The name says it all about Palm Beach County. The shoreline is highlighted by swaying palms, golden-hued sand and the shimmering blue ocean. Wide flat beaches are the norm, and you'll find plenty to keep you happy. The summers here are prime turtle nesting season, and if you're lucky you might get to see one crawl on the beach and carefully lay its eggs. From deserted beaches to trendy nightlife, you can't go wrong. Beaches and parks are listed geographically from north to south. Jupiter's beaches have been a retreat for surfers and beachgoers for decades. Twenty years ago, you would have found nothing but sand dunes covered in sea grapes and Australian pines, but this area has been developed into a perfect spot for your next visit. Starting at the Jupiter Inlet, stop by Dubois Park, with more than 1,200 feet of tropical palm-lined beach, as well as playgrounds and picnic pavilions. This park is a relaxing favorite. Carlin Park is a beautiful beach park with an exercise trail and picnic areas with grills, showers and lifeguards.
Ocean Cay Park features a playground, showers, pavilions and restrooms. There are many access points along the beachfront road, most with street parking and showers. A wide sidewalk spans most of the beachfront making a nice place for walking, rollerblading or biking. Jupiter Beach Park also has wheelchairs available. Jupiter's neighbor to the south, Juno beach features more unspoiled, wide, sea-oat-dappled beaches that will leave you wanting to come back for more. Juno Beach Park and Fishing Pier features a guarded beach. There are covered picnic areas, restrooms and showers and a 990-foot fishing pier. It's the perfect spot to fish and swim. A little bit south you'll find Loggerhead Park, which features nature trails, a Loggerhead Marinelife Center, picnic area, bike path, tennis courts and beach wheelchairs. More public beach access points dot this area. This barrier island features some of the area's nicest parks. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park boasts a maritime hammock and mangroves, two miles of oceanfront beach, a boardwalk, picnic areas, a nature center with guided tours and live exhibits.
Calm surf makes this a good spot for families. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park Phil Foster Park is another favorite if you have young children. There are boat tours available, as well as concessions and a 24-hour boat ramp. Riviera Beach Marina features lifeguards, as well as restaurants and a shopping plaza. Ocean Reef Park public beach offers lifeguards, a playground, saltwater fishing areas and picnic tables. Although Palm Beach is considered a playground for the rich and famous, and you'll find plenty of glamour, trendy restaurants, and high-end shopping on this island, the beaches are still some of the areas’ best. R.G. Kreusler Park is a unique property that includes 450-feet of guarded beach and a manicured lawn area where palm trees blowing in the sea breeze offer shade for picnics or lounging. Town of Palm Beach Municipal Beach Central Palm Beach County The central portion of Palm Beach County is dotted with a number of towns and beach parks.
Along most of the beachfront roads, you'll find beach access, though not always with facilities. There are a number of larger parks you can choose from. Lake Worth Municipal Beach is nice if you are looking for more crowds. This lively park has a 1,200-foot beach with lifeguards, cabana rentals, beach chair and boogie board rentals, a playground and a restaurant. Ocean Inlet Park in Ocean Ridge, a quiet residential community, is on the Intracoastal Waterway. This park features jetties to fish from, a marina, a playground, an ocean overlook, picnic areas and more than 1,100 feet of sparkling beach. South Palm Beach County From Boynton Beach to Boca Raton, this area features warm, sparkling water and wide, soft beaches. Boynton Beach's Oceanfront Park features a beautiful boardwalk that skirts the dunes. This is a classic beach with ocean swimming, grills, picnic areas, a snack bar and restrooms. Gulfstream Park is a quiet place with a 600-foot beach. It's a good spot if you'd like to surf fish or relax.
Delray Municipal Beach is a 7,000-foot beach with designated areas for swimming, surfing, volleyball, sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling and kite flying. For your comfort there are cabanas available to rent. Atlantic Dunes Municipal Park is a family beach with more than seven acres to explore. Wander the white sandy beaches or try the nature walk through a tropical tree canopy. Spanish River Park features 95 pristine acres and a half-mile beach. There are pavilions, boat docks and nature trails. Red Reef Park has 67-acres of developed oceanfront area and a 680-foot boardwalk along the dunes. South Inlet Park has beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Fishing, surfing, windsurfing and swimming are popular here, and a pier and rock jetty offer great views. South Beach Park and Pavilion has nearly 1,700 feet of glistening sandy beach and 25 preserved acres that line the sparkling blue ocean. All pictures by Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA Enjoy Your Vacation With Sea Pines Plantation's Favorite Bicycle Rental Company.