South Cove Natural Area
A scenic boardwalk extending into the Intracoastal Waterway, offering stunning skyline views and a haven for local wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
South Cove Natural Area
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic boardwalk extending into the Intracoastal Waterway, offering stunning skyline views and a haven for local wildlife.
"A nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with beautiful lagoon views and a great skyline."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The boardwalk offers amazing skyline views, especially at sunset. Bring your camera!
🐦 Wildlife Watching
Look for birds, fish, and possibly manatees or sea turtles in the lagoon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
South Cove Boardwalk
Extends into Lake Worth Lagoon
A 556-foot boardwalk offering stunning views of the West Palm Beach skyline and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Mangrove Islands
At the end of the boardwalk
Three man-made islands designed to restore wildlife habitats, attracting diverse local fauna.
Skyline Photography
Along the boardwalk
Capture picturesque shots of the West Palm Beach skyline, especially beautiful during sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Boardwalk Views
Wildlife and Restoration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The boardwalk offers amazing skyline views, especially at sunset. Bring your camera!
🐦 Wildlife Watching
Look for birds, fish, and possibly manatees or sea turtles in the lagoon.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Relax
Enjoy a peaceful walk on the boardwalk, a great escape from city noise.
🚗 Parking Advice
On-street metered parking is usually available nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The boardwalk offers amazing skyline views, especially at sunset. Bring your camera!
🐦 Wildlife Watching
Look for birds, fish, and possibly manatees or sea turtles in the lagoon.
🚶♀️ Stroll & Relax
Enjoy a peaceful walk on the boardwalk, a great escape from city noise.
🚗 Parking Advice
On-street metered parking is usually available nearby.
💡 Misleading Info
Some online info suggests a nature preserve at the end, but it's a boardwalk over water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise South Cove Natural Area for its beautiful boardwalk, offering stunning skyline views and a peaceful escape. It's a well-maintained spot for wildlife observation and photography, especially during sunset. Some were misled by online information suggesting a nature preserve at the end, finding only a boardwalk over water.
"Everytime we're in West Palm Beach, we make a stop at this place also. A nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The view of the Lake Worth Lagoon is beautiful especially once you walk across the 556-foot boardwalk. The city skyline is beautiful from the lagoon; I love that pink building especially during sunset. There are three man-made mangrove islands. Due to over development, many wildlife habitats were forced out; the county created these islands in effort to bring them back. The restoration brought many local wildlife such as sea turtles, manatees, fish, and birds back.
We usually find on-street metered parking and explore the city and we never miss this spot. It's definitely a quiet retreat once you get to the other side of the boardwalk. I've seen many walkers and bikers on it. They did a great job with this area."
Kim V.
"We got tricked into Online info which show it has nature preserve park at the end of board walk but there was none, it just a bridge kind a walk over a water"
Moon Moon
"Beautiful place, You can take nice photos and er 360°view."
Leandro Augusto Bizarro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
South Cove Natural Area is located along Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. You can typically find on-street metered parking nearby. It's easily accessible by car and a pleasant walk from downtown areas.
While specific bus routes might vary, West Palm Beach has a public transportation system. Checking local transit schedules for routes along Flagler Drive would be advisable. The area is also a short walk from downtown docks.
Parking is primarily on-street and metered. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
Yes, the boardwalk is suitable for walking and biking, offering a scenic route along the Intracoastal Waterway.
There is a public dock downtown, suggesting potential access for boaters. The boardwalk is a short walk from this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, South Cove Natural Area is free to visit. It's a public park offering a beautiful natural escape without any admission cost.
While specific hours aren't always posted, parks like this are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during daylight for safety and to enjoy the views. Some nearby parks open as early as 6 am.
No booking is required as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
General park rules apply. It's a place for enjoying nature, so respecting wildlife and keeping the area clean is encouraged.
Public parks are typically open on holidays. It's a popular spot for events like fireworks on the 4th of July and Sunfest.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire 556-foot boardwalk offers fantastic photographic opportunities. The West Palm Beach skyline, especially the pink building, is a highlight, particularly during sunset.
You can capture scenic landscape shots of the Intracoastal Waterway, city skyline views, and wildlife like birds and fish.
Absolutely! Sunset provides a beautiful golden hour glow over the skyline and water, making it an ideal time for photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary by location and local ordinances. It's advisable to check with the City of West Palm Beach Parks and Recreation department for specific rules regarding drone operation in public parks.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be beneficial. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the skyline and boardwalk.
🎫 🐠 Wildlife & Nature
The mangrove islands are a restored habitat, attracting various local wildlife. Visitors often spot water birds, fish, and sometimes sea turtles or manatees in the lagoon.
The mangrove islands at South Cove Natural Area are man-made. They were created as part of a restoration effort to bring back wildlife habitats.
Yes, the area is known for its diverse bird population due to the restored mangrove habitats. It's a great spot for birdwatching.
Swimming is generally not recommended in the Intracoastal Waterway due to boat traffic and currents. The focus here is on observation and enjoying the views from the boardwalk.
These islands were created to combat overdevelopment and restore crucial wildlife habitats, successfully bringing back species like sea turtles, manatees, fish, and birds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural environment itself is the attraction. Kids can enjoy looking for birds, fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or manatee. The short length of the boardwalk makes it manageable for younger children, and the skyline views provide a bit of urban contrast to the natural elements. It's a free and accessible option for a pleasant family afternoon.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Beyond the skyline, the natural elements – the water, the mangrove islands, and the potential for wildlife sightings – add depth to your photography. The clean lines of the boardwalk itself can create leading lines in your compositions. It's an accessible location that offers a high reward for minimal effort, perfect for filling your feed with beautiful Florida scenery.
🚶♀️ Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
The boardwalk allows you to immerse yourself in the coastal environment without disturbing the habitats. It's a peaceful place to observe the ecosystem and appreciate the success of conservation efforts. Bring binoculars if you have them to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Boardwalk Experience
Many visitors enjoy strolling along the boardwalk, observing the water and the marine life that inhabits it. It's a popular spot for both walkers and bikers, offering a scenic route. The elevated structure allows for unobstructed views, making it feel like you're walking directly over the water. The experience is enhanced by the gentle sounds of the lagoon and the occasional sighting of local fauna.
Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
Visitors frequently report seeing water birds, fish, and even larger marine life such as sea turtles and manatees. This makes the area a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts and anyone interested in observing Florida's coastal ecosystems. The presence of these animals is a testament to the effectiveness of the restoration efforts, providing a valuable educational opportunity for all who visit.
Photography Opportunities
The best times for photography are undoubtedly early morning and late afternoon. Sunrise offers soft, diffused light, while sunset bathes the scene in a warm, golden glow, creating dramatic and memorable shots. The boardwalk itself, with its clean lines and perspective, also makes for interesting compositional elements. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, you're likely to capture some beautiful images here.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit