Palm Beach County beaches guide: Attractions, fun facts on each from Tequesta to Boca Raton
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It’s time to soak up some sun and enjoy our Palm Beach County beaches. With the county’s 45-mile long Atlantic shoreline, there are lots of beautiful spots to choose.
Here we break down the main attractions and facts on each beach from Tequesta to Boca Raton.
Coral Cove Park, Tequesta
Vital statistics: 15 acres, 600 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The beach: The primary draw of this quiet Florida beach – the county’s northernmost — is the snorkeling. With clear waters and multiple rock formations within wading distance of shore, Coral Cove allows you to swim with the tropical fishes, sting rays and seahorses. In addition to its guarded beach, Coral Cove also offers 600 feet of Intracoastal Waterway frontage that’s paddleboard-perfect.
Nearby points of interest: The fantastic Blowing Rocks Nature Conservancy kicks up surf to the north (you can actually walk to it on the beach from Coral Cove), while Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum shines a light on Florida history to the south.
Coral Cove Park: 1600 S. Beach Road, Tequesta; 561-624-0065
Carlin Park, Jupiter
Vital statistics: 120 acres, 3,000 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: North County’s marquee beach park, Carlin has it all: an amphitheater and Civic Center; bocce, tennis and volleyball courts; an exercise course; a softball field; large picnic pavilions; playground structures; shaded picnic shelters with grills; and some of the softest, cleanest sand in the county.
Nearby points of interest: Check out the historical marker in front of the park’s Lazy Loggerhead Café, which serves breakfast and lunch, and often attracts a line of hungry beachgoers. It tells the story of the U.S. Life Saving Station, built on the site of Carlin Park in 1885.
Carlin Park: 400 S. State Road A1A, Jupiter; 561-629-8775
Jupiter Beach Park
Vital statistics: 46 acres, 1,700 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: This park, with its front-row views of Jupiter Inlet, is popular with folks who enjoy fishing off its jetty, which is open around the clock. It’s got picnic areas with grills, a sand volleyball court and a historical marker detailing the Spanish galleons and merchant ships that sank beneath the waves here in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Nearby points of interest: Although dogs aren’t allowed in Jupiter Beach Park (or any county-operated park), Fido can romp on 2½ miles of off-leash beach to the south — between access markers 25 and 59 in Jupiter. Just make sure you scoop your pooch’s poop!
Jupiter Beach Park: 14775 U.S. Hwy., 1, Juno Beach; 561-624-0065
Ocean Cay Park, Jupiter
Vital statistics: 13 acres, unguarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: The four, well-maintained sand volleyball courts and a pair of nice picnic pavilions are Ocean Cay’s calling cards. The park’s small beach is just a short walk across A1A, and it’s the only county beach that allows dogs in designated areas. The beach provides lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5:20 a.m daily.
Nearby points of interest: Bluffs Square Shoppes plaza, across U.S. Hwy. 1 from Ocean Cay, is home not only to Locals Surf Shop’s Jupiter location, but also a Publix packed with sun-and-surf supplies.
Ocean Cay Park: 2188 Marcinski Road, Jupiter; 561-624-0065
Juno Beach Park
Vital statistics: Five acres, 300 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: The 990-foot Juno Beach Pier is a swell place to watch a sunrise or sunset (or stay on the sand and use it as a centerpiece for your dawn and dusk photos). Admission to the pier, which boasts a bait shop and snack bar, is $1 for spectators and $4 for those planning to fish.
Nearby points of interest: The Juno Pier.
Juno Beach Park: 14775 U.S. Hwy. 1, Juno Beach
Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach
Vital statistics: 17 acres, 900 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
Nearby points of interest: Look for the old historical marker — near the southern edge of the Loggerhead parking lot – commemorating the site of the 7½-mile Celestial Railroad. South Florida’s first rail line, it connected Jupiter and Juno Beach.
Loggerhead Park: 14200 U.S. Hwy. 1, Juno Beach
John D. MacArthur State Park, Palm Beach Gardens
Vital statistics: 438 acres, two miles of unguarded beach, open 8 a.m. to sunset
The main attraction: The only state park in Palm Beach County, MacArthur truly is a local treasure. A 1,600-foot boardwalk carries you from an exhibit-filled nature center to a beach of untamed, abiding beauty. Reef and rock outcroppings in shallow water near the park are a popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers hoping to see squid, schools of snook, and colorful tropical fish.
Nearby points of interest: No need to leave MacArthur to extend your outing. The park offers nature talks and walks, fish-tank interpretations, performances by bluegrass bands and complimentary kayak lessons.
John D. MacArthur State Park: 11611 Ellison Wilson Rd., Palm Beach Gardens; 561-624-6952
Ocean Reef Park, Riviera Beach
Vital statistics: 13 acres, 700 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: A shady park area loaded with picnic tables, grills and a playground is connected by board walks to a deep beach with plenty of room to stretch out.
Nearby points of interest: Ocean Mall’s restaurants and shops. It’s a short drive south.
Ocean Reef Park: 3860 N. Ocean Dr., Riviera Beach; 561-629-8775
Riviera Municipal Beach
Vital statistics: 17 acres,1,000 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: You want to dip your toes in the Atlantic? In the Sunshine State, you can’t wade any farther into the ocean than on Singer Island, Florida’s easternmost point. The beach’s Ocean Mall has a strip of beach shops and open-air restaurants; grab a Slurpee at the 7-Eleven before crossing the dunes. The beach complex includes pavilions and a playground, and good volleyball and tennis courts.
Nearby points of interest: Johnny Longboat’s and Two Drunken Goats in Ocean Mall are lively places to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner or a drink, or, a short drive away, you can take in the sunset at Sailfish Marina.
Riviera Beach Municipal Beach: 2511 Ocean Dr., Riviera Beach; 561-845-4070
Palm Beach
Vital statistics: Six miles of beach with lifeguards stationed just north of Worth Avenue, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: Where ritzy Worth Avenue meets the ocean, this easy-to-reach beach recently underwent a renourishment project to replenish its sand. But the beach is so close to Ocean Boulevard that you can walk along the salmon-covered sea wall and take in beautiful blue views without removing your shoes.
Nearby points of interest: The Worth Avenue clock tower is made for photo ops at sunrise and sunset, and Worth Avenue itself is made for window-shopping.
Palm Beach Municipal Beach: 375 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach; 561-838-5483
Phipps Ocean Park, Palm Beach
Vital statistics: Three acres, 1,300 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: Twin beaches separated by a fire station, quiet Phipps Ocean Park is an outdoor playground with an interesting history: The wide flat top of the dune here was once A1A, which was moved west after a 1947 hurricane. This pristine park includes a grassy area with picnic tables and grills, a playground and six tennis courts.
Nearby points of interest: The Little Red Schoolhouse, which dates back to 1886, was the first house of learning in South Florida. Now tended by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, the one-room structure now stands just south of Phipps. Even if it’s not open when you visit, you can read the historical marker and peek in the windows.
Phipps Ocean Park: 2201 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach
R.G. Kreusler Park, Palm Beach
Vital statistics: Four acres, 450 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: A large, grassy area greets you as you exit your car at Kreusler. This little beach may live in the shadow of the much larger Lake Worth Municipal Beach complex, but that means its lot is also easier to navigate and its sands are often more laidback.
Nearby points of interest: See Lake Worth Municipal Beach – it’s a very short walk away. (Historical note: The park is named after oilman Richard G. Kreusler, a 47-year-old member-elect of Palm Beach’s Town Council who was gunned down through the front door of his Palm Beach home in 1976. The murder remains unsolved.)
R.G. Kreusler Park: 2882 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach
Lake Worth Municipal Beach
Vital statistics: 1,300 feet of guarded beach, open from 8 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday
The main attraction: Renovated in 2013, Lake Worth’s beach and casino complex is one of the crown jewels of the county coastline. In addition to the reconstructed casino building (home to shops, restaurants and a ballroom-for-rental, which has made the beach a more attractive wedding destination), the facility features the 960-foot William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier and Benny’s on the Beach, where you can dig into Stuffed Red Raspberry Granola French Toast directly over the breaking waves. During the winter months, the city of Lake Worth Beach also builds Friday-night “Bonfires on the Beach.”
Nearby points of interest: You really can make a day (and evening) of it at Lake Worth Beach, but if you need a change of scenery, cross the Intracoastal and wind down in downtown Lake Worth Beach, where dozens of bars, eateries and bands playing live music await.
Lake Worth Municipal Beach: 10 S. Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth; 561-533-7395
Lantana Municipal Beach
Vital statistics: Eight acres, 745 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: Lantana’s beach has suffered from erosion more than many beaches in the county, and at high tide, the strip of sand is particularly narrow. That doesn’t detract from the views (and sounds) that can be enjoyed while dining and drinking al fresco at Dune Deck Café, located high above the waterline.
Nearby points of interest: The beach is just north of Eau Palm Beach, so if you’re presentable, you can head for the resort’s pool-area bar for a (pricey) beverage. Also, kitty-corner to the beach, the Plaza del Mar shopping center is home to John G’s (where lines for breakfast regularly form out the door) and the Ice Cream Club.
Lantana Municipal Beach: 100 N. Ocean Blvd., Lantana; 561-540-5000
Ocean Inlet Park, Ocean Ridge
Vital statistics: 11 acres, 600 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: This small but mighty beach, which rests on the south side of the Boynton Beach Inlet, offers a slew of ways to enjoy the waves. Fishermen cast off the jetty, snorkelers explore the artificial reef just off the shore, watercraft fans watch boats navigate the inlet, and shutterbugs find this stretch of beach, dotted with large rocks, to be fertile ground for camera creativity.
Nearby points of interest: Brush up on your local history by seeking out the park’s marker about the inlet, which was constructed in the mid-1920s.
Ocean Inlet Park: 6990 N. Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge; 561-629-8775
Ocean Ridge Hammock Park
Vital statistics: Eight acres, 1,100 feet of unguarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: What this low-key beach lacks in amenities – it doesn’t have restrooms, and it’s one of only two Palm Beach County beach parks without lifeguards (the other is Jupiter’s Ocean Cay) – it makes up for with the singularly beautiful trail that zig-zags to the beach through dense coastal hammock. Walking through it feels like you’ve entered a fairy tale set in South Florida.
Nearby points of interest: Looking for lifeguards or, uh, restrooms? Ocean Inlet Park is just to the north, and Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park is just to the south. But both will be more crowded than this little spit of solitude.
Ocean Ridge Hammock Park: 6620 N. Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge; 561-276-3990
Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park
Vital statistics: 12 acres, 985 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to 9 p.m.
The main attraction: Although it has an Ocean Ridge address, this fully realized beach park is a Boynton Beach production. It caters not only to sun worshippers but also folks who just want to look at the ocean, and listen to the waves, without staking out a spot on the sand. Soaring sun guards cover benches, and Jeffrey’s Snack Shack serves sandwiches and ice cream, strawberry lemonade and virgin Bloody Mary’s (it’s cash only). Picnic tables, grills, pavilions, a volleyball court and a playground round out the opportunities for recreation at this well-designed city park.
Nearby points of interest: Keep your tropical buzz going with a visit to Two Georges or Banana Boat, two longtime Boynton landmarks on the Intracoastal Waterway. They both offer seafood staples, tropical drinks and live music with water views.
Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park: 6415 N. Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge; 561-742-6565
Gulfstream Park
Vital statistics: Seven acres, 600 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: Gulfstream Park is often referred to as “a hidden gem,” thanks to its low profile and small size. The well-manicured park area is packed with shady picnic tables (about 20 total), grills, a play area and swings for toddlers.
Nearby points of interest: Grab huge, handcrafted sandwiches to go at Seaside Deli & Market. Forget your sunscreen or want to pick up a skim board? Pop into friendly Nomad Surf Shop, a local landmark since 1968.
Gulfstream Park: 4489 N. Ocean Blvd., Boynton Beach; 561-629-8775
Delray Municipal Beach
Vital statistics: 7,000 feet of beach (some of which is guarded), open sunrise to sunset
The main attraction: Swimming, surfing, sailing, Frisbee-throwing, kite-flying … There’s room for it all, plus volleyball (bring your own ball and play on one of seven well-maintained courts), on Delray’s top-rated, two-mile public beach, named by “Travel Holiday” magazine as the best public beach in the Southeast for swimming.
Nearby points of interest: Start your beach day with an outstanding Bloody Mary at Caffe Luna Rosa or refuel from all your ocean adventures at Boston’s on the Beach. At Sandoway Discovery Center, you can witness shark and alligator feedings; check out the 10,000-shell seashell collection; or climb to the second-floor observation deck and grab a pair of binoculars for a different view of the beach.
Delray Municipal Beach: South Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; 561-272-3224
Atlantic Dunes Park, Delray Beach
Vital statistics: Seven acres, 450 feet of guarded beach, open 8 a.m. to sunset daily
The main attraction: If you prefer solitude and serenity to the busier scene on Delray’s primary beach, Atlantic Dunes is for you.
Atlantic Dunes Park: 1605 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach; 561-243-7250
Spanish River Park, Boca Raton
Vital statistics: 95 acres, 3,588 feet of guarded beach, open 8 a.m. to sunset daily
Nearby points of interest: Spanish River is popular with school groups, picnickers, fishermen looking for bites in the Intracoastal Waterway and joggers who enjoy running more than a mile of nature trails. History buffs will want to pause at the marker honoring Florida’s Barefoot Mailmen.
Spanish River Park: 3001 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton; 561-393-7815
Red Reef Park, Boca Raton
Vital statistics: 67 acres, 3,600 feet of guarded beach, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
The main attraction: This lush park has much to recommend it – it’s shady, super-clean and family-friendly. But it’s the snorkeling in waist-deep water that brings people back. The easily accessible rock and reef outcroppings on the sound end of this beach attract schools of multicolored tropical fish — and snorkelers just learning to find their sea legs.
Nearby points of interest: Located on the west side of Ocean Boulevard, Gumbo Limbo Environmental Education Center is technically part of Red Reef Park. It’s home to indoor and outdoor aquariums, a butterfly garden and a sea turtle hospital. And, just south of the park, members of the public can tee up at Red Reef Executive Golf Course.
Red Reef Park: 1400 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton
South Beach Park, Boca Raton
Vital statistics: 25 acres, 1,670 feet of guarded beach, open 8 a.m. to sunset daily
The main attraction: If you ordered a beach from central casting, it would look a lot like the one accessible from South Beach Park. The little park provides no picnic facilities, but its Boca Raton beach siblings – Spanish River and Red Reef – aren’t far away, and are loaded with grills and tables.
Nearby points of interest: Just south of the park is a pavilion that overlooks the beach from on high. It’s a great place to enjoy the sea breeze, or take a selfie with an ocean backdrop, without getting your feet sandy. Although the current structure was renovated in 2003, a pavilion has stood on this site since the early 1900s. It remains a popular photo-op spot.
South Beach Park: 400 N. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton; 561-393-7810
South Inlet Park, Boca Raton
Vital statistics: 11 acres, 850 feet of guarded beach, open sunrise to sunset daily
The main attraction: Palm Beach County’s southernmost stretch of sand, South Inlet Park is — no surprise here — just south of the Boca Raton Inlet. Picnickers will find plentiful tables, grills and shelters, and large groups can rent the roomy, arched pavilion that overlooks the inlet. There’s a playground and swings for kids, fishermen can cast lines from a jetty and snorkelers can check out the 17,000 tons of limestone boulders in 12 feet of water.
Nearby points of interest: Look south. See that pier down there? That’s the Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier, and if you’re up to a 2½-mile, round-trip walk.
South Inlet Park: 1100 S. Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton; 561-629-8775
Laura Lordi is the digital strategy editor for The Palm Beach Post. Contact Lordi at 561-542-6249 or llordi@pbpost.com. Instagram: @LauraDLordi
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Beaches near me: Attractions, facts on beaches in Palm Beach County
