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Seacrest Scrub Natural Area

4.5
·286 reviews·Boynton Beach, United States

A serene natural area with sandy trails, ideal for bird watching and spotting native Florida wildlife like gopher tortoises.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cooler mornings

Better wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
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Woodland

Seacrest Scrub Natural Area

Best Time

Cooler mornings

Better wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene natural area with sandy trails, ideal for bird watching and spotting native Florida wildlife like gopher tortoises.

4.5
(286 reviews)

"If you want some peace and tranquility this is a good place to take a walk."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Trails are very sandy, making walking deeper and harder. Good footwear is a must!

🕷️ Beware of spiders

Large spiders are common, especially on overhead branches. Not for the arachnophobic!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gopher Tortoise Sanctuary

Gopher Tortoise Sanctuary

Designated areas within the park

Spot these fascinating reptiles in their natural habitat. A unique glimpse into Florida's native wildlife.

Sandy Trails

Sandy Trails

Throughout the park

Experience the unique sensation of walking on soft, white sand that resembles snow. A distinctive Florida landscape.

Bird Watching Opportunities

Bird Watching Opportunities

Wooded areas and open spaces

A prime spot for bird enthusiasts, with various species to observe. Keep an eye out for hummingbirds!

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Sand

Be prepared for sandy trails that can be challenging, especially if you're not used to walking in deep sand. It's not ideal for strollers or wheelchairs. Wear appropriate footwear for a comfortable nature walk.

Wildlife Encounters

Seacrest Scrub is a haven for wildlife, including gopher tortoises, iguanas, and numerous birds. Visit during cooler parts of the day for better viewing opportunities and to avoid the heat.

Best Times

When
Cooler mornings
Why
Better wildlife viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Escape the midday heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Florida is not a real place 😳🦈🌊 📍 #BoyntonBeach #onlyinpalmbeach
@onlyinpalmbeach
34.1K likes • 406.2K views

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Trails are very sandy, making walking deeper and harder. Good footwear is a must! Reddit

🕷️ Beware of spiders

Large spiders are common, especially on overhead branches. Not for the arachnophobic! Reddit

I took my new foster child to Seacrest Scrub Natural area to see if the Rufus Hummingbird was still hanging out there. Such a pretty little bird. Getting kids out in nature and letting them explore and dig is so therapeutic. #hummingbird #hummingbirdsofinstagram #hummingbirdphotography #hummingbirdlover #natureisbeautiful #natureisawesome #naturephotography #natureistherapy #birdlovers #birdlovers...
fostering_hope_photography
18 likes • 231 views
Good Morning from Seacrest Natural Scrub Area! I did not go in! White sand looks like snow! #morningwalk #naturelovers #nature #nonews #herenow #carpediem #chillyforflorida #boxermix #earlybird #soflo #delray #boyntonbeach
jackbeljac
3 likes • 276 views

🐢 Tortoise spotting

Visit during cooler times for better chances of seeing gopher tortoises. Reddit

🗺️ Stay on marked trails

Trails are well-marked with maps and yellow dot markers to prevent getting lost. Reddit

🚣‍♂️ Paddle, explore and get inspired in Palm Beach County! On the "Source to Sea" episode of Wild Palm Beaches, James Currie kayaks the wild and scenic Loxahatchee River, explores Seacrest Scrub Natural Area and meets an artist who paints wildlife and nature with a whimsical touch. 🗓️ Saturday, August 16 🕢 7:30 a.m. 📍 @destinationamerica @benjistudtphotography #ThePalmBeaches #Travel #Natu...
palmbeachestv
7 likes • 86 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear sturdy shoes

Trails are very sandy, making walking deeper and harder. Good footwear is a must! Reddit

🕷️ Beware of spiders

Large spiders are common, especially on overhead branches. Not for the arachnophobic! Reddit

🐢 Tortoise spotting

Visit during cooler times for better chances of seeing gopher tortoises. Reddit

🗺️ Stay on marked trails

Trails are well-marked with maps and yellow dot markers to prevent getting lost. Reddit

💧 Bring water

It can get warm, especially around 11 am. Stay hydrated during your walk. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(286 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Seacrest Scrub Natural Area is praised for its tranquility and natural beauty, offering a peaceful escape with opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly gopher tortoises and birds. Visitors appreciate the free entry and well-marked trails, though the deep sandy terrain can be challenging for some and it's not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The presence of spiders is a notable concern for some.

"It was a very quiet evening. Just a few persons were bird watching. If you want some peace and tranquility this is a good place to take a walk. I didn't see any seat and I stayed on the track as I didn't want to get lost
It's quite beautiful but nothing else to do apart from bird watching. I did see a gopher tortoise and a couple iguanas

The gate has to be kept locked to prevent the gopher from wandering out into traffic"

Nat-Awurd Amlev

"Free park. Cute tortoise sanctuary!
Its only a 1.15 mile walk but its very sandy[think the beach sandy] so its deeper, a bit harder to walk in[not handicap accessible] along the route if your not used to walking in sand.
Saw alot of burrows but no tortoises that walk. It was around 11am so it was starting to get a bit warm.
They have nice maps with info and wood trail markers with yellow dots to indicate the trail route."

Stacey b

"Fun Fourth of July walk! Trails were well marked. The whole area is clean and maintain.
Missed the gopher tortoise will catch him when things cool"

Peter Kurki

What People Like

Peace and tranquility
Wildlife spotting
Free entry

What People Dislike

Deep sandy trails
Spider presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Seacrest Scrub Natural Area is located in Boynton Beach, Florida. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access it. The parking lot is small but usually has spaces available, especially if you visit during off-peak hours. Reddit

Yes, it's situated in a busy area but is clearly marked. The small parking lot can fill up, so patience might be needed if you arrive during peak times. Reddit

The parking lot is described as small, but visitors have found spaces available even on weekdays. If it's full, waiting for someone to leave is an option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Seacrest Scrub Natural Area is a free park, making it an accessible nature escape for everyone. Reddit

While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during cooler parts of the day for optimal experience. Reddit

No, Seacrest Scrub Natural Area is a natural area and does not permit dogs or e-bikes. It's a space for appreciating nature without pets. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The trails are primarily sandy, offering a unique walking experience. They are well-marked with maps and yellow dot trail markers. Reddit

Due to the deep, sandy nature of the trails, it is not considered handicap accessible and may be difficult for strollers. Reddit

Visitors frequently report seeing gopher tortoises, iguanas, and a variety of birds, including hummingbirds. TikTokInstagramReddit

Information regarding restrooms is not widely available, so it's advisable to plan accordingly before your visit. Reddit

The main loop is about 1.15 miles, but you can extend your walk by exploring all marked trails, potentially reaching up to 2 miles. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The sandy trails with their unique texture and the diverse wildlife, especially gopher tortoises and birds, offer great photographic opportunities. The white sand can create a striking visual. InstagramReddit

Yes, Seacrest Scrub is a fantastic place for wildlife photography. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, iguanas, and various bird species. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the natural beauty and wildlife, offering softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Seacrest Scrub Natural Area offers a unique nature experience for families, though it requires some preparation. The sandy trails can be challenging for very young children or those using strollers, so it's best suited for families with older kids who can navigate the terrain. The chance to see gopher tortoises and other wildlife like iguanas can be a big hit with children, turning a walk into an exciting safari. Reddit

It's important to manage expectations regarding accessibility and comfort. Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days, and be mindful of the presence of spiders. The park's free entry makes it an affordable outing. Consider it an adventure where kids can explore a more rugged, natural Florida environment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walk Enthusiasts

For those who love a good nature walk, Seacrest Scrub Natural Area provides a serene escape. The sandy trails offer a unique, albeit challenging, walking surface that can make for a more engaging workout. You can customize your hike from a short 1.15-mile loop to a more extensive 2-mile exploration by combining different marked paths. Reddit

The primary draw for many is the opportunity for bird watching and spotting native wildlife like gopher tortoises and iguanas. The quiet atmosphere, noted by visitors as a place for peace and tranquility, enhances the experience. Just remember to wear appropriate footwear and be aware of the natural inhabitants, including spiders. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Sandy Trails

The trails at Seacrest Scrub Natural Area are a defining feature, characterized by their deep, soft sand. This unique terrain makes for a distinctive walking experience, often compared to walking on the beach. While beautiful, this sandy composition means the paths are not easily navigable for those with mobility issues, nor are they ideal for strollers or wheelchairs. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear to better manage the soft ground. The trails are generally well-marked with maps and yellow dot markers, helping visitors stay on course as they explore the natural beauty. Reddit

Despite the sandy challenge, the trails offer a chance to immerse yourself in an 'old-time South Florida' landscape. You can tailor your walk to be as short or as long as you like, with the option to cover up to 2 miles by exploring all the marked routes. This makes Seacrest Scrub a versatile destination for a quick stroll or a more extended nature walk. The experience is about connecting with nature in a less manicured, more authentic environment. Reddit

It's worth noting that the sandy nature of the trails can make them feel deeper and harder to walk in, especially if you're not accustomed to such terrain. This is a key piece of advice from visitors who have navigated these paths. Planning your visit during cooler parts of the day can also enhance comfort while walking. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters and Viewing

Seacrest Scrub Natural Area is a haven for a variety of wildlife, offering exciting opportunities for observation. The most frequently mentioned resident is the gopher tortoise, with visitors often hoping to spot them in their sanctuary. While some visitors have seen them, others have missed them, suggesting that timing and luck play a role. Visiting during cooler parts of the day, like mornings or late afternoons, is recommended for better chances of seeing these creatures active. Reddit

Beyond tortoises, the area is also home to iguanas, which are commonly spotted. Bird watching is another major draw, with the natural area attracting various species. One TikTok video even highlights the presence of a Rufus Hummingbird, showcasing the diverse avian life that can be found here. Instagram The natural setting provides a rich environment for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. TikTok

However, visitors should be aware of other inhabitants. Reports mention a significant number of large spiders present throughout the area, often found on overhead branches. This is a crucial detail for those with arachnophobia. Additionally, a baby snake was spotted by one visitor, underscoring the wild nature of the scrub. Reddit It's a reminder to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying the natural beauty. Instagram

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