Seabranch Preserve State Park

Tucked along the southeastern coast in Stuart, Florida, Seabranch Preserve State Park protects 922 acres of coastal sand pine scrub — one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Established in 1992, this Martin County gem offers a quieter alternative to Florida’s busier state parks, drawing hikers and nature lovers who want to experience what old Florida looked like before development reshaped the coastline.

The park’s main draw is its network of unpaved trails winding through scrubby flatwoods and sand pine habitat. The trails are well-suited for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with terrain that stays relatively flat but rewards visitors with sightings of gopher tortoises, scrub jays, and other wildlife adapted to this fire-dependent landscape. Birders in particular will find the scrub habitat productive — the Florida scrub-jay, a species found nowhere else on earth, has been spotted here.

There are no campgrounds at Seabranch Preserve, so plan this as a day trip. The park pairs well with nearby Jonathan Dickinson State Park if you’re looking for overnight options in Martin County.

The best time to visit is November through April, when temperatures are comfortable and humidity drops. Summer visits are doable but expect heat, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorms. Mornings are always your best bet regardless of season.

With a 4.4-star rating from 347 reviews, Seabranch consistently earns praise for its peaceful trails and uncrowded feel — a genuine slice of wild Florida just minutes from suburban Stuart.

Explore Nearby

• Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area — Public Land in Florida
• Jupiter Inlet Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Hillsboro Inlet Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Big Cypress National Preserve — Dark Sky Site in Florida