John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

A Barrier island paradise protecting rare plant and animal habitats offers the perfect beach getaway

Know Before You Go

Effective March 17, 2025: The North Beach restroom at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is temporarily closed for repairs. 

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive
North Palm Beach FL 33408

Get directions

Contact Info

561-624-6950

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; snorkeling is also a popular activity.

Birdwatchers may see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and gulls.

Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading or kayaking. Additionally, visitors can fish from non-swimming areas of the beach.

Plan Your Visit

Seagrapes line the beach.
Learn

Manager's Message

We hope that soon you will be able to enjoy your favorite park activities - swimming and snorkeling are delightful and our reef is just a short swim from shore. Also, visit our nature center and enjoy the amazing aquariums, interpretive displays, educational movies or do some shopping in the gift shop.
This is a photo of two kayaks on Munyon Island.
Learn

Munyon Island

The Island was originally called Nuctsachoo by the Seminoles, which means Pelican Island, and it reportedly supported one of the largest wading bird rookeries in South Florida.
Kayaking at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Learn

Kayaking at MacArthur Beach

Paddle around the estuary or travel under Burnt Bridge into the Lake Worth Lagoon and visit Munyon Island – an outlying part of the park with a rich history.
This is a photo of a leatherback hatchling entering the ocean.
Learn

Sea Turtle Nesting

It has been a very busy nesting season for sea turtles at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. This is a record year for the loggerhead sea turtle with 2,068 nests laid and a record year for green sea turtles with 2,116 nests laid. 
Beach Trail
Learn

Nature Trails of MacArthur Beach

Take a journey into the past and experience Florida's enchanting subtropical flora at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boating
Boating
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Shelling
Shelling
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Swimming
Swimming
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Amphitheater
Amphitheater
Beach
Beach
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Concession and Restaurant
Concession and Restaurant
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Photo Gallery

Mother and Child on Beach
Paddleboarding on the water
Beach Clean up at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Bluegrass at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Visitor's Center Mangrove Tank
Hatch-lings at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Kayak Tour at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Visitors at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, in North Palm Beach

Close
Information
Roseate Spoonbills feeding in the park's estuary.
Sunset over the Park's estuary at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Railroad vine blooming with pink flowers.
Child in the Visitor's Center

People Make the Parks

A photograph of Park Services Specialist, Arthur Carton

Staff Spotlight

Art was drawn to work at the park by his love for the ocean along with the plant and animal life within its boundaries.
Volunteer Awards

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet the recipients of the 2023 Volunteer Awards at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park

Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Large tree surrounding picnic tables

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, this peaceful sanctuary offers visitors a slice of coastal wilderness within a vibrant city. Fort Lauderdale’s “Central Park” was gifted to the city by Hugh Taylor Birch, for whom the urban oasis is named.

3109 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33304

Anastasia State Park Dunes

Anastasia State Park

Abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems can be enjoyed within the 1,600 acres of beaches, tidal marshes and nature trails that make up beautiful Anastasia State Park. Visitors can explore the maritime hammocks, ancient sand dunes and historic coquina quarry before taking a dip in the Atlantic along pristine, white-sand beaches.

300 Anastasia Park Road
St. Augustine FL 32080

View from side of Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Literally the last stop in Florida before stepping off into the Gulf of America, few parks of any kind can match both the historical and natural significance of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

601 Howard England Way
Key West FL 33040