If you walk outside, get in your car, and drive east, you’ll come across Florida’s coastline, a haven of recreation and relaxation. While inland, you’ll meet marshland with muck and alligators. Out at the sea in Palm Beach County, the beach is our home.
Hanging out by the water is a South Florida tradition, shaping our lifestyle, clothing, and culture. With tourists from all over the country flocking to our shores, it’s important to ask: What beaches are the best for students – Florida residents like you and me – to pay a visit? Whether it’s an old childhood spot or a newly discovered hidden gem, the beaches in Palm Beach County are, in my opinion, some of the best.
When I take a trip to the beach, I’m looking for many different facets to complete the experience: close proximity to urban environments; clear, sparkling waters with huge waves; smooth sand; beautiful photo opportunities; reliable parking; and minimal crowds. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
- Carlin Park, Jupiter
Carlin Park Beach boasts a wide white beachfront sloping into the sparkling blue waters, making for a breathtaking view. You’ll see an amphitheater and a cafe on your way down to the beach, which complement the experience well. However, there’s not a lot happening there; it’s a solid time for beachgoers, but it gets crowded, and there isn’t much in the surrounding areas. There could be more to make the time more meaningful.
Water quality: 4/5
Sand quality: 4/5
Surrounding area: 2/5
Parking ease: 2/5
Photogenic: 2/5
Crowd: 1/5
Overall: 3/5
- Dubois Park, Jupiter
Situated next to an inlet, Dubois Park looks unassuming at first sight, a blip on the map. It sits next to a public marina, and the related infrastructure on the beach is hard to ignore. The beach is a prime spot for snorkeling and fishing off the dock. It gets extremely crowded, with lots of kids running around at all times. While the scenery leaves something to be desired, the shallow waters, which echo the image of a water park, and the many sprawling hidden areas of coastal wilderness off to the side to explore make this beach a unique spot to spend the day.
Water quality: 3/5
Sand quality: 3/5
Surrounding area: 2/5
Parking ease: 4/5
Photogenic: 2/5
Crowd: 1/5
Overall: 3.5/5
- Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach
The main appeal of this beach is the expansive Loggerhead Marinelife Center close by, which provides a wonderful time for all ages alike. It hosts events that range from star-watching nights to releasing healed sea turtles back into the wild. The beach is usually packed with people, but features such as golden-brown sand and clear waters make it worthwhile. Another major plus is that it is near the Juno Beach pier and restaurants, such as 16 Handles Frozen Yogurt and Papa Kwan’s Coffee Shop, which pair nicely with a day at the beach.
Water quality: 5/5
Sand quality: 5/5
Surrounding area: 5/5
Parking ease: 2/5
Photogenic: 3/5
Crowd: 1/5
Overall: 4/5
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a jewel of the coast and a prime example of where the swamp meets the sea. It’s extremely photogenic with top-tier sand quality and beautiful blue waters. There are a couple of downsides to this beach, though; the long walk to the bridge may turn away people who are looking for a casual, quick beach experience, and it can get crowded, making parking a chore. But if you’re looking for a nice day enjoying the Florida wildlife on a sunny day, this is the place for you.
Water quality: 5/5
Sand quality: 5/5
Surrounding area: 3/5
Parking ease: 2/5
Photogenic: 5/5
Crowd: 2/5
Overall: 4.5/5
- Ocean Reef Park, Riviera Beach
This one wins on all fronts. In addition to the popular snorkeling around the ocean reef, the defining features of this beach are the sprawling rock formations across the sand, which spread out deep into the water. The rocks host a variety of marine life, such as barnacles and algae, which crown the edges of pools. You can spot many birds in the area, and the rich vegetation farther from the shore provides a habitat for different animals. The distinctiveness of the landscape makes it especially photogenic, along with its great snorkeling opportunities. Crowding can be a little bit of an issue, and the surrounding area isn’t rife with options. But its close proximity to restaurants, such as Coconuts on the Beach, is a major plus.
Water quality: 5/5
Sand quality: 5/5
Surrounding area: 4/5
Parking ease: 5/5
Photogenicness: 5/5
Crowd: 4/5
Overall: 5/5
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The 12.62 acres that compose Ocean Reef Park are connected by a bridge. On its east is the ocean water; on its west, grills, a picnic pavilion, a playground, a parking lot, and restrooms can be found.
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Discussing amongst each other, the beachgoers approach the water at Ocean Reef Park. Tag, castle building, and running are all activities that children participate in at beaches.
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With a bucket in both hands, a little girl at Ocean Reef Park collects water from the ocean to bring back to a bucket on the beach she previously filled with sand. She mixes the ocean water and sand to create a mud-like substance that she can use to make sand sculptures.
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Playing with a volleyball, teenagers partake in different beach activities at Ocean Reef Park in Riviera Beach. This includes frisbee, snorkeling, and surfing.
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As the incoming tide washes up on the shores of Ocean Reef Park in Riviera Beach, a gradient of blue-green colors can be seen in the water. The colors seem to change due to factors such as location, angle of the viewer, and temperature.
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Facing toward the ocean and away from the shining sun, tourists and residents are under a 9 UV (ultraviolet) index at Ocean Reef Park on March 9. A high UV can damage the skin of beachgoers, potentially leading to skin cancer in the long term. However, buildings west of the park and umbrellas that visitors bring create shadows in the afternoon hours and provide shade from the sun.
