Florida Guide > State Parks
JOHN D MCARTUR PARK
John D Mc Arthur Beach State Park is situated 2 miles south of the intersections of PGA Boulevard and the US 1 in Palm Beach County. This park has an impressive 337 acres, one third of which is submerged.
It was donated to the State in the 1970s by John D Mc Arthur who was concerned about the erosion of the natural landscape by urbanisation. He also provided a fund through a foundation to help with the maintaining and development of the area.
Native Americans were the first known inhabitants of the island and the park has many examples of bones, pottery and shells from this era. These are mostly found on the middens; which document an areas social history perfectly.
The park is a natural barrier island that has an intriguing blend of mangrove forest and coastal hammock. This provides a perfect environment for many endangered plant species and brown pelicans, sandpipers and gulls.
There are 2 miles of pristinr beach for you to walk or relax on and swimming is allowed in some designated areas. Do take sunscreen in the summer months as it gets very hot.
The Visitor Center is very impressive with a 15 minute video, live animal exhibits and hisorical artefacts. In the planning is a huge turtle tank holding 1000 gallons of water; this may well be completed by the time you visit.
There are 3 trails for you to enjoy; one is reached by a 1600 feet boardwalk that takes you over Lake Worth Cove. Take a moment here to observe the wildlife. When you reach the end of the boardwalk take the trail that leads you through lush vegetation and gumbo limbo and strangler figs. Along the beach line you will see pelicans and terns among the beach lavender and beach star.
Along with many of the State Parks, they have turtles breeding on the beach and care must be taken not to disturb them. In the winter, you may well see a manatee as they seek out the rivers and estuaries to escape the cold sea waters
This park runs an impressive array of special events; among them is yoga, guided walks, music, kayak tours and birding walks. Contact the park to see what is happening during your visit.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
10900 S. R. 703 (A1A)
North Palm Beach, Florida 33408
Phone: 561-624-6950
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, Inc.
10900 State Road 703
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
Visitor Service Provider
Park Gift Shop
Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, Inc.
P. O. Box 32395
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420-2395
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