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South Cove Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 152 Google reviews · Running trail in West Palm Beach, Florida · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from South Cove Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A long boardwalk extends into the Intracoastal Waterway at this park with scenic skyline views.
What runners say about South Cove Natural Area
“The view of the Lake Worth Lagoon is beautiful especially once you walk across the 556-foot boardwalk.”
“This is a really nice spot if you’re looking for a peaceful walk with great water views.”
Everytime we're in West Palm Beach, we make a stop at this place also. A nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The view of the Lake Worth Lagoon is beautiful especially once you walk across the 556-foot boardwalk.
it's nice. To take your bicycle on the pier or walk ...if you walk to the very end, they got benches that you can sit down and just take in the fresh air and relax, it's got awesome views of the big yachts and downtown West Palm Beach it's a common sight to see a manatee or two swimming by even see a dolphin breaking…
I work nearby and like to take a walk out on the pier occasionally. If you’re lucky you’ll see some wildlife. Plenty of fish and birds. The occasional grazing manatee. Pretty cool spot.
Short walk out on the water of the Intercoastal. You'll see water birds and other wildlife. Great fishing place and a great spot to see the fireworks on the 4th of July and during Sunfest.
Trail conditions & character
“The view of the Lake Worth Lagoon is beautiful especially once you walk across the 556-foot boardwalk.”
“A very nice boardwalk out into the Intracoastal Waterway, but not much to see, there wasn't much activity --- maybe more active in the Spring?”
“This is a really nice spot if you’re looking for a peaceful walk with great water views.”
“We usually find on-street metered parking and explore the city and we never miss this spot.”
Plan your run at South Cove Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitediscover.pbcgov.org
- Phone+1 561-233-2400
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
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