Experiences
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in designated areas. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park.
Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Paddling
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding
Rent a kayak or paddle board and explore the estuary. Manatees, great blue herons and osprey are some of the wildlife you will see.
Call the Beach Outfitters and Gift Store at 561-776-7449, ext. 101, or visit https://macarthurbeach.org/kayaking/ for more details.
Kayak Rental Fees:
Free for Members
Single – per hour = $15
Single – Half Day (2.5 to 4 hours) = $38
Single – Full Day (4 to 7 hours) = $60
Double – per hour = $20
Double – Half Day (2.5 to 4 hours) = $50
Double – Full Day (4 to 7 hours) = $70
Standup Paddle Board Rental Fees:
Per hour = $25
Half Day (2.5 to 4 hours) = $60
Full Day (4 to 7 hours) = $80
20 mph winds or above - Kayaks and Standup Paddle Boards will NOT be rented.
All Rentals begin at 9 a.m. The last rental will be at 3 p.m. as all kayakers and paddle boarders need to be back, checked into the Gift Shop, at 4 p.m..
More information and a list of regulations are available online.
Picnicking
There are two picnic pavilions and several picnic tables located throughout the park. The North Pavilion (more secluded) has 10 tables and accommodates approximately 80 people. It has restrooms, water and electricity.
The Nature Center pavilion has nine tables and accommodates approximately 72 people. Electricity is available. Restrooms, snack machines and a water fountain are located nearby. Grills are also located at each pavilion.
- The charge to rent a pavilion is $100 per day.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors. Those amenities include:
- Three beach wheelchairs available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Manual wheelchair.
- Picnic pavilion and benches.
- Grills.
- Playground.
- Beach access.
- Kayak launch.
Beach
Relax or play on our nearly 2 miles of pristine beach.
Shelling, walking, playing in the waves and watching the beautiful Atlantic are popular activities.
The park has three beach wheelchairs available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach:
- Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents.
Beach flags. - Red flag means high surf and/or strong currents. Swim with extreme caution.
- Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to shore.
- Green flag means that the waters are safe.
- Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
Please use caution - lifeguards are not provided.
Concession and Restaurant
Pop Shack is the food and beverage concessionaire at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
- Website link
- Contact information
- Phone: (253)370-9689
- Email: Popshack561@gmail.com
Picnic Pavilion
There are two picnic pavilions located throughout the park. The North Pavilion (more secluded) has 10 tables and accommodates approximately 80 people. It has restrooms, water and electricity.
The Nature Center pavilion has nine tables and accommodates approximately 72 people. Electricity is available. Restrooms, snack machines and a water fountain are located nearby. Grills are also located at each pavilion.
- The charge to rent a pavilion is $100 per day.
Visitor Center
The nature center features displays depicting the park's natural communities and live animal exhibits. Visitors also can view a 15-minute video on the park.
The nature center is open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is your best source of information about the park.
A ranger or volunteer will greet you at the information desk, provide details on daily or future events, answer your questions and assist you in getting the most out of your visit.
The interpretive exhibits provide a great opportunity to better understand the history and ecology of the park, including the Sea Turtle Tank with a resident loggerhead sea turtle; the Maritime Hammock/Terrestrial Animals Exhibit; Mangrove Aquarium and Exhibit; Under the Sea Reef Room Aquarium and Exhibit; and the Natural Communities Exhibit.
Water Fountain
Staying hydrated on your outdoor adventures is important. Just bring a refillable water bottle to replenish your drinking water at the park. This will reduce the amount of single-use plastics in landfills and reduce the litter sometimes found along trails, at campsites, on beaches and in Florida’s waterways.
- At John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, you’ll find a refillable water bottle station outside the restroom at the Nature Center.
- Learn more.