John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

A unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest, this barrier island provides a haven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species.

The park's nature center shows visitors why the park is a biological treasure. Visitors can swim, picnic and surf at the beach; snorkeling is also a popular activity. Birdwatchers may see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers and gulls. Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading or kayaking. Additionally, visitors can fish from non-swimming areas of the beach.

Experiences

Boating
Boaters can access Munyon Island by tying up to the protected docks available on the island’s west shore, adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. While at the island, visitors can enjoy picnicking at one of several picnic pavilions, hiking trails, fishing, bird watching, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Paddling
Rent one of our single or double kayaks and explore the estuary. Manatees, Great Blue Herons and Osprey are some of the wildlife you will see. Call the Beach Outfitters and Gift Store at (561) 776-7449, ext. 101, for more details.

Single Kayak - Hourly - $12 / Half-day (4 hours) - $30 / Full Day - $50
Double Kayak - Hourly - $18 / Half-day (4 hours) - $45 / Full Day - $60
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in designated areas. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park.  Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.

Operation Recreation GeoTour
Hiking Nature Trail
The park has three nature trails for visitors to explore.

Picnicking
There are two picnic pavilions and several picnic tables located throughout the park. The North Pavilion (more secluded) has 10 tables and accommodates approximately 80 people. It also has bathrooms, water and electricity. The Nature Center pavilion has nine tables and accommodates approximately 72 people. Electricity is available. Bathrooms, snack machines and a water fountain are located nearby. Grills are also located at each pavilion for visitors to use. The charge to rent one of these pavilions is $100 per day.

Scuba Diving
Snorkeling and scuba diving is permitted. A 'Diver-Down' flag, for snorkelers and divers, is required by law and is available for rent at the Gift Shop.

If you plan on scuba diving, keep in mind the reefs are in shallow water and it is a long haul to take scuba equipment to the beach.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed from anywhere on our beach, depending upon the status of the beach safety flags.

Wildlife Viewing
In addition to numerous species of shore and wading birds, the park is a prime nesting site for sea turtles. Large numbers of loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles nest from early May through late August.

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors.

Those amenities include:

 Beach Wheelchair
 Manual Wheelchair
 Picnic pavilion and benches
 Grills
 Playground
 Beach Access
 Kayak Launch
Beach
Come relax or play on our nearly two miles of pristine beach. Shelling, walking, playing in the waves and watching the beautiful Atlantic are popular activities.

Visitor Center
The nature center features displays depicting the park's natural communities and live animal exhibits. Visitors may also view a 15-minute video on the park. The nature center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m and is your best source of information about the Park.  The Ranger or Volunteer will greet you at the Information Desk, provide details on daily or future events, answer your questions and assist you in getting the most out of your visit.

The interpretive exhibits provide a great opportunity to better understand the history and ecology of the Park, including the Sea Turtle Tank which hosts a resident loggerhead sea turtle, Maritime Hammock/Terrestrial Animals Exhibit, Mangrove Aquarium and Exhibit, Under the Sea Reef Room Aquarium and Exhibit and the Natural Communities Exhibit, a look from land to sea.