John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a nature reserve along the Atlantic coast of Palm Beach County with mangrove forests, tropical woodlands, and protected coastal ecosystems. The park features wide sandy shores and a network of pathways where visitors can walk, swim, and explore the different habitats throughout the area.

The land became a state park in 1989 to protect vital nesting and resting grounds for endangered sea turtles and native plant species. This preservation effort grew from increasing recognition of how valuable Florida's coastal landscapes are for wildlife survival.

The Nature Center reflects how locals and visitors connect with this coastal landscape through observation and learning about what lives here. It shows the importance of this place for understanding the balance between beach, water, and forest in the region.

The park is open from early morning until sunset and offers swimming areas, trails for walking, and places to rent kayaks. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are spread throughout the grounds, making it easy to spend a full day exploring at your own pace.

Every year thousands of sea turtles nest in the park, mainly loggerhead and green turtles that dig into the sand to lay their eggs. The nesting season spans several months, and visitors occasionally witness newly hatched turtles crawling toward the water.

Location: Florida

Inception: 1989

Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-d-macarthur-beach-state-park

GPS coordinates: 26.83110,-80.04610

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40