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 June 2, 2021: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is open. Tram service is limited to those with special needs. The William T. Kirby Nature Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Munyon Island Boardwalk Closure

The Munyon Island boardwalk is closed until safety concerns are assessed and repairs are completed; therefore, access to the pavilions and trails will be limited. Thank you for your patience while we work to improve your park experience.

Hours

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

Fees

$5 per vehicle

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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.

Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

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

Manager's Message John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
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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.
This is a photo of two kayaks on Munyon Island.
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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
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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.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boating
Boating
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
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
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

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

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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
This is a photo of a leatherback hatchling entering the ocean.
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Sea Turtle Nesting

It has been a very busy nesting season for sea turtles at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park.
MacArthur Beach Trail
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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.

People Make the Parks

Sarah Waddell and Arthur Carlton

Staff Spotlight: Award for Excellence in Research

Park ranger Sarah Waddell and park services specialist Arthur Carton have received the Hank Smith Award for Excellence in Research.
Volunteer Awards

Volunteer Spotlight

Savannah Lebedeker has received a 2020 Youth of Year Award and Stephanie Grant has received an Irene DeLaby Award.
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.

This Park is Recognized by:

Designated Greenway
Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Park Map

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