Palm Beach and Treasure Coast's Best Beaches

Palm Beach and Treasure Coast's Best Beaches

Delray

If you're looking for a place to see and be seen, head for Delray's wide expanse of sand, which stretches 2 mi, half of it supervised by lifeguards. Reefs off the coast are popular with divers, as is a sunken Spanish galleon less than ½ mi offshore from the Seagate Club on the south end of the beach. Pros: good for swimmers and sunbathers; bars and restaurants across the street; cabanas and catamarans available for rent. Con: often a long walk to the public rest rooms.

John D. MacArthur State Park

If getting far from the madding crowd is your goal, John D. MacArthur State Park on the north end of Singer Island is a good choice. You will find a great place for snorkeling, kayaking, bird-watching, and fishing. Part of the beach was once dedicated to topless bathers, but that is no longer the case. Pros: guides to local flora and fauna are available; a good place to spot sea turtles. Con: beach is a long walk from the parking lot.

Juno Beach

Juno Beach sports a 990-foot pier and a bait shop for those who like to spend their morning fishing. But the shoreline itself is a favorite for families with kids who drag along sand toys, build castles, and hunt for shells. Pros: concession stand and a bait shop. Con: beach isn't as wide as others.

Red Reef Park

Looking for a great place to snorkel? This Boca Raton beach is just the ticket, and it doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a pro. The reef is only about 50 feet off shore. Expect to see tropical fish and maybe even a manatee or two. Pros: the park's showers and bathrooms are kept clean and there's a playground for kids. Con: if you go at low tide, you're not going to see as many tropical fish.

Stuart Beach

When the waves robustly roll in at Stuart Beach, the surfers are rolling in, too. Beginning surfers are especially keen on Stuart Beach because of its ever-vigilant lifeguards, while pros to the sport like the challenges the choppy waters here bring. Beach-goers with kids like the snack bar known for its chicken fingers, and for those who like a side of museum musing with their day in the sun can view an impressive collection of antique cars at a museum just steps from the beach. Pros: parking is easy to find, and there are three boardwalks for easy access to the beach. Con: sand and surf can be rocky.