Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge is split by the Indian River Lagoon into two tracts: the Island Tract on Jupiter Island and the Mainland Tract. An entrance pass is required at our Island Tract on Jupiter Island. An entrance pass is not required for the Mainland Tract and visitor center. The Island Tract features the 3.5 mile Hobe Sound Beach, the largest contiguous section of undeveloped beach in southeastern Florida. Here you have access to one of the last remaining undisturbed high-energy Atlantic Ocean coastal dune habitats left in Florida.
Visitors enjoy fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife and nature photography, and the refuge is also the perfect place to access the diverse ecosystems within the Indian River Lagoon. The refuge is a sanctuary for nearly 40 federal and state listed species and is considered one of the most productive sea turtle nesting areas in the southeastern United States. Important ecosystems include Florida scrub, hardwood hammock, mangrove communities, estuary, and coastal dunes. Visitors to the refuge may see gopher tortoises, land crabs, brown pelicans, spotted skunks, Florida mice, and a wide variety of bird-life.
This pass is only valid for entrance fees at the Refuge Beach parking lot located on North Beach Road at the north end of Jupiter Island at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. Entrance to the Mainland Tract and visitor center located off U.S. Highway 1 is free.
All refuge visitors entering the Refuge Beach by vehicle are required to pay an entrance fee or purchase an annual pass with the following exceptions: Entrance fees are waived if the visitor is in possession of a current and signed Federal Duck Stamp or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass.
This pass admits the pass-holder and any accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle.
Please be prepared to show your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device.
Print out or download the pass on your mobile device in advance of your visit as cellular service may be limited.
Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
Island Tract Access Times: Beach access and refuge trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Mainland Tract Access Times: The free visitor center (operations currently suspended) is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and closed on most federal holidays, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. The refuge trails and lagoon beach are open daily from sunrise to sunset.