Peaceful Waters Sanctuary — Attraction in Loxahatchee Groves

I found out about this park from a Facebook bird group. I am well acquainted with Green Cay and Wakadohatchee Wetlands but I was intrigued when I saw pictures of Peaceful Waters Sanctuary which is located at the back of this park pop up in the group. Specifically I was interested in the pictures of the Roseate Spoonbills, a bird I love but who I rarely see in the wild. It was with that bird in mind that I headed out on a cold and windy late afternoon. I was checking out the manatees in West Palm Beach and on a whim since I was already north I decided to head on over. While cold weather is ideal for finding manatees it is not so great for spotting birds and alligators. The afternoon was quite cold and what few birds I saw were huddled together in the tall grass. It didn't matter, I still loved this place. Peaceful Waters is undeniably beautiful and somewhat secluded. The parking lot is located at a distance from the start of the boardwalk path and if you didn't know what was back there you might easily pass it up. You can travel along the boardwalk and at points leave it for paths on the grass that wind around the picture perfect waterways. Even though though I was shivering I still saw birds and can only imagine how great this place is on a more typical Florida temperate winter day. I can't wait to come back for another visit with some of my birding...

We found this beautiful nature center by chance: we were looking for soccer fields open to the public and found them at the Village Park Athletics Complex in Wellington, where we then discovered this small hidden gem in it!

You can walk on a boardwalk that goes through the middle of the park; or you can walk on the trail that surrounds the park: both ways are more or less 1 mile walk (no dogs or bikes are allowed).

We visit it almost every weekend (when not too hot) to wind down after having played soccer or basketball: it’s so interesting to see how the landscape change during the year!

Despite the signs of alligators, we haven’t encountered any so far, but we still don’t venture on the trails during mating season because they are very close to the water… better safe than sorry. But you can see many different birds, turtles and even river otters!

A great place to relax...

Peaceful Waters Sanctuary is exactly what its name suggests-a quiet escape where nature takes center stage. The boardwalks and trails wind through wetlands, ponds, and cypress trees, offering beautiful views at every turn. It's a wonderful place for birdwatching; herons, egrets, and even the occasional roseate spoonbill make frequent appearances. What |love most is the sense of calm-no matter how busy life gets, a walk here feels like pressing pause. The sanctuary is very family-friendly, with wide, easy paths that are perfect for kids, and benches along the way if you just want to sit and take it all in. Whether you're a photographer, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful walk outdoors, this sanctuary is a perfect spot. It's one of those places that reminds you how special Florida's natural...