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

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.

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

As we move into the cooler months here at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, many of our Park activities really begin to heat up. One of the things you’ll quickly realize when you visit us this time of year is that we humans are not the only ones who appreciate the slightly cooler temperatures.
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.
Photo of kayaking in the estuary at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
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Kayaking at MacArthur Beach

Kayaking at MacArthur Beach State Park provides visitors with a unique experience. 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
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

Beach Clean up at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
Bluegrass at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
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.
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.

Upcoming Events

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Event

Bluegrass Music

Sun, Apr 21, 2019 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm CDT

Get ready for some foot-stomping and toe-tapping tunes! Live Bluegrass in the Amphitheater.
MacArthur Beach

North Palm Beach, FL

Event

Learn To Kayak

Sun, May 5, 2019 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT

This is a land-based course to provide beginners the skills necessary for kayaking.
MacArthur Beach

North Palm Beach, FL

Event

Beach Cleanup

Sat, May 11, 2019 9:00 am - 11:00 am EDT

Join us for a few hours of sun and surf and help keep the park clean. Beach cleanups help remove trash which might otherwise end up endangering sea turtles or shorebirds.
MacArthur Beach

North Palm Beach, FL

People Make the Parks

This is a photo of Park employee, Chandler Keenan

Staff Spotlight

Chandler Keenan’s first trip to John D MacArthur Beach State Park was love at first sight. The sun was setting low over the dune line, great blue herons were silhouetted against a coral sky, and she knew she was home.
This is a photo of volunteer, Bruce Kay.

Volunteer Spotlight

When volunteer, Bruce Kay, returned to the Lake Park area in 2002 the first thing he did was become a volunteer at 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.

This Park is Recognized by:

Designated Greenway
Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

Park Map

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