Why you should visit Grassy Waters in West Palm Beach.
Just minutes from the bustle of downtown West Palm Beach, Grassy Waters Preserve stretches out like a hidden world — 23 square miles of shimmering wetlands, sawgrass marshes, and cypress trees standing tall in mirror-like water. Step onto its wooden boardwalks and the city disappears; what remains is pure Florida wilderness, untouched and eternal.
The preserve isn’t just scenic — it’s the drinking water source for West Palm Beach, a reminder that this serene landscape is as vital as it is beautiful. Sunrise paints the sky in fiery colors mirrored in the wetlands, while herons, egrets, and the occasional otter move through the grasses like actors on a stage that hasn’t changed in centuries.
What you didn’t know about Grassy Waters Preserve.
Grassy Waters was once part of the vast Everglades system. Today, it’s a managed preserve that still feels wild, protecting both wildlife and the city’s freshwater supply. Few know that it’s also one of the best spots in Palm Beach County for birding, with more than 150 species recorded.
Guided kayak tours let you paddle through quiet marshes, where the only sounds are wind, water, and the call of a red-shouldered hawk overhead. Boardwalk trails like the Cypress Boardwalk or Hog Hammock Trail give land-based explorers the chance to wander through dense hammocks and open wetlands without ever leaving the city limits.
How to fold Grassy Waters into your West Palm trip.
Come early in the morning for a golden sunrise walk across the boardwalks, when the wetland reflections are at their most dramatic. Midday is perfect for a kayak rental or a guided eco-tour to get closer to the preserve’s hidden corners. If you’re looking for a low-key afternoon, just grab your camera, walk the trails, and let the stillness of the preserve reset your pace.
For families, the nature center offers hands-on exhibits that make the ecology of the Everglades come alive for younger visitors — a gentle introduction to Florida’s wild side.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
“Not your average stroll spot. One minute you’re in West Palm traffic, next minute it’s just you, water, and a gator eyeballing you from ten feet out. Equal parts chill and slightly terrifying.”
Where meaningful travel begins.
Start your journey with Foresyte, where the planning is part of the magic.
Discover the experiences that matter most.
