birds are just some of the wildlife you can experience here.
They are a pet-friendly nature center and offer free parking. It’s a great place to take the whole family for a day of exploration and learning. Don’t forget to also visit their gift shop!
- Location: 5400 NE St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
- What to do: Hiking, birdwatching, educational exhibits, picnic
- Website: Oxbow Eco-Center
2. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary of Jupiter
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jupiter, just a short drive from Port St. Lucie. It’s one of our favorites, and it is a donation-based attraction. This non-profit organization rescues and rehabilitates injured animals.
At the sanctuary, you can see everything from Florida panthers to bald eagles. Our favorites were the otters, but if you want to see them during the summer you’ll have to get there early. They tend to hide out from the brutal Florida heat.
It’s an excellent spot for animal lovers and those who want to learn more about Florida’s wildlife and ways to protect it.
- Location: 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458
- What to do: Animal education, guided tours, wildlife rehabilitation, picnic
- Website: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Manatee Observation and Education Center in Fort Pierce
Head to Fort Pierce for one of the great 12 nature centers near Port St. Lucie. Visit the Manatee Observation and Education Center to learn more about these gentle marine mammals.
The center is located along the Indian River Lagoon, which is one of the best places to observe manatees in their natural habitat. Your best bet to see them is in the cooler months, when they navigate to shallower waters to keep warm. The center offers exhibits on local wildlife and educational programs for visitors of all ages.Â
- Location: 480 N Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
- What to do: Manatee observation, interactive exhibits, educational programs
- Website: Manatee Observation and Education Center
4. Saint Lucie Aquarium in Port St. Lucie
A short drive from the Manatee Observation and Education Center is the Smithsonian Museum or Saint Lucie Aquarium. For those fascinated by marine life, the Saint Lucie Aquarium is a must-visit destination. Operated by the Smithsonian Marine Station, this aquarium offers 6,000 gallons of marine life exhibits.
While it is smaller than most aquarium centers, it’s an educational hotspot that provides a look into the ecosystems of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. The staff and volunteers here are very enthusiastic about their work and love to answer all your questions.Â
Make a day of it! Within walking distance, there is also the Saint Lucie Historical Society, a playground for the kids, and a place to dip your toes at Causeway Island Park. Bring your swimming gear!Â
- Location: 420 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
- What to do: marine life exhibits, aquarium tours, touch tank
- Website: Saint Lucie Aquarium
5. Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach
Located in Juno Beach, about an hour from the heart of Port St. Lucie, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and ocean ecosystems. This is another donation-based facility.
You can learn about sea turtles through interactive exhibits, see rescued turtles being treated, and even adopt a turtle to help support the center’s efforts. The helpful marine experts posted around the center are very helpful and can tell you the personal stories of all the turtles working their way towards rehabilitation.Â
Take a look at their website for calendar dates on turtle releases.
It is definitely a must see! Don’t forget to stop in their beautiful gift shop to support all of their efforts.
- Location: 14200 U.S. Hwy 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
- What to do: Turtle rehabilitation tours, ocean conservation exhibits, hatchling experiences, gift shop,
- Website: Loggerhead Marinelife Center
6. Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Take a stroll through the beautiful Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is located along the St. Lucie River. The gardens feature a variety of plant collections including orchids, bamboo, and butterflies, making it a perfect spot for anyone who enjoys the tranquility of nature. This is a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city.
Have kids? Ask about their discovery backpacks! They include stories, magnifying tools, and scavenger hunts for the kids to enjoy and explore.Â
- Location: 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
- What to do: Garden tours, photography, outdoor events, scavenger hunt
- Website: St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
7. Jupiter Outdoor Center
For those looking for a more active way to enjoy the outdoors, the Jupiter Outdoor Center is a dream come true. This center offers a variety of kayaking and paddleboarding adventures. You can explore the scenic waterways of Jupiter and the Loxahatchee River while enjoying the natural beauty of Florida’s coast. Wildlife sightings can include alligators, turtles, river otters, deer, raccoon, and varies species of birds.
Rentals and guided tours are available, making it easy for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
As you wind down the river, the overhanging cypress trees help keep you shaded from the Florida sun. A great adventure for whole family!
- Location: 9060 W Indiantown Rd, Jupiter, FL 33478
- What to do: Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, bicycling, eco-tours
- Website: Jupiter Outdoor Center
8. Hobe Sound Nature Center
Hobe Sound Nature Center is a free admission, donation-only, non-profit education and rehabilitative center for Florida’s wildlife. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt or exploring the trails and Indian River Lagoon, this nature center is definitely worth a visit! You can access the lagoon from the trail path or the parking lot, making it an easy option for anyone. Bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and beach gear if doing the hiking and “beach.”
- Location: 13640 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
- What to do: Hike the trails, animal feedings, activities and story time, beach
- Website: Hobe Sound Nature Center
9. Florida Oceanographic Society
This 57-acre coastal nature center provides education and hands-on learning for all ages. Learn about preserving Florida eco-systems, touch the sting-rays and starfish, and check out the amazing sea-turtles. There is a big indoor center as well as outdoor part. This center is $18 for adults and $9 for kids ages 3-12.
- Location: 890 Northeast Ocean Blvd. Stuart, FL 34996
- What to do: Stingray program 10:30 and 1:30 Gamefish Program 11:00 ad 2pm, Sea turtle Program 11:30am and 2:30pm. Nature Trail
91 mile loop to the Indian River Lagoon and back) access is from 10am-3:345 with last access at 3pm. - Website: Florida Oceanographic SocietyÂ
10. Environmental Learning CenterÂ
The ELC is on a mission for all to be stewards of the environment! It’s one of the best places to hike and get outdoors. The trail system is well-designed, and there is plenty of wildlife to see and learn about-definitely worth a visit! Admission is free.
- Location: 255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, Fl. 32963
- What to do: Discovery station with touch-tank, trails, education programs, boat eco-tours, paddle excursions
- Website: Environmental Learning CenterÂ
11. Critter Creek Sanctuary Ranch
This sanctuary is a donation-only, little slice of heaven on the Treasure Coast. From black swans to rare amazon birds, goats, horses, emu’s, peacocks and other exciting animals, there is so much to see!
- Location: 3407 SW Bessey Creek Trail, Palm City, Florida 34990
- What to do: Visit, feed, and learn about the animals around the 16-acre property.
- Website: Critter Creek Ranch SanctuaryÂ
12. Treasure Coast Wildlife CenterÂ
This non-profit rehabilitative center for wildlife is free admission. It’s a small place with injured animals such as turtles, birds, and various reptiles. It won’t take long to see it all and support the cause.
- Location: 8626 SW Citrus Blvd. Palm City, FL 34990
- What to do: Visit, feed, and learn about the animals around the ranch
- Website: Treasure Coast Wildlife CenterÂ
Ready for Your Next Nature Adventure?
Take some time to plan your visits to these amazing 12 nature centers near Port St. Lucie. For more information, check out their websites or contact the centers directly for current hours and events.
Let me know if you’ve visited any of these spots or if you have other recommendations for nature lovers. Comment below with your favorite nature centers or share this blog with friends who share the love of the outdoors!
