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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
540 reviews
Excellent
412
Very good
109
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
1
oburns
Davie, FL108 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Afternoon relaxing on the beach with hubby. This was the closest beach to our vacation rental. Only $5 per vehicle to get in. Gates close at 6pm to get in, but no one is rushing you out either. Sunset was beautiful by the walkway. There is a long walk from the Parking lot to the beach. There is a golf cart that take people back and forth, but it stops at 4pm (I believe). Beach was beautiful and clean. No lifeguards on duty. Perfect for family beach day or a day date with hubby.
Written January 2, 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, WI3 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.
Betty B
40 contributions
May 2021
The boardwalk to the beach is very scenic. It crosses over the inlet where the waters are calm and bright blue (at least on sunny days). We enjoyed walking through the mango trees and saw many butterflies and birds. Did not have time to kayak, but the prices were very reasonable and the area calm and protected, so would be good for any who want a beautiful, leisurely time on the water. There are some picnic tables along the boardwalk overlooking the water and there are many shady areas. The beach looked beautiful and not very busy, but we were really just there for the views. Highly recommend this if you want a peaceful, beautiful walk!
Written May 1, 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.
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.
Bob L
Hanover, PA359 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Wanted to take the kids to a nice beach while in Florida so we heard about this beach at the state park. Now, because of Covid, a lot of things are closed, including the trams to take you across the 1/4 mile long pier to get to the beach. The beach was not that crowded and the water was very clean and clear! I would recommend wearing footwear on to the beach as the sand was very hot!
Written April 27, 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.
Ciahasher
Houston, TX1,080 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.
BarbarellaP
Connecticut10 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.
flipflop650
Taylorsville, KY103 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, TN1,625 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.
Christopher P
Roosevelt, UT548 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.
Is this suitable for toddlers. We will be travelling with 3 so one double & one single buggy/Pram. Don’t mind walk trails etc
CarpeDiem45
Washington DC, DC218 contributions
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!
nward2018
Bethany Beach, DE
Where is beginning bodysurfing good in February? we are thinking about a trip, Tahiti, Bali? Java?
74hannibal
West Palm Beach, FL36 contributions
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.
F8164BHmariak
Portland, OR1 contribution
How good are the body surfing waves in late February ?
Thanks!
Laura F
28 contributions
Surfing depends on the wind of the day - no way to predict that in advance
tmh1314
North Palm Beach, FL3 contributions
Can you paddle out to peanut island from here?
How long would it take?
Jeff J
Toronto, Canada91 contributions
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!
Puedo alquilar kayac en el parque ??
cnk4
Arlington, VA51 contributions
Yes, single and double kayaks. From 9 am-3 pm.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (North Palm Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
- We recommend booking John D. MacArthur Beach State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 John D. MacArthur Beach State Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park:
- (2.69 mi) Marriott's Oceana Palms
- (2.44 mi) Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
- (1.55 mi) Best Western Plus Palm Beach Gardens Hotel & Suites And Conference Ct
- (8.77 mi) Casa Grandview
- (3.41 mi) Hampton Inn Palm Beach Gardens
- Restaurants near John D. MacArthur Beach State Park:
- (1.29 mi) Cod & Capers Seafood Marketplace and Café
- (2.11 mi) Pelican Cafe
- (1.90 mi) Seasons 52
- (1.64 mi) Sara's Kitchen
- (4.06 mi) Matty's Gelato Factory