large wooden board walk that goes through the ponce inlet hamocks of saw palms

Take time to appreciate the Marine Science Center’s unique location during your visit. Nestled among the unspoiled maritime hammock habitat of Ponce Inlet, the Marine Science Center grounds offer some of the area’s best opportunities for observing our local flora and fauna.

Directly across from the center’s main entrance is a handicap accessible paved path through windswept live oaks. Take a short stroll and discover our boardwalk and observation tower, where you can enjoy outstanding views of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, waterways and surrounding wetlands. Move quietly and see who may have taken up residence in the bird house and keep a close eye on the ground for raccoons, tortoises, box turtles, skinks and lizards. Search the skies from the observation tower for bald eagles, osprey, peregrine falcons and various shore bird species including pelicans, terns, cormorants, herons and egrets. The trail can be completed as in as little as five minutes, but the more time you spend quietly observing, the more wildlife you’ll encounter.