Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter used to be a little more off-the-beaten-path. However, like so many attractions in Florida, people found it, and they now flock to it. If you are looking to visit the Blowing Rocks, there are some things to consider:
1. Parking Is Limited
Finding a parking space near the preserve is like finding the proverbial gold dust: practically impossible. However, you have several options to snatch a coveted space for your wheels. The first, and most likely busiest option, is parking at the preserve on South Beach Road, directly opposite the visitor center. However, there is only space for about 20 cars in this tiny parking lot.
The parking lot at the visitor center opposite is not much bigger. You may be lucky with someone leaving, and sometimes persistence pays off. However, during popular times on the weekends and holidays, getting parking here is a battle. Another option, at least for those without mobility problems, is parking at Coral Cove Park, a mile or two south of the preserve. You would then have to walk along the beach to the Blowing Rocks. There is one caveat: you need to be reasonably fit to make it to the rocks and back. No pain, no gain!
2. You Need to Time Your Visit Well
If you want to see the Blowing Rocks at their best, you will need to consider the timing of your visit. We have found that the best days to visit are those with a stiff breeze and at or around high tide. Yet even then, you might not see them “spew” water. However, it will give you the best chance. Do not even bother to take the trip at low tide if you want to see the rocks in action. Make sure to check the tides before setting off, which you can do here. The rougher the seas, the more likely you are to see the spectacle.
3. The Beach Alone Is Worth Visiting
Even if you find yourself here at low tide, the beach still makes for a nice day. You will never find crowds here due to the parking issues, and the beach is unspoilt and gorgeous. It makes you wonder about how beautiful all of Florida’s beaches were before development irretrievably changed so many of them.
On a calm day, Blowing Rocks beach is a fantastic place for swimming and snorkelling. The area also makes for stellar photographs even at low tide. Plus, at low tide, you can see the rocks from the oceanside, which is not really possible at high tide as the area is submerged.
4. The Blowing Rocks Are a Mystery
The Blowing Rocks are formed of Anastasia limestone, also called Coquina, which is typically found submerged or underground. In fact, the rocks are the largest outcrop of Anastasia limestone on the U.S. Atlantic coast. To this day, nobody quite knows why there is such a large outcrop of Anastasia limestone above ground at this beach. One theory is that the land here was once part of an exposed ridge or reef.
Planning Your Visit
If you are planning a visit, note that Blowing Rocks is open from 9:00 am-4:30 pm seven days a week, except Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Parking is free at the preserve. The address is 547 S Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455.
