Blowing Rocks Preserve, Florida is a unique habitat preserve that is owned by the Nature Conservancy. It is located along Hobe Sound on Jupiter Island in Martin County, Florida. Visitors can see what natural Florida looks like. The combination of ocean waves and natural limestone outcroppings results in magnificent sea spray that shoots up into the air at regular intervals. The preserve is easily reached via the I-95 Florida corridor or A1A/US 1. The Preserve is located about 100 miles from Miami and about 235 from Jacksonville. Hobe Sound is one of a long chain of barrier islands along the so-called Treasure Coast of Florida. There are state parks with beaches on some of these islands as well as resorts and individual hotels.
To the north, the closest beach is Vero Beach. Its public beaches include South Beach and Humiston Park. Between Jupiter Island and Vero Beach, there are beach communities including Hutchinson Island South, Ocean Beach, North Beach, Pepper Park and Queens Cove. Treasure Coast beaches are warm and sunny most of the year, making them perfect for visitors who want to escape a cold winter. These Atlantic beaches are more isolated from big crowds and commercialism, even if they are part of a resort area. There are many natural beaches and nature parks to attract those who enjoy bird-watching or hiking. Sea-shell hunting is also more rewarding. The inland waterway offers more opportunities for water sports, skiing, boating, and fishing. From Vero Beach, visitors are within an hour of the Cape Canaveral Space Center.
To the south, the best known beaches are within the boundaries of the West Palm Beach area. Before reaching West Palm Beach, there are beaches near Tequestra and Jupiter, Florida. There is also the Sea Colony community with its resorts. Further south, Juno Beach offers its own beach accommodations and beach access. West Palm Beach includes the beach towns of Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, North Palm Beach and Palm Beach. These beaches offers many hotels and resorts that are part of a bustling metropolitan area with attractions, shopping and dining. There are many upscale boutiques, trendy clubs and a more exclusive atmosphere. Spas and salons are plentiful. Palm Beach International Airport brings in about 5.5 million passengers to the area yearly.
