While recently taking pictures for a new Listing in the Condominium Towers at Waterglades, I was not only shocked by the fantastic view of the Atlantic - but also the huge State Park just to the North.

I hate to say it but I only live about 10 minutes away and I had never been to the park before-

I finally made it out there today and it was definitely worth it.  I only had about an hour or so, but you could easily spend an entire day here.

  The entrance on A1A - also called North Ocean Boulevard on that stretch of land.

Not a bad Record!

This is the bust of John D MacArthur   who along with his wife Catherine owned and donated the land for the park.

According to the Park's literature, "In the 1970's, after a university study revealed that the property was a biological treasure, he donated a section for use as a public park."

The Park is huge - about 325 acres.  It was hard to know where to start, but with almost 2 miles of beach and a famous Boardwalk that takes you from just after the entrance all the way across Lake Worth Cove - I knew where I wanted to go.

Here is the start of the 1600 foot Boardwalk that takes you to the Beach.  You better like to walk! (A tram is available if necessary.)

 Spaced along the Boardwalk you'll find informational displays that tell you all about the plants, fish, birds and other wildlife that you will encounter.

Here is a partial list: loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles,roseate spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, belted kingfishers, terns, fiddler crabs, snook, mullet, snapper, grunts, needlefish, spotted eagle rays and in the deeper water you may find a manatee.

As you near the end of the Boardwalk, you come up over a short hill and there's the Beach!

The fantastic view to the North....

.... and to the South.

Unfortunately, I was running short on time so I headed back to the mainland to see the Nature Center.

The Nature Center is named for William T Kirby a founding member and Chairman of the Board of the MacArthur Foundation.

 Inside the Center you'll find displays and live animal exhibits that will add to your understanding of the Park and all of the animals and plants that live there.

The Staff are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable so if you can't find something, don't hesitate to ask.

And, of course, there is the Souvenir Shop - what did you expect? It's Florida - you have to have one!  I think it's a law......

On my way out I stopped by the Kayak area.  You can launch your own kayak from here - or rent one.  Two hour tours take you through Lake Worth Cove - and you even get a chance to step onto Munyon Island.  The tour times vary with the tides of course so call 561-624-6950 to find out exactly when they'll start for a given day.

I'll be going back to the Park as soon as I can- and I'll be leaving my cellphone in the car this time!

I didn't even have the time to check out the Nature Trails.........