Jonathan Dickinson State Park: Hobe Mountain and the wild Loxahatchee
The largest state park in Southeast Florida, in Hobe Sound, mixes an ancient sand dune, a wild and scenic river and a 1930s pioneer homestead.
As of October 2026, check hours, fees and closures before you go.
Why go
The largest state park in Southeast Florida, in Hobe Sound, mixes an ancient sand dune, a wild and scenic river and a 1930s pioneer homestead. Reviewers have rated it well: see the review line above.
Itinerary
Day trip
- Morning
Hike up Hobe Mountain, an ancient sand dune; the park says it is the only state park in South Florida where visitors can do that.
- Midday
Visit the exhibits at the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center.
- Afternoon
Paddle or boat the Loxahatchee River toward Trapper Nelson's 1920s–1930s homestead. The site is open to personal watercraft Wednesday through Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed Tuesdays.
Park, hours & fees
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Florida State Parks)
16450 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound. Open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. $6 per vehicle.
Hours, fees and address as listed on the official page when we checked on October 28, 2026.
Food
The park lists a concession and restaurant among its amenities; check the official page for details.
Local spots
Independent local businesses near this trip. Nobody paid to be listed. Ratings are third-party Yelp figures as displayed on each business's Apple Maps listing, checked October 28, 2026; they change over time.
- Old Dixie Cafe North (Hobe Sound)
A local diner at 11189 S.E. Federal Highway serving breakfast and comfort food. Open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, according to its website.
Yelp: 4.2 stars from 80 Yelp reviews (checked October 28, 2026; source listing).
Practical tips
- Trapper Nelson's Interpretive Site is closed on Tuesdays.
- Some campground bathhouses are closed for renovations, according to the park.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
Getaways guides are informational. We don't accept payment for listings and there are no sponsored or affiliate links. Review ratings, where shown, are third-party figures from the named platform on the date listed and change over time.
Plan ahead, check the official page the day you go, and enjoy the trip.
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