Region offers travelers a variety of ways to connect with nature

While The Palm Beaches is renowned as an epicenter of arts and culture, savvy travelers are expanding their horizons to connect with nature in one of the country’s most unique ecosystems. With animal encounters, outdoor adventures, botanical gardens and even sea turtle hospitals, The Palm Beaches offers countless ways to experience a different side of culture. The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County recommends various eco-tourism excursions and activities, including:

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum – Jupiter
• Twilight Yoga: Every Monday at sunset, visitors can experience the serenity of yoga amidst jaw-dropping natural beauty. Classes are open to all levels and cost $10 per person.
• Sunset Tours: Climb to the top to take in spectacular sunset views and witness the Jupiter Light turning on to illuminate the night sky. The tour is about 75 minutes in length. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge – Boynton Beach
• Moonlight Guided Canoe Tour: Hop in a canoe and embark on a guided tour of the wildlife refuge and its interior, which includes remnants of the historic Everglades wetland ecosystem. Reservations are required.

Okeeheelee Nature Center – West Palm Beach
• Reptile Feeding Presentation: Okeeheelee Nature Center offers a free reptile feeding presentation every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. and every Saturday at 1 p.m. Reptiles being fed may include baby alligators and aquatic turtles.
• Owl Feeding Presentation: Okeeheelee Nature Center offers a free owl feeding presentation every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Explore the lives of owls and get a chance to meet some of the resident feathery friends at the Center.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Juno Beach
• Hammock Hikes: Led by an experienced naturalist, hammock hikes occur ever Friday at 10:30 a.m. through May, leading guests through some of Florida’s most precious habitat. In this free program, participants will learn about everything from birds in the trees to grains of sand on the beach.
• TurtleFest: On March 23, over 10,000 guests will join together at TurtleFest 2019. This free event focuses on promoting conservation through up-close interactions with threatened and endangered sea turtles, as well as live music, local art, shopping, educational presentations, games and more.

Sandoway Discovery Center – Delray Beach
• Shark Feeding: Sandoway offers a daily shark feeding. Visitors are invited to gather around the 15,000-gallon shark tank and watch them feast while learning about the ocean’s top predator. Shark feeding is included with admission to Sandoway Discovery Center.
• Stingray Feeding: Visitors will learn about and have the opportunity to touch these “birds of the sea” at Sandoway’s daily stingray feeding! The program is free with admission to the Center.

Mounts Botanical Garden – West Palm Beach
• Twisted: Patrick Dougherty Entwined: This interactive and environmental exhibit offers an awe-inspiring experience for both adults and children. The giant stickwork sculptures were designed by internationally renowned artist Patrick Dougherty and constructed during a community build project.

For more information on these and other outstanding cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit www.palmbeachculture.com/events for a complete calendar of cultural experiences.