John D. Macarthur Beach State Park

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  • location_on John D. Macarthur Beach State Park
    10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive
    North Palm Beach FL 33408
  • contact_phone 561-624-6950
  • web Website

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

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John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, named after John D. MacArthur, is located between North Palm Beach and Riviera Beach in Florida. It is the only State Park in Palm Beach County and is located at the northern end of Singer Island. The park was opened to the public in 1989 and it covers 225 acres of land and 535 acres of submerged lands. There is a lake which can be crossed by a boardwalk which is 490m in length. Within the area you will also come across Munyon Island which is basically an offshore wilderness that had the Hygeia Hotel, a lavish hotel for the visitors. However, the hotel was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1915. Visitors can use the pavilions and the hiking trails on this island. It is to be noted that this island is only accessible by boat or kayak. 

One section of the beach is known as the Air Force Beach as it was used by the Air Force personnel of the Palm Beach Air Force Base. The John D. MacArthur Beach is also known to be the nesting ground for sea turtles of rare variety such as the loggerhead, the green sea turtle and the very rare leatherback. The park is also visited by a number of endangered species of birds such as e thWood Stork, the Peregrine Falcon and the Least Tern. The park receives monetary support through state funds, gate fees, and through a local organization known as the Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park. 

People can swim and sunbathe along the 2 miles of beach but you must be very cautious as there are no lifeguards. Do not miss the estuary here as it home to the sweet little fiddler crabs and oyster beds. If you go deep into the water you will encounter the flying fish, or mullets, which are seen leaping out of the water time and again. 

Fishing is allowed in designated areas. Pavillions can be reserved that can accomodate up to 80 people and have electricity. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

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