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

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

Please call the Park for information at 561-624-6950.

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

MACARTHUR UNDER MOONLIGHT - COUS COUS
Date: May 17, 7 - 9:00 PM

Description: Join us under the full moon for a magical night of music by South Florida duo, Cous Cous. They will be playing a mix of jazz and pop music under the stars.

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 and children under age 10 are free. Admission $5.00. For more information, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
Fees: Admission is $5.00. Children under age 10 are free.
Contact: (561) 624-6952

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.
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 of $4.00 per carload and reservations are not required. Meet at the Nature Center.
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
June 15 - 1:00 PM; July 27 - 9:30 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 of $4.00 per carload.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
BLUEGRASS MUSIC
May 18; June 15; July 20, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Bill Rich, and other musicians, bring their foot-stompin' and hand-clappin' bluegrass music to the Park's Amphitheater. Just sit back and enjoy the music in Palm Beach County's most beautiful setting. The concert is free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call (561) 624-6952 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.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
YOGA ON THE BEACH!
May 22; June 5; June 19, 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 yoga instructor Anne Marie Phelan as she guides you through an hour-long session on the beach. The only supplies needed are a beach towel and water bottle. Whether you're a beginner or have been practicing yoga for years, all are welcome. Reservations are required. The program is free with park admission of $4.00 per vehicle.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
LEARN TO KAYAK
June 1; July 6, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Learn from the best. 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 of $4.00 per carload. For information and reservations, please call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
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 King snake in person and listen to a staff naturalist give a snake talk.
Call (561) 624-6952 for more details.
GUIDED REEF TOUR
Jun. 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul. 5; 10:00 AM - Noon
Take a guided snorkeling tour of the park’s spectacular near-shore reefs. Learn about the species that inhabit MacArthur’s reefs and waters. Bring your own snorkeling gear. Must be an experienced swimmer and snorkeler and at least 10 years of age. No lifeguard on duty. Reservations required. For more information and reservations call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call for more details.
BUTTERFLY WALK
July 19, 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, call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call for more details.
INTRODUCTION TO SNORKELING
May 18; May 25, Noon
Ever dream about snorkeling over a tropical ocean reef, but don’t know how to get started? Join skilled Park Rangers and Volunteers for an introduction to the basics of snorkeling. Must be an experienced swimmer, and have your own snorkeling gear. No lifeguard on duty. Reservations required. For more information and reservations call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952. Free with park admission of $4.00 per carload.
Call for more details.
RECREATIONAL SKILLS: CASTNETTING INSTRUCTION
May 25, 11:00 AM
Learn how to throw a cast net, tie the right knots and catch the big one at a kid’s castnetting clinic. Great for kids or adults. The program is free with park admission of $4.00 per carload. Reservations required. For information and reservations, call the Nature Center at (561) 624-6952.
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, May 11, June 8, July 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.