Where
North Palm Beach encompasses one beach, the incomparable John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, located at 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.
Vibe
A natural wonderland hidden on a barrier island.
Friendly and welcoming, this serene oasis boasts diverse ecosystems protecting rare plant and animal habitats, delivering a tantalizing recipe of outdoor adventures and stunning shoreline.
See, feel
Follow a curving trail through a forest of gumbo limbo trees to access the glorious, wide beach. It’s thick with sand that’s the color of hot chocolate, stretching against the cerulean Atlantic as far as the eye can see in both directions—two miles! --and set against a backdrop of towering dunes laden with salt-sculpted sea grape trees and sea oats.
Here, you’re likely to see snorkelers, swimmers, and a whole lot of uncrowded shoreline. Everyone who craves a dose of sun and surf is welcome. Expect some waves, which will vary according to the wind, tides, and offshore systems.
On or near the beach
The ways to play within the park are legion: Snorkelers will delight at the squid, colorful tropical fish and schools of tarpon that favor the reef and rock outcroppings that lie in shallow water near the beach; while birders will get an eyeful of roseate spoonbills, white ibis and belted kingfishers. Explore a 1,600-foot boardwalk that spans the most productive estuarine system in all of Lake Worth Lagoon; discover a natural wonderland on a stand up paddleboard tour with High Point Paddle Adventures; and enjoy fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking, shelling, Scuba diving, picnicking, tours, and visiting the nature center.
Accessibility
MacArthur Beach State Park offers three beach wheelchairs at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis, in addition to a manual wheelchair and free tram rides across the estuary boardwalk. The picnic pavilion and benches, grills, playground, beach access and kayak launch are handicap accessible.
Facilities
The park’s facilities include a gift shop, amphitheater, canoe/kayak launch, interpretative exhibits, a nature trail, two picnic pavilions, a playground, restrooms, shower station, and visitor center. Beach Outfitters and Gift Store sells beach essentials and souvenirs, and rents kayaks, dive flags and binoculars. High Point Paddle Adventures offers stand up paddleboard rentals.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk. Visitors are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach.
Parking
The park offers ample parking.
