Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park is a popular beach destination located in the state of Florida.


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Summary

It is named after Marjory Stoneman Douglas, a prominent journalist and environmental activist who fought to protect the Everglades from development.

There are several reasons to visit this beach park, including its beautiful sandy shores, clear blue waters, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating, as well as hiking and biking along the nearby trails.

One of the main points of interest at the park is the historic Hillsboro Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships safely into port since 1906. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Another interesting feature of the park is the Sea Turtle Conservation Program, which aims to protect and preserve the endangered sea turtles that nest on the beach. Visitors can learn about the program and even participate in turtle releases during certain times of the year.

The best time of year to visit Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, the park is open year-round and offers plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Overall, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic beach getaway in Florida.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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