RIVIERA BEACH
Where
Singer Island delivers seven miles of glittering beaches, with three public beach parks: Riviera Beach Municipal Beach Park, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park , and Ocean Reef Park, sited at 3860 North Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach, Florida 33404.
Vibe
Under-the-radar, laid-back, a unique reef. Ocean Reef Park promises serene shores perfect for strolls, picnics, and swimming. Here, you'll likely see families building sandcastles, beachcombers collecting shells, and occasional surfers catching waves. It's a peaceful spot to fish, snorkel, or unwind by the sea.
See, feel
Free parking, abundant palms and comfortable amenities set the mood in this 12.6-acre beach. Boardwalks span the generous dunes, leading to a wide beach heaped with latte-hued sands and strewn with shells like conchs, augers and lightning whelks. At low tide, the reef pokes out from the ocean, and at high tide, waves thunder onto the shoreline rocks to burst into a natural splash fountain. The reef provides some protection to the beach, making Ocean Reef Park’s water calmer and clearer than most Atlantic beaches. Nevertheless, expect some waves, which will vary according to the tides, wind, and offshore systems. The shoreline provides a backdrop of the beach, dunes, and luxury resorts.
On weekends and holidays, anticipate crowds.
On or near the beach
Sunbathing, swimming and shelling are popular. The reef is shallow and close enough to the beach to provide an excellent spot for beginner snorkeling. You don’t need a dive flag provided you swim in the guarded area between the buoy and shore. Other activities include fishing and surfing (neither are permitted in the guarded swimming area.) When you’re in need of refreshment, right next door, the Singer Island Marriott Hotel offers dining as well as innovative cocktails at its Reef Tiki Bar.
Accessibility
A beach surf wheelchair is available; contact a lifeguard to arrange for its use. Here’s more information about accessibility in the Palm Beaches.
Facilities
Ocean Reef Park delivers a dune ecosystem overlook, picnic areas with grills, a picnic pavilion, a playground including a play structure (ages 5-12 years), restroom facilities and outdoor showers. There are no beach vendors, so bring food, snacks, chairs, and whatever gear you need.
Lifeguards
Yes, year round.
Parking
Free parking in a large lot. Arrive early on holidays.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RIVIERA BEACH
Q. Where is Riviera Beach, and which beaches can I visit?
The main public spots are Ocean Reef Park and Riviera Beach Municipal Beach Park, both on Singer Island’s oceanfront; as well as Phil Foster Park on the mainland beneath the Blue Heron Bridge, and Peanut Island Park, sited in the Intracoastal Waterway and accessible only by boat. They are managed by different authorities, so hours and rules can vary from one to the next.
Q. Which beach is best for families and easy swimming?
A. Ocean Reef Park on Singer Island is a good first stop. It has a guarded swimming area, a shallow nearshore reef that tends to keep the water calmer close in, and easy snorkeling for beginners.
Though the reef provides some protection to the beach, you should still expect some waves. As with any ocean beach, conditions can be rough due to winds, offshore systems and tides. Make sure to check the beach flags before entering the water, and swim near the lifeguards.
Q. Where is the best snorkeling?
A. Phil Foster Park, under the Blue Heron Bridge, is one of Florida's best-known shore snorkeling spots. The county built an underwater snorkel trail and artificial reef in shallow water just off the beach, and it draws snorkelers and scuba divers year-round.
Ocean Reef Park also has an accessible nearshore reef, and Peanut Island Park has a sheltered snorkel lagoon.
Q. When is the best time to snorkel at Blue Heron Bridge?
A. Plan your snorkel around high tide. Visibility is usually best near the high-tide slack, and the current can run strong between tides, so check a tide table before you go and get out of the water if the current picks up.
See Phil Foster Park for current park information.
Q. How do I get to Peanut Island?
A. Peanut Island Park is reachable only by boat. You can arrive by private boat or take a water taxi or shuttle from the Riviera Beach Marina.
Once there, you'll find a swim lagoon, restrooms, picnic pavilions with grills, and reserved tent campsites. Bring what you need, as options on the island are limited.
Q. Are there lifeguards?
A. Ocean Reef Park and Phil Foster Park have guarded swimming areas. For daily beach conditions, call 561-629-8775. Peanut Island Park has both guarded and unguarded areas, and coverage is limited outside weekends.
Coverage can change, so check the park's page for current status, swim near a lifeguard when one is on duty, and treat unguarded areas as swim-at-your-own-risk.
Q. What are the hours?
A. The county beach parks are open sunrise to sunset. At Phil Foster Park, the beach is open sunrise to sunset, the fishing pier stays open later into the evening, and the boat ramps have 24-hour access.
Hours can change, so confirm on each park's page before you go: Ocean Reef Park and Peanut Island Park.
Q. How much does parking or entry cost?
A. Ocean Reef Park has a free parking lot that fills early on weekends and holidays, so arrive early.
At Phil Foster Park, a daily permit is required to park a boat trailer. Because fees can change, check the official park pages for current details.
Q. What amenities are available?
A. Ocean Reef Park has picnic areas with grills, a group pavilion, a playground, outdoor showers, restrooms and dune boardwalks. There are no beach vendors, so pack what you need.
Phil Foster Park has restrooms, outdoor showers, a fishing pier, boat ramps and an on-site outdoor center with kayak and paddleboard rentals. The adjacent Ocean Mall, by the Municipal Beach, has restaurants, shops and public restrooms; see the City of Riviera Beach Parks and Recreation page for city beach details.
Q. Can I go fishing?
A. Yes. Phil Foster Park has a fishing pier, and there is shoreline saltwater fishing at Ocean Reef Park and in designated areas at Peanut Island Park.
A Florida saltwater fishing license may be required; check current rules before you fish.
Q. Can I camp near the beach?
A. Yes, on Peanut Island. Peanut Island Park has a small campground with reserved tent sites; reserve in advance, since space is limited and the island is boat-access only.
Q. Are the beaches accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
A. Ocean Reef Park offers a beach surf wheelchair through the lifeguards. At Phil Foster Park, a surf wheelchair is available; contact a lifeguard to arrange for use. Peanut Island doesn’t offer a beach wheelchair, and the shuttles aren’t generally wheelchair accessible. Accessibility varies by site, so contact the park or check its page for current details.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. Dogs are not allowed on Palm Beach County's beaches, with the exception of service animals as defined by the ADA.
Learn more about Jupiter Dog Beach. Confirm current rules on the park pages, such as Phil Foster Park, before bringing your dog.
Q. What are the hours?
A. The county beach parks are open sunrise to sunset. At Phil Foster Park, the beach is open sunrise to sunset, the fishing pier stays open later into the evening, and the boat ramps have 24-hour access.
Hours can change, so confirm on each park's page before you go: Ocean Reef Park and Peanut Island Park.
Q. Where can I eat near the beaches?
A. The Ocean Mall by the Municipal Beach has restaurants and shops within walking distance of the sand. There are also oceanfront resort restaurants and tiki bars nearby on Singer Island.
The county beach parks themselves have limited or no concessions, so bring water and snacks.
Q. When is the best time to visit?
A. Winter and spring bring warm, drier days and are popular, while summer is hot and humid with warmer water and, often, afternoon thunderstorms. Parking lots fill early on weekends and holidays, so arrive early.
If snorkeling is your goal, time your visit to Blue Heron Bridge around high tide, and always check the forecast and current beach conditions before you head out.
MORE GREAT BEACHES IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
