Park Summary for Print - John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

View of the Lake Worth Lagoon with sea grape trees in the foreground, and a wooden boardwalk crossing the lagoon in the distance.

Welcome to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

A unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest, this barrier island provides a haven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. The park's Nature Center shows visitors why the park is a biological treasure. Visitors can swim, picnic, and surf at the beach; scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities. Birdwatchers can see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading, kayaking, or canoeing. They can also fish from non-swimming areas of the beach. Located in northern Palm Beach County, 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard on A1A.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, please call 561-624-6950.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is located 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S.1 and PGA Blvd. on A1A in North Palm Beach.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Activities at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

	Beaches Come relax or play on our nearly two miles of pristine beach.
	Canoeing Canoeing and kayaking are available.
	Facilities
	Fishing Fishing is allowed in designated areas Do you need a Fishing License?
	Nature Trails The park has three nature trails for visitors to explore.
	Picnicking There are 2 picnic pavilions and several picnic tables located throughout the park. The North Pavilion (more secluded) has 10 tables and accommodates approximately 80 people. It also has bathrooms, water and electricity. The Nature Center pavilion has 9 tables and accommodates approximately 72 people. Electricity is available. Bathrooms, snack machines and a water fountain are located nearby. Grills are also located at each pavilion for visitors to use. The charge to rent one of these pavilions is $100.00 per day.
	Playground
	Scuba Diving Scuba diving and snorkeling are permitted. A "Diver Down" flag, for snorkelers and divers, is required by law and is available for rent at the Nature Center.
	Swimming Swimming is available in designated areas.
	Visitors Center The William T. Kirby Nature Center features displays depicting the park's natural communities and live animal exhibits. Visitors may also view a 15-minute video on the park. The Nature Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
	Wildlife Viewing In addition to numerous species of shore and wading birds, the park is a prime nesting site for sea turtles. Large numbers of loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles nest from early May through late August.

Special Events for John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

BARK IN THE PARK
Date: December 6, 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Description: Join us on December 6th for 'Bark in the Park,' a celebration of all things canine! We'll have pet games, free pet photos, a canine-created art show and a Fido fashion show just for starters. Plus, children's activities, a silent auction, vendors, music and a very special guest - 'Mrs. Florida' The event will be hosted by Lista as 'Lucille Ball.' You don't want to miss this event! And, don't forget to bring Fido. Dogs are most certainly welcome at this event as long as they are kept on a 6-foot, handheld, non-retractable leash and are well behaved.
Fees: Free with park admission.
Contact: (561) 624-6950

Participation Requirements
BLUEGRASS MUSIC
Date: December 20, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Description: Come on down to the park and listen to bluegrass music. Just sit back and enjoy the music in Palm Beach County’s most beautiful setting. The concert is free with park admission. For more information, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
Fees: Free with park admission
Contact: (561) 624-6952
MACARTHUR UNDER MOONLIGHT - TBA
Date: December 26, 7-9:00 PM (Doors open at 6PM)

Description: Join us under the full moon for a magical night of music. This concert series is held every month on the Saturday night nearest the full moon featuring a different band every month. Come on out and bring the whole family! No reservations required.
Fees: Admission $5.00. Children under 10 are free.
Contact: (561) 624-6952
AN EVENING OF RAGTIME AND DIXIELAND JAZZ
Date: February 19, 7:30 PM

Description: World-renowned ragtime pianist, Bob Milne, will be presenting a very special concert to benefit the Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park's 'Nature Education Endowment Fund.' Moneys raised will be dedicated to supporting the park's Natural Science Education Programs that are offered each year to thousands of Palm Beach County school children.

This benefit concert, by America's 'Musical Ambassador,' will be held at Palm Beach Community College's Eissey Campus Theater located at 11051 Campus Drive in Palm Beach Gardens. Tickets are available by calling (561) 207-5900 or at the Box Office; open Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Preferred Orchestra Seating, which includes a post-performance Meet the Artist reception, is $50.00. General Orchestra Seating is $35.00 and Balcony Seating is available for $25.00. Group rates are available for 20 or more.

Tickets to the concert make great holiday gifts and help to support environmental awareness and education at Palm Beach County's only state park.

This wonderful evening of music and humor is generously sponsored by Comerica Bank.

For additional information, please call the Campaign Office at (561) 776-7221.
Fees: Preferred Orchestra - $50; Orchestra - $35; Balcony - $25; Group rates available for 20 or more.
Contact: Campaign Office: (561) 776-7221

Participation Requirements

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Ranger Programs

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS
Daily at High Tide
Tour fee. Single kayak, $20; double kayak, $35. This ranger-led, two-hour program provides an informative exploration of the estuary, Lake Worth Lagoon and Munyon Island. Daily tours take place at high tide. Please call the Ranger Station for scheduled times. Tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participation Requirements

Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
NATURE WALKS
Daily, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join one of the staff naturalists for a one-mile Nature Walk through John D. MacArthur Beach State Park's four distinct habitats, and learn about the park's ecosystems and history. Walk is free with park admission and reservations are not required. Meet at the Nature Center.

Participation Requirements

Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
NATURE RIDES
Daily, Reservation Required
Reservation only. Please call the Nature Center at least one week in advance. Offered as an alternative to our nature walks for those who may have difficulty walking long distances. Visitors ride in an open-air tram for a close-up view of the plants and wildlife. For information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.

Call for more details.
WILLIAM T. KIRBY NATURE CENTER
Daily, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
15 minute - "Island in Time" video is shown throughout the day upon request. Professionally produced video introduction to the diverse ecology of the park. Also offers detailed overviews of the Park's habitats: the rock reef, dune, hammock, and estuary. Two large aquariums, live animals, and a gift shop round out the Nature Center.

Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
BIRDING AT MACARTHUR PARK
December 27, 11:00 AM
Bird lovers can join a Ranger-led educational walk identifying many species of birds that make their home in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Reservations recommended. Visitors should bring binoculars or rent them at the park’s Nature Center. Walking tour is free with park admission. For more information, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.

Participation Requirements

Call for more details.
INTRODUCTION TO KAYAK FISHING
November 21, 1:00 PM
Ranger Bill Wilson instructs kids and adults of all ages on the basics of kayak fishing. Lessons will be on land. Come and learn what equipment, tackle and gear are necessary to catch the big one. For more information and reservations, pleas call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission.

Call for more details.
KAYAK RENTALS
Daily; 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Rent one of our single or double kayaks and explore the estuary. Manatees, Great Blue Herons and Osprey are some of the wildlife you will see. Hourly, half-day and full-day rates are available.

Participation Requirements

Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
SEASIDE TREASURES
December 12; 11:00 AM
Join a Park Ranger and look for sea beans, shells, native plants and more. Learn all about the beachside community and join in a scavenger hunt. Great for the whole family! For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission.

Participation Requirements

Call for more details.
BUTTERFLY WALK
December 5, 11:00 AM
Join a Park Ranger on a walking tour through one of South Florida’s last remaining hardwood hammocks. There will be several species of butterflies to identify and observe. Also, learn which plants attract these winged wonders to your backyard. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission.

Participation Requirements

Call for more details.
YOGA ON THE BEACH
December 3, 17; 8:30 AM
Come and awaken your inner spirit, while gazing out at the clear blue waters of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Join a yoga instructor as she guides you through an hour-long session on the beach. Bring a towel and drinking water. Reservations are required. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission.

Participation Requirements

Call for more details.
RECREATIONAL SKILLS: SURFING
December 13, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Ranger Rob Matriscino instructs children 10 years of age and older and adults of all ages on the basics of surfing. Lessons will be on land and in the water. Bring your surfboard if you have one. Reservations required. For more information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission.

Call for more details.
ANIMAL FEEDING
Weekends; 11:00 AM
Come down to the Nature Center and watch a baby loggerhead sea turtle, French angelfish and a Florida King snake eat their breakfast!
At 3:00 p.m. on Sundays, come see a live rat snake and Florida Kingsnake in person and listen to a staff naturalist give a snake talk.

Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
LEARN TO KAYAK!
December 6; 2:00 PM
Representatives from Adventure Times Kayaks will teach a land-based course that gives beginners the skills necessary for kayaking. Reservations are recommended. The program is free with park admission. For information and reservations call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.

Participation Requirements

Call for more details.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park History

The earliest evidence of human occupation of this area comes from artifacts recovered from "kitchen middens" located in the park. Native Americans who settled this area, gathered food from the ocean and lake. Fragments of bones, shell and pottery were discarded in refuse piles or "middens."

In the early 1900s, Munyon Island was famous for its lavish resort hotel, "The Hygeia." Built by Dr. James Munyon, the hotel was destroyed by fire in 1915. Munyon Island is not open to the public, but only accessible by boat.

The park is named after the previous property owner, John D. MacArthur, who wished to preserve it for future generations to enjoy. In the 1970s, after a university study convinced MacArthur that the property was a biological treasure, he donated a section for use as a public park. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation contributed additional funds to help develop the park and Nature Center. Facilities opened to the public in 1989.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteer Orientation

Sunday, November 8, December 13; 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Be a Volunteer at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park! Park volunteers help visitors from around the world and local school children to appreciate the importance of preserving this beautiful place. Currently, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals to be school guides, individuals interested in exotic plant removal, guides to lead our daily nature walks, experienced kayakers to assist with our kayak tours and volunteers to work in our gift shop. Come be a part of our volunteer family and join us for a volunteer orientation. Reservations required. Please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.