West Palm Beach offers many great things to do, including breathtaking public beaches to choose from, attracting large crowds of locals and tourists all through the year. Some of the beaches around West Palm Beach are relatively simple and untouched, while others come complete with useful amenities and extra features like playgrounds and parks. Click here for parking locations and rates.
West Palm Beach is a one hour day trip from Miami (72.4 miles via I-95 N):
John D. Macarthur Beach State Park
Many of the beaches around West Palm Beach are quite touristic and built-up, with lots of nearby hotels and restaurants, but if you're looking for a simpler, more pristine beach experience in the area, John D. Macarthur Beach is a great place to go. The area is relatively untouched, offering splendid sights of natural Floridian beauty in every direction. There aren't any lifeguards here, but swimming can be enjoyed on calm days. Fishing isn't bad here too and there are several nice walking trails along the beachfront.
Palm Beach
No list of West Palm Beach beaches can be complete without Palm Beach. Well-known and beloved by countless people for its unique beauty and relaxing atmosphere, this family-friendly location provides soft sand, warm water, and plenty of possibilities for wildlife sightings too. The local area is also a lot of fun to explore, with various art exhibits, gardens, and walking trails to be enjoyed just off the beach itself, so you can spend a full day around Palm Beach and always have new things to do and discover.
Lake Worth Beach
For families in the West Palm Beach area, Lake Worth Beach is one of the top choices. Lifeguards are always on duty here to provide maximum safety for all swimmers, and there's a huge play area for youngsters to enjoy as well. Restrooms and large parking spaces complete the long list of amenities at this West Palm Beach location, and there are several great bars and eateries just a short walk away. Surfers and angling enthusiasts will have fun at this beach as well, so it's a great all-round location for every kind of activity.
Juno Beach
If you want to visit a West Palm Beach with your furry friend, Juno Beach is the one for you. Unfortunately for man's best friend, many beaches in the area don't allow dogs to enter, but Juno Beach does. It's also a super spot for families and all kinds of beach-goers, with swimming, surfing, fishing and more all enjoyable at this location. There's an extra long pier at Juno Beach too, which can be lovely to walk along at any time of day. Restrooms and picnic tables are found here as well, so you have all the amenities you need for a full day of fun in the sun.
Delray Beach
Beloved by locals and adored by any tourists who have ever taken the time to visit it, Delray Beach is one of the best beaches in the West Palm Beach area. The local town is also a lovely spot to spend the day, with a lot of nice shops to explore, a thriving art district, and good quality dining options. There's also a lot of green space in the nearby West Delray Regional Park, which features a large lake and lots of hiking trails.
As for the beach itself, visitors will be able to enjoy the typically warm Florida waters and soft sands of this, so it's an ideal location for sunbathing and casual swimming.
Carlin Park
Located in the little town of Jupiter, Carlin Park is one of the prettiest and most popular beaches around West Palm Beach. It's a large space with a lot to offer, including walking trails and free outdoor exercise equipment, and accessing this beach is very easy too, with lots of ample free parking areas. Several pavilions can be found around the park, along with a play area for kids and the local Seabreeze Amphitheater, which hosts various events and live entertainment shows throughout the year.
Peanut Island
Set in the middle of Lake Worth Lagoon, Peanut Island offers a tropical escape with towering coconut trees, soft sand beaches, and some of Florida’s clearest waters. It’s no wonder the 80-acre island is a weekend favorite amongst visitors and locals. Aside from relaxing on the beach and mingling in shallow off-shore water, beachgoers can snorkel in the island’s reef and lagoon. Snorkelers will be able to spot parrotfish, angelfish, cushion starfish, and sometimes even manatees. Inland, a paved trail is available for those wanting to explore the island along with boardwalks venturing through mangroves and above the reef. Peanut Island offers free admission to the public and has a dock for private boats. Public ferries are also available for travel to the island.
Address: Peanut Island, Palm Beach, Florida 33404
Ocean Reef Park
Families will find everything they need for a perfect beach day at Ocean Reef Park. The guarded beach is home to clear and peaceful waters along with several sea shells scattered along the shore waiting to be discovered by curious youngsters. The ocean is booming with marine life, also making it a popular spot for snorkeling. When out of the water, families can spend time at the playground, relax under ample shade from the trees, or grill a delicious meal in one of the picnic areas and covered pavilions. The park also offers water fountains, restroom facilities, and outdoor showers. Another bonus offered by Ocean Reef Park—and a rare finding in Florida—is the free parking!
Address: 3860 N Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach, Florida 33404; Phone: 561-966-6600
Oceanfront Park
Looking for a seaside adventure with the entire family? Featuring facilities catered to every age from toddlers to adults, Oceanfront Park is a great stop for families of all ages. The park offers recreational areas such as separate playgrounds for elementary-aged kids and toddlers, along with a fitness space for adults. At the beach, there’s ample space for relaxation with cabanas, lounge chairs, and umbrellas available for rent. Parents will have some peace of mind knowing that lifeguards are always on duty and park staff is all certified or licensed first responders. Those visiting the park between March and October may also have the special opportunity of witnessing sea turtles nesting above the shore. Just be sure to observe them from a distance in order to avoid disrupting the nature.
Address: 6415 N. Ocean Boulevard, Ocean Ridge, Florida 33435; Phone: 561-742-6565
