When it comes to nature, Florida is on the top of the list in the country for experiences that you’ll remember for a long time. Envision yourself cruising down one of the state’s longest waterways in an airboat or coming face-to-face with a standing fortress that’s over 300 years old. Even here in Vero Beach, you can experience Florida’s history when you take a walk down the historic Jungle Trail. With so many natural adventures scattered throughout the state, all of them are yours to explore. Where will you go on your next weekend off?

Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge

Named after a famed professor who devoted his life to protecting the loggerhead turtles that nest on this park’s shores, the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge covers over 20.5 miles of beachfront, encapsulates a variety of diverse ecosystems, and serves as a home for over 140 species of birds and 350 species of fish. See the refuge’s wildlife in action when you sign up for one of their turtle walks. During the right time of year, you may even be able to see a sea turtle lay its eggs on shore.

McKee Botanical Garden

Recognized for its commitment to conservation and beautifully designed landscapes, the McKee Botanical Garden received its start when Waldo Sexton and Arthur G. McKee purchased the land in hopes of turning it into citrus groves. They quickly decided that it was too pretty to remove, and worked on developing it as a visitor’s destination. Today, the garden even holds a spot on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Make sure to see the water lilies floating along the lakes and ponds here, and check out the beloved orchids that fill the garden beds.

Historic Jungle Trail

The Historic Jungle Trail that runs through a portion of Indian River County is a jewel of the area. If you read the information signs scattered throughout, you’ll learn that this is the road that citrus growers would take to transport their stock to major Florida cities and back. In fact, it was the original State Road A1A. From the ’20s and still today, Florida, and especially Vero Beach, was and is America’s citrus basket, providing the country with their fresh stock of oranges, along with other citrus. As you stroll through the eight miles of trail, you’ll notice it even winds its way through Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club. Today, the Jungle Trail serves as a reminder of what once was, and it’s great for walking or biking.

Florida’s parks showcase the natural beauty of the state in a way that little else can. Many travel to experience these parks and their wildlife firsthand, but only a lucky few can call this amazing place home.

For those who want to get close to nature, the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club amenities are second to none. Orchid Island works hard to preserve a way of life for, not only the natural neighbors who live on the Treasure Coast, but the residents as well. Members also enjoy the convenience of a golf cart lifestyle. Traveling the community via golf cart makes getting to any of the amenities a fun and enjoyable experience, including the West Indies styled private Beach Club, which overlooks a private beach just for members and their families to swim, surf and sun on.

This private community is committed to providing an extraordinary level of service. Golf here is unparalleled, as the Arnold Palmer designed 18-hole course is not only revered as one of the best in the region, but also considered a picturesque nature walk throughout this unique habitat.

Luxury residential properties range from the $800s to up to $10 million and include custom estate residences, courtyard homes, cottage, or oceanfront condominiums. Check out the full list of available real estate listings at Orchid Island.

Intrigued by this one-of-a-kind destination? Request the inaugural issue of Orchid Island Lifestyles Magazine here to learn more about this amazing community and how the Vero Beach area embraces its natural wonderland.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Orchid Island Realty office and see the community’s beauty for yourself. Call 772. 388.3888 to schedule a private appointment.