574 South Beach Road
Hobe Sound

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Blowing Rocks Preserve is ruggedly unique among Florida beaches, perhaps unique along the entire eastern coastline of the United States, thanks to the massive limestone outcropping known as the Anastasia formation. Waves crash the rocks in spectacular fashion, especially at high tide and during winter storms when rushing water, squeezed into the limestone's cracks and crevices, shoots geyser-like into the air.

The preserve itself is 73 acres straddling Jupiter Island in Martin County, ocean to the Indian River Lagoon. The spectacular geology is what brings most people to Blowing Rocks, but the lagoon side has attractions of its own, including nature trails and a nature center. The rocks lie along the south end of the beach, disappearing to the north. A forest of mostly sea grapes and cabbage palms serves as a barrier between the beach and the road. The lagoon side is maritime hammock, with gumbo limbo, paradise trees and cabbage palms giving way to mangroves. The beach is wonderfully quiet.

Blowing Rocks is owned by the Nature Conservancy. There is a $2 entrance fee collected on an honor system, limited hours (closing time: 4:30 p.m.). The parking is ample, there are plenty of interpretive signs.