John D MacArthur Beach State Park

Top choice


While this state park is one of the smallest in the region (438 acres), it has some of the best turtle-watching programs around. Loggerhead, green and leatherback turtles nest along the beach between May and August. It's home to aquariums and a spectacular 1600ft boardwalk spanning the mangroves of Lake Worth Cove. The on-site nature center offers kayak rental (unguided; single kayak $12 per hour).

In June and July, lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of hatching baby sea turtles during the ranger-led turtle walks, led nightly at 8:30pm.


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