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John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

 About John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

A boardwalk leads to the beach at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach.

A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER

Don Bergeron

Special Notice: Please be advised the Nature Center will be closed for complete renovation beginning November 1, 2011, with anticipated completion by March 2012. We apologize for this inconvenience as we finish the final phase of a multi-year park improvement project. During the renovations, visitors are invited to enjoy any of the other great park activities including educational programs, nature walks, kayak rentals, kayak tours, swimming, snorkeling, and much more.

While visiting the park, be sure to inquire about the many exciting changes taking place at the Nature Center. Once complete, visitors will enjoy stunning new aquariums, all-new interpretive displays, and a state-of-the-art theater system.

 

As we transition into the cooler months here at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, many of our park activities really begin to heat up. One of the things you’ll quickly realize when you visit the park this time of year is that we humans are not the only ones who appreciate the more comfortable climate. Stroll the boardwalk, walk the beach, or kayak through the park and you’re in for a real treat. Between frequent manatee sightings, great birding, and an abundance of fish, it’s hard to beat this up close and personal experience with "…the Real Florida."

With the waters of the Atlantic Ocean still quite comfortable this time of year, snorkeling and swimming remain excellent. Snorkelers are reporting regular sightings of sea turtles near the reef as well as the ever-present schools of beautiful tropical fish. Please remember that snorkelers and SCUBA divers are required to use a dive flag, which may be rented at our gift shop for a small fee. 
 
Take a look at some of the other great activities available at the park by selecting 'Events' or 'Ranger Programs' above. You’ll find concerts, daily nature walks, recreational skills programs, and much more. Don’t forget that John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is also Palm Beach County’s premier kayaking location. Whether launching your own kayak from our kayak launch, renting one from the gift store, or taking part in a guided kayak tour to Munyon Island, you’re sure to have a great day on the water. One exciting event to see while kayaking this time of year is the massive waves of mullet leaping from the water as they’re pursued across the shallow waters by predators such as snook, jack crevalle, dolphin, and sharks; all the while being attacked from above by osprey and pelicans. 
 
For boaters, the long-awaited boat docking facility on Munyon Island is now open. The day-use only facility will accommodate up to 20 boats and provides easy access to the island’s nature trails and picnic pavilions. While you’re there, be sure to check out the structure’s rock crib design which reduces wave energy around the dock while creating marine habitat as well. To visit by boat, the dock is located 2.3 miles north of the Blue Heron Causeway, east of Intracoastal Waterway Marker 30. 

DESIGNATIONS

The Great Florida Birding Trail Logo

GETTING HERE

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.

GET INVOLVED

  • Volunteer -

    Volunteers help visitors from around the world and school children 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.

  • For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
  • Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, Inc.

  • 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive (A1A)
    North Palm Beach, FL 33408

    You can also follow us on Facebook.

CONCESSIONAIRES

PET POLICY

  • Florida State Parks Pet Policy
  • Pets are not permitted on the beach or at the Visitor Center. Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park,as required by law.