South Florida's best outdoor hours happen early. These are the parks, boardwalks and paddling spots worth setting an alarm for, from the reef at Red Reef to the wood stork rookery at Wakodahatchee.
The short answer
The best outdoor things to do in Boca Raton are Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Red Reef Park for reef snorkeling, Spanish River Park for shaded picnics, the El Rio Trail for cycling, and the Wakodahatchee and Green Cay wetland boardwalks 20 minutes north for wildlife.
Local's pickA free coastal nature center on a barrier island hammock, with four saltwater tanks, a sea turtle rehabilitation facility and a boardwalk that climbs to a 40-foot observation tower over the mangroves. Summer turtle walks are the single most-booked family activity in Boca Raton.
Local's pickA free county nature center in South County Regional Park with a half-mile elevated boardwalk over a cypress wetland, live exhibits and a two-story observation tower.
Local's pickA free 1.5-mile boardwalk over 100 acres of constructed wetlands. Go at sunrise for alligators, roseate spoonbills, otters and purple gallinules without leaving the walkway.
Local's pickAn 1860 red brick lighthouse you can climb — 105 steps to a 360-degree view over the Loxahatchee River and the inlet — plus a small waterfront history museum and nature trail.
Local's pickA three-quarter-mile boardwalk loop across 50 acres of ponds — arguably the best free bird photography spot in South Florida, with nesting wood storks and great blue herons in spring.
The El Rio Trail runs a shaded, paved six miles along the El Rio Canal from Yamato Road to Palmetto Park — the city's best flat run or family bike ride away from traffic.
A flat, car-free 5.5-mile paved path along the Intracoastal on Palm Beach Island, passing mansions, banyan tunnels and marina views. Rent bikes near the Royal Poinciana end.