Plan Your Visit

Notice

We continue with the transition and enhancement of our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation to the Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards. Our sea turtle patients and residents are currently visiting other facilities and receiving exceptional treatment and care. Learn more about the transition.

In the meantime, we invite you to visit the other great areas of the Nature Center including the trails, gopher tortoises, aquariums, butterfly garden and exhibits.

Construction Notice

Construction of our new ADA accessible observation tower has begun!  Due to construction, a portion of our boardwalk loop has been closed for your safety.  To avoid backtracking, please stay to the western side of the boardwalk loop.  We anticipate the completion of this project in Spring 2024.

Operating Hours

Nature Center and Aquariums

  • Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Monday, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Nature Trails

  • Monday - Sunday, 7:00 am - Sunset
  • Restrooms are not available when the nature center is closed.

Closed (including boardwalk and trails)

  • New Year's Day
  • 4th of July
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Admission

There is no charge for general admission.  We are supported by the taxpayers in the City of Boca Raton and the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District.  If you would like to make a donation to help support our animals, programs, and exhibits, you may do so at the Welcome Desk.

Visiting Groups (10 or more)

Advanced reservations required.   Fees apply.   Learn more here.

Parking

There is free parking on site for Gumbo Limbo visitors only. There is no beach parking permitted at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Additional parking is available in the Red Reef West parking lot, at the south end of our boardwalk (note: this is metered parking).

Weather

For the safety of our Visitors, Volunteers, and Staff, all outdoor facilities including the boardwalk, trails, Aquariums, and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility, are closed when lightning is in the area.

Site Map

Map of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center property with location of boardwalk closure. Opens in new window

Help Us Stay Clean and Safe!

  • Picnicking on Gumbo Limbo property is limited to the tables on the grassy area next to the parking lot. You may also use the picnic facilities located in Red Reef West, at the south end of the boardwalk.  
  • Pets are not permitted anywhere on Gumbo Limbo or Red Reef Park property.
  • ADA recognized service animals are permitted on the property.
  • Proper attire (no bathing suits), including shirts and shoes, are required at all times.  Sunbathing is not permitted on our property.
  • Most areas are wheelchair accessible.
  • Bicycles, roller blades, roller skates, scooters, or other recreational vehicles are not permitted on our boardwalks, on our trails, or in our Butterfly Garden.  Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted on the boardwalks.
  • Minors are required to have adult supervision at all times.
  • Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping, is prohibited.

Location & Directions

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is located at the north end of Red Reef Park.

Directions from I-95

  1. I-95 to Palmetto Park Road
  2. East on Palmetto Park Road to A1A (North Ocean Boulevard)
  3. Left (North) on A1A (North Ocean Boulevard)
  4. Gumbo Limbo will be approximately 1 mile on your left

Directions from Florida Turnpike

  1. Exit Glades Road
  2. After toll booth - turn left (East)
  3. Turn right (South) onto Dixie Highway
  4. Turn left (East) on Palmetto Park Road to A1A (North Ocean Boulevard)
  5. Left (North) on A1A (North Ocean Boulevard)
  6. Gumbo Limbo will be approximately 1 mile on your left
Tripadvisor's traveler's choice 2023, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center