A haven for hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike, this 2,513-acre preserve celebrates both art and environmental stewardship. Named after local artist and conservationist Doris Leeper, the preserve borders the Indian River estuary—home to hundreds of native plant and animal species.

At Doris Leeper, you will find miles of nature trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding; canoe and kayak launches into the scenic estuary; an observation tower with panoramic views; a boardwalk, shaded picnic areas, and a playground; and Historical shell middens from the Timucua tribe. Every visit is a chance to step back in time and reconnect with Old Florida.

Where land, river, and ocean meet, Smyrna Dunes Park invites you to explore its 184 acres of diverse coastal habitat. This park features over two miles of elevated, accessible boardwalk, perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and leisurely walks. While visiting, don’t miss the dog-friendly beach where your furry friend can splash and play, scenic overlooks with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River, and Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, a fishing pier and picnic spots, and a geodesic dome used by NASA to monitor shuttle launches. It’s the ideal mix of natural wonder and family-friendly fun.

The state’s longest railroad to trail conversion, the East Central Regional Rail Trail currently spans 52 miles across Brevard and Volusia Counties. One leg extends up to Edgewater, another down to Titusville–the two converge west of I-95 and transverse undeveloped countryside, swamps, and forests, ending at Green Springs Park, where jade-colored waters once lured ailing tourists and now tempt Instagrammers with mesmerizing photos ops. This extensive system, which will eventually stretch to St. Petersburg, provides something for everyone, from recreational riders who want to soak in the natural splendor of Old Florida to serious cyclists keen on racking up mileage and building up speed with minimal street crossings.

Completed in 2017, this 12-foot-wide boardwalk path is the first segment constructed with funds from Florida’s SUN (Shared-Use Non-motorized) Trail Program. It closes a gap on the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop, a 260-mile-long trail that spans Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, and Putnam Counties and extends the East Central Regional Rail Trail from the intersection of Park Avenue and Dale Avenue north to 10th Street, near Daytona State College’s New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus.