Message from the Manager

Spring is here and before we know it, summer will be upon us. Over the next 6 months, there will be a number of events for you to enjoy.

Our monthly moonlight concerts will continue through May. In June, July & August, the sun sets too late for a “moonlight” event. The concerts will return in September. There are also a number of visitor programs each month, such as introduction to snorkeling, kayaking, castnetting, birding and many more.

Please come by and see our re-landscaped park entrance and Ranger Station. The facelift has received many positive comments from park visitors as well as from our volunteers. It was possible because of the continued support of the “Friends of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park,” our Citizen Support Organization.

Our 2004 sea turtle nesting season began with a Leatherback nest in early March. This endangered creature was only the second one known to have nested in Florida so far this year. The staff anticipates larger than average Green Turtle nesting this year as well. Our ranger-led turtle walks are very popular and every available reservation is usually taken on the first day.

There used to be distinctive visitor season here in South Florida. Now, the various groups seem to overlap, resulting in our being busier than ever. During our 2003/3004 fiscal year, the park attendance for John D. MacArthur Beach State Park exceeded the 100,000 mark for the 1st time in its history.

Many of our visitors are students from local schools. The park has a variety of educational programs that are developed for Kindergarten through 4th Grade. The park makes a wonderful classroom to help make the children, who will be the future caretakers of the environment, more aware and appreciative of “the Real Florida.”

Sincerely,

Terry Coulliette Park Manager

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is located 2.8 miles south of the intersection of U.S.1 and PGA Blvd. on A1A in North Palm Beach.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 S.R. 703 (A1A) North Palm Beach, Florida 33408 Phone: 561-624-6950 Fax: 561-624-6954 Park Manager: Terence Coulliette