South Inlet Park Beach
South Inlet Park Beach
4.5
About
AMENITIES beach frontage, guarded (850 feet) beach surf wheelchair is available; contact a lifeguard to arrange for use. Handicapped icon saltwater fishing and surfing not permitted in guarded swimming area fishing (saltwater) jetty parking (parking fee) bus parking (1) regular parking picnic areas with grills, single table picnic pavilion (Eshleman), reserved group (1) picnic shelters, single table (5) playground, including playground safety play structure (ages 5-12 years) restroom facilities showers.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
143 reviews
Excellent
75
Very good
52
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
5
FlyAaron
United States755 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
What an unexpected discovery while visiting Boca. Small beach, almost secluded with a boardwalk that takes you through foliage and out to a jetty. There’s a lifeguard on duty and the restrooms are clean. Parking cost $3 per hour during the weekday and $4per hour on the weekend. Park first, note your lot number, and walk over to the pay machine near the restrooms. To the far north the park is an open area with a few benches and grass. This beach is absolutely wonderful!
Written March 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amrita P
Florida261 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
This review is specifically about the snorkeling experience I had here.
I came on a Saturday at around 11 AM and there were only about 10 parking spots left (there was also a wedding going on which is why it was a bit crowded). There are three beach access boardwalks along with three pay meters for parking. Parking was $3.00/hour which I think is reasonable for this area.
If you take Beach Access 3, all the way on the left of the lot, you come out to where the rock jetty is. Many people fish off of the jetty so be careful snorkeling here. I saw a fairly large cornetfish- about 4 feet long- as well as snapper and jacks here. DO NOT swim to the end or around the jetty, the lifeguards will scream at you and many boats go around this area too.
If you take Beach Access 2 (also where the clean, public restrooms are), you come out to the lifeguard station. If you swim for about 3 minutes straight out from where they are located, you will find the buoy that marks the start of an artificial reef. Along the way to the buoy is some seagrass, and I was rewarded with two turtles, porcupinefish, and filefish here, so look carefully! The turtles were very friendly and I watched them for a bit nibbling on sea grass and coming up for air. The current was pretty much nonexistent and the only waves were from boats coming by. The water was crystal clear too. Once at the artificial reef, it extends horizontally parallel to the beach for quite a bit. There are large boulders that are surrounded with fish, and I was also surrounded by a school of 100+ large needlefish which was cool. Look closely and you will find filefish and octopus too.
After snorkeling I simply chilled on the beach- it is very clean, and no one messed with my belongings for the hour and a half I was in the water, people seemed very nice.
Make sure to bring a dive flag if you snorkel/scuba here, there are many boats in the area.
I came on a Saturday at around 11 AM and there were only about 10 parking spots left (there was also a wedding going on which is why it was a bit crowded). There are three beach access boardwalks along with three pay meters for parking. Parking was $3.00/hour which I think is reasonable for this area.
If you take Beach Access 3, all the way on the left of the lot, you come out to where the rock jetty is. Many people fish off of the jetty so be careful snorkeling here. I saw a fairly large cornetfish- about 4 feet long- as well as snapper and jacks here. DO NOT swim to the end or around the jetty, the lifeguards will scream at you and many boats go around this area too.
If you take Beach Access 2 (also where the clean, public restrooms are), you come out to the lifeguard station. If you swim for about 3 minutes straight out from where they are located, you will find the buoy that marks the start of an artificial reef. Along the way to the buoy is some seagrass, and I was rewarded with two turtles, porcupinefish, and filefish here, so look carefully! The turtles were very friendly and I watched them for a bit nibbling on sea grass and coming up for air. The current was pretty much nonexistent and the only waves were from boats coming by. The water was crystal clear too. Once at the artificial reef, it extends horizontally parallel to the beach for quite a bit. There are large boulders that are surrounded with fish, and I was also surrounded by a school of 100+ large needlefish which was cool. Look closely and you will find filefish and octopus too.
After snorkeling I simply chilled on the beach- it is very clean, and no one messed with my belongings for the hour and a half I was in the water, people seemed very nice.
Make sure to bring a dive flag if you snorkel/scuba here, there are many boats in the area.
Written March 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mmb198
Boca Raton, FL457 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
My friends and I are here every Saturday swimming in the ocean. Where else can you say that you spend time in the ocean pretty much year round! Water is perfectly clear and blue. It is truly paradise.
Written November 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sharon D
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Friends
I read the positive reviews for snorkeling here so I took my flippers, mask & snorkel . Boy what a shock! There was a sign that warned of seaweed but I had no idea till I walked to the beach. Not only was it loaded with it on shore but the water looked as if the Sargasso Sea floated in. And the smell! Rotten dead fish smell. I was so disappointed! I was sl looking forward to trying out my new mask☹️
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DebbieParker7
11 contributions
Dec 2014
We visited from Alabama 12 hours away. We lost our car keys and was trying to find them the ranger came shined flashlight in our eyes and told us we where traspsssing and the beach closed at 8:00 and it was a felony. She just keep threating us. A man that lived across the street said he lived there 17 years and walked the beach every afternoon and had no idea what she was talking about. She was very rude. It is sad to travel this far to be treated like a criminal. As we where looking for keys she was screaming you need to hurry. She was driving a park ranger Ford SUV. Short rude and loud. Our family does not recommend this to anyone. No visitor should be treated this way.
Written December 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DebbieP3
16 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Had very bad luck with park ranger. She was very rude. She had my husband so upset he had a seizure and we had to leave our vacation coming back home 3 days early. No need for a Park Ranger to be rude to guest.
Written January 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jem Z
Fort Lauderdale, FL21 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
This beach is one of my favorite beaches in Boca Raton. There is a playground, picnic areas, and the beach itself is never too crowded.
This is one of the best spots for boat watching since it is where the intracoastal meets the ocean. When the surf is low it is fun to safely walk out on the jetty and you might catch a glimpse of tropical fish in the water, or on the end of fisherman's line. You can see all the way to the Deerfield Beach Pier.
However, I will not return. On my last visit, my boyfriend's car window was smashed in, his shorts and wallet stolen, and three other cars had been smashed too. We had not left the car for more than fifteen minutes, so we feel we had been watched. This was not the first or the last time this occurred, for when I alerted the lifeguard he was not surprised to hear the news, because he told us this had been happening up and down the beaches more frequently.
So, be extremely careful. Lock up all your valuables out of sight, and make sure all your car doors are locked and your windows are up.
Even in the most beautiful and peaceful places, bad things can happen.
This is one of the best spots for boat watching since it is where the intracoastal meets the ocean. When the surf is low it is fun to safely walk out on the jetty and you might catch a glimpse of tropical fish in the water, or on the end of fisherman's line. You can see all the way to the Deerfield Beach Pier.
However, I will not return. On my last visit, my boyfriend's car window was smashed in, his shorts and wallet stolen, and three other cars had been smashed too. We had not left the car for more than fifteen minutes, so we feel we had been watched. This was not the first or the last time this occurred, for when I alerted the lifeguard he was not surprised to hear the news, because he told us this had been happening up and down the beaches more frequently.
So, be extremely careful. Lock up all your valuables out of sight, and make sure all your car doors are locked and your windows are up.
Even in the most beautiful and peaceful places, bad things can happen.
Written August 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Linda M
Boynton Beach, FL1,102 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
I took my grandson here on a fishing expedition - perfect spot for both of us! The jetty allowed him access to good fishing and the lovely beach was just right for me. You will enjoy it!
Written February 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrew_WNY
Staten Island, NY136 contributions
Feb 2015 • Solo
I visited here on a busy Sunday afternoon in February. There's very limited parking and there were many cars vying for any potential opening spot. I was told there's no street parking in the vicinity so I valet-parked my car at a nearby hotel, where I had dinner and a drink after my time at the beach. I would've done it differently had I known in advance. That said, the beach and inlet are very nice and the ocean was crystal clear and warmer than it was in the Abacos the preceding week. Despite being quite busy, the area was still pleasant and I enjoyed my time here.
Written February 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
annalaura54
Owens Cross Roads, AL163 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
This is by far the best beach of the 3 we visited in the area. Very convenient parking. although it is a little costly. Shops within walking distance and even a pizza place close by you can walk to or they will deliver right to the beach to you. Good showers for rinsing off when you are ready to leave.
Written August 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I just purchased a beach parking pass in boca for 58$ does this work for south inlet?
JennyofPA
Indiana, PA119 contributions
Signs posted in the lot say that no permits are honored. You have to pay at the kiosk.
When open and close.?
Martin M
Schwenksville144 contributions
Sun up to sun down.
gioramirez
Plantation, FL
Can i have a beer on the beach?
Karin N
Boca Raton88 contributions
South Inlet Park: County park. State Road A1A just south of Camino Real. Parking is $2 a day, weekdays; $4 a day, weekends and holidays; 88 parking spaces. Walkers and bikers are free. The park has a pavilion, picnic area, grills, restrooms and showers. Fishing is allowed off the south jetty of the Boca Raton Inlet. Lifeguard is on duty from 9 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. daily, and the beach is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Alcohol is permitted in picnic areas only. Tossing games permitted outside lifeguard-protected areas.
dos anybody know how the surf is?
spankyangel
south east florida232 contributions
I like the Erdman video beach web cams for hourly updates on the water and weather. There is one at the Boca Inlet park and the Boca South Beach park. If it's hot and sunny, calm or waves, the beach is wonderful!
Can I rent snorkel equipment at the beach or do I have to bring my own? Thanks!
Deon R
Lancaster, PA18 contributions
Bring your own or you won't have it.
Yes hello I wanted to know do you rent your beach for weddings and if so how much.
Mike H
Homosassa, FL279 contributions
I'm not sure if So Inlet Park Beach can be rented or not, You need to check with Palm Beach Country Parks & Recreation.
I hope this helps
Mike
lilizinha
Joao Pessoa, PB644 contributions
Em uma das fotos vi água viva e tubarões. Pode tomar banho de mar ou é perigosa?
papillon822
Toronto, Canada36 contributions
what is the daily parking rate?
Sally K
Jerusalem205 contributions
I do not recall, but it is public parking with parking ticket machines
natashacalifornia
california28 contributions
What is your pet poliCy?
pbcparks
Lake Worth, FL
Hello Natasha,
Dogs are not permitted on county beaches. For information on dogs in county parks as well as dog park locations, please visit our website!
Thank you,
PBC Parks and Recreation Department
South Inlet Park Beach (Boca Raton) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about South Inlet Park Beach
- Hotels near South Inlet Park Beach:
- (0.29 mi) Waterstone Resort & Marina Boca Raton, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.60 mi) The Boca Raton
- (0.62 mi) The Boca Raton Beach Club
- (1.31 mi) Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort
- (0.51 mi) Ventura Resort
- Restaurants near South Inlet Park Beach:
- (0.34 mi) Boca Landing
- (0.31 mi) Seaspray Inlet Grill
- (1.12 mi) TwentyTwenty Grille
- (0.59 mi) Lucca
- (1.19 mi) Tin Muffin Cafe