MacArthur Beach State Park is not only one of the best state parks in Florida, it is one of my favorite places on the planet. Located on the the northern end of Singer Island, the easiest access is from I95 to PGA Blvd east to the park. This park is one of the more unique parks around it spans a number of completely different ecosystems. You park on the western side of the park, and if you head towards the beach you will pass by the Nature Center and amphitheater through the woods and out onto a long wooden bridge that takes you over the northern end of the Lake Worth Lagoon. From the bridge not only will you see fish jumping out of the water but you are likely to see a very wide variety bird life, and a number of kayakers. Once you arrive at the eastern end of the bridge you are in the mangroves, and you are free to explore them along designated trails, expect to see butterflies of all sorts of sizes and colors, also expect to see amazing spider webs. If you choose to skip the trails and head to the beach, you have an expansive beach, and a protected dune, with sea-grapes stabilizing the dunes. Once you enter the water, you will be amazed to see the reef, it is mainly fossilized coral, but that does not mean there is no life. Swimming along the reef is like swimming in a giant aquarium, the fish are everywhere. Unfortunately, today the surf was up and I was unable to take photos of the reef, but that only means I will have to come back and add a part two.
Before you leave make sure you take time to stop by the Nature Center, it is designed for kids but informative for all ages. It is full of live examples of what is living in the mangroves, lagoon and reef. The center also has a theater with educational videos, and an amphitheater for summer camp. The center also contains a gift shop and kayak outfitter. If you are going kayaking, you will have miles of mangrove coastline to explore as well as Munyon Island which is only accessible by boat. This once famous island housed the Hotel Hygeia, that was destroyed by fire almost a hundred years ago. So please come by for a day, you wont be disappointed, this is one of the truly great parks in Florida.
Nature Center Loggerhead Turtle
- Mangrove tank
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