Delray Oaks Natural Area — Attraction in Delray Beach

Official parking spaces are pretty limited. There's maybe 9 spots, but many tend to park alongside the fence in the parking lot. This is a fairly popular spot around lunch. Many people grab lunch, drive here, park, and eat lunch in their vehicle. The there are two trail. The main trail is a paved sidewalk and a sandy trail splits off from the main paved trail. The trees have overgrown quite nicely and do a great job at allowing light while still keeping the trail mostly shady. The trail and entire location is kept VERY clean. I occasionally see bits of trash here and there, but it all appears to be new/fresh and generally doesn't remain on the ground very long. The trail does have a lot of blind turns, so runners be wary. Thankfully the trail doesn't see a ton of foot traffic. Also the trail is quite short. The signage says 0.3miles. I believe this is one way. So walking to the end of the paved trail and back to the beginning would be roughly 0.6miles. The sand trail is 0.2miles. The end of the paved path does offer an observation desk, though the only thing to observe are trees. It roughly looks as if 25ft out in all directions was cut down to give a view from the observation deck, but there's nothing to really look at. There is a tortoise near the beginning of the trail. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of him cross the trail. I've yet to see any other animals aside from the occasional squirrel and tiny snake (black racer and grass snakes). Lizards are prevalent, but then again this is S Florida. Short of that, it's a nice trail to walk, though if there are others, expect to bump into them as the two of you walk back and forth...

Shaded asphalt trail, about 1/3 mile to the end, which is a "balcony" flanked by benches on two sides, but no tables. Lots of tortoises, baby ones too, who don't yet hide in their shell when they notice you. I've come across an occasional harmless black snake too. This is only on the asphalt. There is also a marked path into the forest, which is nice too. On the asphalt path, about 2/3 mile there and back, I've come across some disturbing sites, mostly from people who don't understand that this is a very busy trail, occupied by families and employees on their breaks during day, as well as birdwatchers, but generally it's a lovely, shaded break from the open sun on SW 29th Street and much of Congress Avenue. It's also quiet except for the chatter of some couples and groups. It's a nice escape from the sounds of...

Delray oaks is a beautiful nature area in an otherwise suburban/office part of the city. It has one main trail that is completely paved, leading to wooden deck with benches at the back of the park. Their is one dirt offshoot trail where you can encounter some wildlife like snakes and turtles/tortoise (I am not sure which they are) as well as birds through out the park.

The walk is very easy and covered for almost the entire duration. If it is raining, the deck is wet but other parts of the trail stay relatively dry.

The main point of interest for me in the park is the large trees with sprawling limbs that intertwine with each other and create a very beautiful sight to look up at. These trees are a must see when you go to the park and they are easily seen above the trail...