John D. MacArthur Beach

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature The 325-acre park is named after the previous owner, John D. MacArthur, who wished to preserve it for future generations to enjoy. In the 1970s, after a university study revealed 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 develop the park and Nature Center. A 1,600-foot boardwalk spans the most productive estuarine system in all of Lake Worth Lagoon. At low tide, roseate spoonbills, white ibis, herons and egrets browse for prey. Brown pelicans, ospreys, belted kingfishers and terns display their hunting techniques with spectacular aerial acrobatics. Fiddler crabs, signaling to their mates with oversized claws, and many species of marine snails move among the red and black mangrove roots and underwater meadows of seagrass and algae. Snook, mullet, snapper, grunts, needlefish, the occasional spotted eagle ray and manatee cruise the deeper waters. At the foot of the boardwalk, a trail winds through a forest of gumbo limbo, mastic, cabbage palm, strangler fig and other tropical and subtropical trees before opening onto a wide beach. The beach has a backdrop of salt-sculpted sea grape trees and sea oats, colorfully punctuated by yellow dune sunflowers, pink beach morning glory and the tiny purple beach peanut. MacArthur Beach is a prime nesting site for sea turtles. Large numbers of loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles nest from early May through late August. Marine life is abundant on the reef and rock outcroppings that lie in shallow water near the beach. Reef squid, colorful tropical fish and schools of tarpon and snook are a source of delight for snorkelers. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive (A1A) North Palm Beach, FL 33408 Ranger Station/Office: (561) 624-6950 Nature Center: (561) 624-6952 Southeast Florida John D. MacArthur Beach State Park FloridaStateParks.org A beautiful beach … and much more • • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. The Nature Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. Fishing is allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Pavilions are available for groups. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the Nature Center. For information about joining Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, call (561) 776-7449. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. SM National Gold Medal Winner Created on 8/14 Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, the only state park in Palm Beach County, is an “Island in Time,” preserving the lush and diverse subtropical coastal habitats that once covered southeast Florida. Exploring nearly two miles of beach and swimming in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean is only the beginning of the fun you’ll have at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. Tour the estuary and Munyon Island by kayak, stroll the 1/3-mile boardwalk and shaded nature trails, or join a daily nature walk and you’ll come away with a new appreciation for …the Real Florida. You might happen onto one of the park’s many programs and special events; birding and butterfly walks, moonlight concerts, summer day camps, and recreational skills programs, to name just a few. Beaches Canoeing/Kayaking Canoe/Kayak Launch Fishing A1A Hiking Parking Lake Worth Cove Pavilion Restroom Snorkeling Lake Worth Lagoon Swimming Park Entrance Boardwalk Nature Center Wildlife Viewing The park’s Nature Center is open daily and features aquariums, sea turtle tanks, interactive displays, and free videos to enhance your understanding of the park, as well as friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers to answer your questions. Don’t forget to visit the park’s wellstocked gift shop for gifts and souvenirs, beach supplies, snacks, or to rent a kayak. Once you’ve stocked up for the beach, enjoy a free tram ride across the estuary boardwalk (10 am – 4 pm daily, weather permitting). Munyon Island Public Boat Dock Visit MacArthurBeach.org or call (561) 776-7449 for kayak rental and gift shop information. Directions Located in northern Palm Beach County, 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 1 and PGA Boulevard on A1A. BOAT ACCESS ONLY A1A Atlantic Ocean