Robert S.
Yelp
We drove from Fort Lauderdale to Jupiter to witness these Blowing Rocks....We had seen some video on it and we were intrigued about the natural scenery and beauty of the place.
There are two parking areas, one on the left as you come from the south that is large and is next to the Education center and trails...the other one, smaller, right off the road on the right side. That one only holds like 12 cars.
As you enter, you can see much information about the history, preservation and information on the preserve.
Winter storms and extreme high tides offer the best opportunities to see the Blowing Rocks live up to their name. In a scene more reminiscent of Hawaii than Florida, waves surging against the craggy limestone shore can force geysers of water as high as 50 feet into the air. It's an impressive sight.
Though the dark, jagged rocks do--at first glance--look like the remains of a misplaced lava flow, they are actually a specific type of sedimentary rock called Anastasia limestone.
Scientists disagree on exactly how far inland the limestone extends, exactly when it was formed (most likely around 125,000 years ago, in the Pleistocene Age) and whether it was formed by a single event or by multiple changes in sea level. A few things scientists can agree on:
- Anastasia limestone extends along Florida's coast from St. Augustine to Boca Raton, and
- Blowing Rocks Preserve harbors the largest outcropping on the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
Blowing Rocks Preserve, is a barrier island sanctuary and a well-known model for large-scale, native coastal habitat restoration.
The natural features found here are disappearing fast from many Florida islands, and a number of endangered plants and animals call this special place home--including rare loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.
We saw many people beaching, snorkeling, sun bathing and just walking and relaxing. Some areas of the beach allow for beach umbrellas, some don't based on where the turtles nest.
It's free and unspoiled. A treasure of conservancy. There's an Education Center that you can visit to learn more about the area and wildlife.