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West Palm Resort Guide

Beaches near West Palm Beach

Downtown West Palm Beach faces the Intracoastal, not the ocean, so a beach day means a short drive or ride. These public beaches are the easiest to reach.

Reviewed October 2026

Beach Where Good for Know before you go
Palm Beach Municipal Beach 300 block of South Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach, just north of Worth Avenue An ocean beach close to shopping Parking nearby can be hard to find
Ocean Reef Park 3860 North Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach (Singer Island) Swimming with lifeguards 700 feet of guarded beach; open sunrise to sunset
Phil Foster Park 900 East Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach, by the Blue Heron Bridge Snorkeling and calm-water swimming Snorkel trail in 6 to 10 feet of water; open sunrise to sunset
Peanut Island In the Intracoastal near the Lake Worth Inlet, Riviera Beach Snorkeling lagoon, picnics, camping Boat access only; no food or rentals on the island
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive, North Palm Beach Swimming, snorkeling, a nature center $5 per vehicle; open 8 a.m. to sunset

Phil Foster Park and the Blue Heron Bridge

Palm Beach County built an artificial reef at Phil Foster Park: a two-acre snorkel trail of limestone boulders and reef modules in 6 to 10 feet of water. The county says squid, octopus, spotted rays and starfish are regularly seen, and the Blue Heron Bridge area is known internationally for its marine life. Taking tropical fish or marine plants is prohibited. The beach is guarded; call 561-624-0065 for daily beach conditions.

Peanut Island

Peanut Island is a 37-acre county park reached only by boat. Two independently run water taxis serve it: the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat (561-777-0438) and the Palm Beach Water Taxi (561-683-8294). There's a snorkeling lagoon, swimming beaches (the county notes the swimming area is currently unguarded during the week), and 17 reservable tent sites. Bring food and water: there's no concession or rental stand. Alcohol is allowed only in camping permit areas.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

This state park in North Palm Beach is open 8 a.m. to sunset every day, for $5 per vehicle. Swimming, surfing and snorkeling are popular; the park says the reef is a short swim from shore. Its nature center has aquariums and exhibits. Check the park's page for restroom closures before you go.

Beach safety

  • Swim near a lifeguard where you can.
  • Check the day's surf and rip current conditions before you get in.
  • Protect sea turtles: balloons are banned at Peanut Island for this reason.

Sources