Main Page - John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Manager's Message

Spring is finally here and soon our winter visitors and non-resident volunteers will return to the north and the sea turtles will begin their annual return to the beaches of the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. The Leatherback sea turtles will come first, followed later by Green and Loggerhead sea turtles. A limited number of guided turtle walks are offered through the summer months, giving park visitors an opportunity to possibly see a Loggerhead turtle lay her clutch of eggs. Please contact the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952 for additional details.

Though the water is getting warmer, it is still refreshing to swim, surf or snorkel in. Now, we will see longer days and warmer conditions in which to enjoy all the possibilities presented by "...the Real Florida!"

Please take the time to visit our wonderful Nature Center. There, you can view a short video of the park, observe the live animal exhibits and learn more about the local environment. Soon, our new 1,000-gallon, outdoor turtle tank will be completed and visitors will be able to follow the development of our resident sea turtle. In future years, we will be able to care for more than one turtle at a time.

Our Moonlight Concerts continue with a new series of performances. It is fun for the whole family. Music is from 7-9 p.m. Please contact the staff at the Nature Center (561) 624-6952 for more details.

Our ranger-led kayak tours explore the Lake Worth Lagoon and Munyon Island. This two-hour tour is conducted by our staff and volunteers, sharing their love and knowledge of the natural environment here at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Participants often see many migrating birds and sometimes even manatees and dolphins.

- Don Bergeron, Park Manager

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.