John D. MacArthur Beach

John D. MacArthur Beach SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-d-macarthur-beach-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._MacArthur_Beach_State_Park John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is located just north of Singer Island, Florida in North Palm Beach, Florida. Its land includes an Estuary crossed by a 1,600-foot (490 m) boardwalk, and Munyon Island (named after Dr. James Munyon), an offshore wilderness that was home to a lavish hotel, Hygeia Hotel, at the turn of the Twentieth century. Hiking trails and pavilions are open for public use on the island. The island is accessible only by kayak or boat. MacArthur Beach is widely known as a nesting ground for rare sea turtles, including the threatened loggerhead, the endangered green sea turtle and, occasionally, the exceedingly rare leatherback. Many endangered species of birds also visit the park, namely the peregrine falcon, the wood stork, and the least tern.

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 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c