John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
4.5
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Reservations accepted the working day after Memorial Day. Groups limited to 25 people.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
554 reviews
Excellent
424
Very good
111
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Rosemary T
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Family
When we came in and stopped at the ranger station I went to pay. We are not from the area. Where we are from the ranger stations are a store. So when there was a door I opened it. I realized right away that I should use the window. Quickly apologized and walked around to the window. The ranger was so rude to me for opening his door that I didn't realize I wasn't suppose to open. It really put a sour taste in my mouth. It cost nothing to be kind. Then it was so windy we got pelted by and the whole time we were there. Which isn't really anyone's fault, just made for a not so great experience. We wanted to snorkel but couldn't with all the wind.
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica M
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This park is a great escape from the “city” We rented kayaks for half the day and paddles around to Munyon island, we enjoyed the almost empty beaches for hours! Take a few minutes and check out the nature center and learn about the turtles. We went back at night for a turtle walk, unfortunately we didn’t get to see a turtle come up but the night was beautiful! ( if you do a turtle walk, bring bug spray with deet, or you will get bit!)
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PatriciaInWisconsin
Delafield, WI5 contributions
Feb 2023
We spent a few hours at this small state park with our older kids. Staff is very helpful and friendly. We passed through a visitor center and then walked to the beach by way of a long boardwalk. A leisurely, easy walk took us about 15 minutes, but tram service is also available all day. The beach area includes good bathrooms. The beach is small, not well groomed during our visit, but it met my expectations for a state park and I would recommend it as a stop on your vacation. It's secluded and beautiful, only a handful of other families on the beach on a Tuesday in February. We took the complimentary tram (golf cart) ride back to the parking lot.
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jasim52
West Chester, PA377 contributions
Jan 2022
So much to see and do. The afternoon began with music at the visitors center which was a bonus. Beautiful walk across the boardwalk into the mangroves and then onto the tranquil beach. Plan to spend the day here and enjoy all that the island has to offer.
Written February 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciahasher
Houston, TX1,060 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
Where is there an undeveloped natural beach in the heart of Florida? This place. Over a one mile stretch of pristine beach sitting amidst condos and resorts on either side of it. I was super impressed with this place and I’ve seen beaches all over the world. To get to the beach requires traversing a boardwalk across an inlet about half a kilometer in length. I enjoyed walking across it but they have golf cart like shuttles that will take you over it if you so desire. Behind the beach is a shaded dune path that is worth exploring. I was there mid week and hardly anyone was there. I’m guessing it’s a different story on weekends but perhaps not.
It’s also a huge nesting site for sea turtles. Kayaks can also be rented. I did see plenty of that although I didn’t participate.
In addition to the beach is a nature center where you can learn about the history of the park and get educated about its wildlife.
Four dollar entry fee. Well worth it.
Check this place out!
It’s also a huge nesting site for sea turtles. Kayaks can also be rented. I did see plenty of that although I didn’t participate.
In addition to the beach is a nature center where you can learn about the history of the park and get educated about its wildlife.
Four dollar entry fee. Well worth it.
Check this place out!
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flipflop650
Taylorsville, KY93 contributions
Dec 2020
Absolutely beautiful park with nice “jungle” walking trails, kayak launch, access to a great stretch of beach on the Atlantic. Clean, safe, well maintained. Plenty of restroom facilities. Loved this park......stunning and beautiful. You can kayak for hours. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelDiva001
Knoxville, TN1,878 contributions
Apr 2021
We were looking for something to do to get away from the noise, hustle and bustle of the city and this was the perfect place. Beautiful, clean, and easy to get around. Good signage to let visitors know about the plants and animals in the area. Boardwalk is showing it’s age and could use some love, but don’t let that stop you. It’s the gateway to a spectacular and pristine beach!
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BarbarellaP
Connecticut11 contributions
Apr 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect as we were exploring Singer Island area and stumbled across this park. It was only a $5 admission fee per car and well worth it!
We parked and strolled along the paths and boardwalk to get to a pristine beach. The water was aqua blue, and I felt like I was in the Caribbean. There are other paths to explore too, a nature center and kayak rentals.
I'm not sure I'd want to lug beach equipment back and forth in the heat of the summer, but it was a perfect visit with the temps in the low 80s with no humidity.
We parked and strolled along the paths and boardwalk to get to a pristine beach. The water was aqua blue, and I felt like I was in the Caribbean. There are other paths to explore too, a nature center and kayak rentals.
I'm not sure I'd want to lug beach equipment back and forth in the heat of the summer, but it was a perfect visit with the temps in the low 80s with no humidity.
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher P
Roosevelt, UT960 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is everything the title mentions. Our family spent a couple hours visit in July. We enjoyed walking through the nature trails, across the bridge, and to the beach. There were many cool birds and wished we could have stayed for low tide to see more. Crossing the bridge we watched an adult and baby Manatee. Great place to get out, not crowded, and plenty to do.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Island Dude
Singer Island, FL10 contributions
Dec 2019
Okay, you drive in... cheap... like $5. Park and walk to the gift shop area. From here you can rent a kayak (highly suggested, but during high tide!) and paddle to Munyon Island. Very scenic with small sand bars to stop, walk and wade. After returning the kayak, visit the nature center for informative history and local wildlife knowledge. Next walk or take the tram over the estuary boardwalk to the beautiful beach. Gorgeous turquoise blue water lapping against an uncrowded clean beach. What a great way to spend a nice day!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you park along the road that parallels the beach and walk to the beach?
Written February 27, 2022
Is this suitable for toddlers. We will be travelling with 3 so one double & one single buggy/Pram. Don’t mind walk trails etc
Written September 15, 2019
This state park is very easy to visit. There is a long wooden bridge over an a bay but it can be traversed without problem. People are helpful. You will enjoyed!
Written September 16, 2019
nward2018
Bethany Beach, Delaware
Where is beginning bodysurfing good in February? we are thinking about a trip, Tahiti, Bali? Java?
Written July 12, 2018
Ordinarily not enough surf unless you wait until Fall and some Nor'easters come crashing in. Fall and winter would be you best time and then it is catch as catch can.
Written July 14, 2018
How good are the body surfing waves in late February ?
Thanks!
Written January 7, 2018
Surfing depends on the wind of the day - no way to predict that in advance
Written January 8, 2018
Can you paddle out to peanut island from here?
How long would it take?
Written April 2, 2017
if you check the maps/charts you will find it to be quite a distance. I don't think the kayaking from the park would allow such a trip - but if you have your own kayak it would be possible. Watch out for the power boat traffic on the IntraCoastal!
Written April 3, 2017
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