John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
North Palm Beach, Florida · Palm Beach County
This state park paddle follows the protected, mangrove-lined Lake Worth Lagoon out to Munyon Island, reachable only by water. Flat and beginner-friendly, it suits paddlers who want calm conditions over open surf. Manatees, rays, sea turtles and wading birds show up along the way, especially at higher tide. On-site rentals mean you don't need your own board to go.
The Paddle
The route runs through the mangrove-fringed Lake Worth Lagoon estuary out to Munyon Island, a small island reachable only by paddling or boating in, with its own boardwalk once you land. Water stays flat and protected most days, and paddling over the seagrass flats at mid to high tide is when manatees, rays, sea turtles and wading birds are easiest to spot. Go early, when wind is lightest.
Launch & Parking
Private paddlers launch from a sandy beach near the north parking lot. Getting in means paying the state park's per-vehicle gate fee, about $5 for a full carload or $4 for a single visitor.
Rentals
The Beach Outfitters Gift Shop rents both kayaks and paddleboards on-site, with rentals starting at 9 am and the last one going out at 3 pm; everything needs to be back by 4 pm. On windier days, expect rentals to pause once gusts climb past about 20 mph.
Rules & Safety
The lagoon is mostly protected, but open stretches catch wind fast, and there's some current to work against depending on tide. Statewide paddleboard rules apply on this water too; the summary below covers them.
Before You Go
Island Water Sports in Delray Beach is 25.1 miles from MacArthur Beach. Come by for a paddleboard, paddle, leash and dry bag if you'd rather bring your own gear than rent on-site, or book a lesson before taking on open lagoon wind.
Florida paddleboard rules
Outside designated swimming, surfing, and bathing areas, Florida and the U.S. Coast Guard treat a stand-up paddleboard as a vessel, which means basic boating rules apply. Carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, and children under 6 must wear theirs while the board is underway. You also need a whistle or other sound device audible for at least half a nautical mile, and after sunset or in poor visibility, a flashlight or lantern with a white light to signal your position. Inside a marked swimming or surfing area these vessel rules do not apply. Non-motorized paddleboards under 16 feet do not need Florida registration. Rules can change, so check current FWC guidance before you paddle.
Summarized from FWC and U.S. Coast Guard guidance, verified 2026-08-12. Rules can change; check current FWC guidance.
FAQ
Is John D. MacArthur Beach State Park good for beginner paddlers?
Yes, it's rated beginner-friendly. The Lake Worth Lagoon stays flat and protected most days, though open stretches can catch wind.
Can you rent a paddleboard at MacArthur Beach State Park?
Yes, the Beach Outfitters Gift Shop rents both kayaks and SUPs on-site, with the last rental going out at 3 pm and gear due back by 4 pm.
Is there an entry fee to paddle at MacArthur Beach State Park?
Yes, the state park charges its standard per-vehicle gate fee, about $5 for a full carload or $4 for a single visitor.
Nearby paddle spots
Riviera BeachLoxahatchee River / Riverbend Park
JupiterLake Boca Raton
Boca RatonSullivan Park / Deerfield Island
Deerfield Beach