Thinking about a beach vacation in Palm Beach County? With endless white sand and stunning blue waters, experiencing the best West Palm Beach beaches is a must. Comprising coastal waterways and a barrier island, West Palm Beach is known for family-friendly beaches, fishing piers, and epic sunsets.
Located on Florida’s Southeast coast, West Palm Beach offers sparkling sand and warm waters while also being a hub of entertainment and nightlife. For couples seeking a romantic escape or families searching for their next vacation, the glitzy and glamorous city has something for everyone—whether it’s cocktails under the cabana, kayaking off the coast, or surfing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ready to plan an unforgettable trip? Find what you’re looking for at one of these pristine beaches in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, FL.
Looking for more vacation ideas? Check out all our other beach guides and our West Palm Beach Travel Guide and Florida Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
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Palm Beach
Known for epic sunrises facing the endless Atlantic Ocean, Palm Beach is arguably the most popular beach in Palm Beach County. With the beach’s beauty and the welcoming, warm water, locals love to go to Palm Beach throughout the year, while travelers flock to its white-sand beaches during the summer.
Flanked by the highrise accommodation on Palm Beach Island, the public beach is an excellent spot to base yourself while in West Palm Beach. Wake up to Atlantic sunrise views and enjoy a morning swim before renting out a beach cabana as the mercury rises. Or, for a more active outing, embark on a biking adventure on the Lake Trail, one of the most scenic biking trails in Florida.
Palm Beach Island is also home to some of the top-rated things to do in West Palm Beach. Separated from the mainland with the help of Lake Worth Lagoon, the island teems with attractions like museums and art galleries for exciting post-swim activities. There are also plenty of oceanside restaurants and delicious dining options to indulge all your cravings.
Delray Beach
With a great location alongside the happening Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach is one of the best beaches in West Palm Beach. The scenic coastline spans for miles and is home to all your favorite beach activities, from sunbathing and swimming to boogie boarding and kitesurfing.
Within Gulfstream Park, Delray Beach is also home to some amazing marine life. Ditch the boogie board and put on your snorkel gear for the chance to spot some turtles swimming beneath the surface.
Delray Beach has some fantastic amenities that’ll help you enjoy your day on the sand. With a lifeguard on duty, you can tuck into your book without worry. The showers will help everyone dust off before turning on the BBQ grills and sitting down at the picnic tables for food & drinks.
Behind the beach itself lies the Pineapple Grove Arts District, one of the coolest places to see in Delray Beach. At this popular local destination, you’ll find an eclectic mix of boutique stores, murals, and sculptures along Artists Alley. Head to Pineapple Grove for some fun non-beach activities and family-friendly restaurants and dining options.
Juno Beach Park
On the northern end of Palm Beach is the dog-friendly Juno Beach, one of the top coastal spots to watch the sunset. If your dog is joining you on your adventures, head to this stretch of gorgeous sand with an impressive spread of activities.
The laid-back Juno Beach Park spans for miles, providing plenty of room for your furry friend to run amok—whether on the grass, on the sand, or in the water. The beach also offers an abundance of free parking.
As you walk along Juno Beach enjoying the cool Atlantic breeze, you’ll notice the colorful seashells dotting the shoreline. After collecting some snail shells, continue toward the 990-foot fishing pier. Stop here for some fishing into the deep waters. You can also hire tackle, poles, and bait. Top off your fun fishing adventure with memorable sunset views with the waves lapping the shore.
Peanut Island
For all the amazing natural beaches near West Palm Beach, one of the best local beaches is actually found on a man-made island. Peanut Island is a constructed island in Lake Worth Lagoon. But with pristine white-sand beaches and stunning turquoise water, its beach is equal to any on this list.
The shallow water of Peanut Island Park makes it popular among local boaters who park their boats on the powder-like sandy beach. From there, boaters and beach-goers alike have a ton of choices for spending their day. The crystal clear water is great for swimming and snorkeling, while the calm lagoon opens up a wide array of opportunities for water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, boating, and sailing.
Snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard around the lake, keeping an eye out for manta rays and manatees. You’ll also see others enjoying fishing, jet skiing, or water skiing. Another popular activity is on land, where history buffs can visit a nuclear fall-out shelter and bunker designed for the late John F. Kennedy during the Cold War.
Carlin Park
A perfect destination for fitness buffs and lovers of live music, and one of the more spectacular West Palm Beach beaches, Carlin Park, has it all. Located in nearby Jupiter, FL, Carlin Park has a variety of facilities for those looking to stay active.
Carlin Park is home to tennis courts and bocce ball areas. You’ll also discover hiking and bike trails featuring a series of immersive training stations.
If you want to play some beach volleyball, Carlin Park is also a great place to do it, too. When you’re ready for a rest, kick back at the cafe or fire up the beachside grills.
In the afternoon, swim offshore to spy on a shipwreck just off the coast. Bring your snorkel gear and explore the ship, now covered in coral and teeming with vibrant sea life.
As the sun falls, Carlin Park often plays host to a variety of live music within its Seabreeze Amphitheater.
Oceanfront Park Beach
Within walking distance of Boynton Beach, Oceanfront Park Beach is a magnificent spot for those who want to escape the crowds. With most choosing to hit up other beaches in West Palm County, you’ll discover a relaxing, quiet spot. You’ll enjoy plenty of shade from the palm trees and calm waters to swim in.
Oceanfront Park Beach is manned by several lifeguards. Along with the pleasant ocean, it’s a top place for swimming along the coast. Chairs and cabana rentals are also available throughout the day. Free beach wheelchairs make the oceanfront more accessible.
Once you’re done enjoying the blue ocean, take a relaxing stroll on Oceanfront Park’s boardwalk. You’ll notice seaside anglers hoping to land their own catch of the day. Visitors can skip the hard work by dining at the Sand Dollar Grill. It’ll surely energize you for round two in the beautiful water!
Ocean Reef Park
As the name suggests, Ocean Reef Park is one of the best places for snorkeling and diving around West Palm Beach. The spectacular reef can be seen at both low and high tide, presenting equally great experiences for beginner and experienced divers. The common dive areas are also under the watchful eye of lifeguards to keep everyone safe.
To rest up for your getaway, enjoy lunch at the picnic tables or in the group picnic pavilion while the young ones frolic at the playground. Ocean Reef Park is home to some gorgeous dune ecosystems, best explored on the boardwalks. Along the way, you’ll also pass a series of saltwater fishing areas.
After catching a sunset on the golden dunes of Ocean Reef Park, walk or drive the short distance to explore the rest of Singer Island. The beachfront promenade is great for some evening entertainment and a lovely meal at one of the restaurants after a day of diving the reefs.
Lake Worth Beach
A top spot for families, Lake Worth Beach has lifeguards on duty, playgrounds, and an expansive area for the kids to run around. With several amenities from restrooms to showers and ample parking, it isn’t hard to see how Lake Worth Municipal Beach got its reputation.
It’s not just a great beach for kids, either. Surfers and anglers love Lake Worth for its consistent surf and the famous Municipal Pier. The beloved pier stretches well off the coast. It’s a popular spot for fishing and yet another wonderful place for locals and travelers to catch epic sunset views.
If you’re tired of the sun, you can hire beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas. For lunch or evening fun, Lake Worth Beach has a casino just steps from the pier. Come here for some friendly blackjack, eats, drinks, and Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream.
Riviera Beach
The perfect launch spot for the area’s best beaches, Riviera Beach is a must-see for visitors, even if you only have 24 hours in West Palm Beach. Just ten minutes to the north, this coastal town is home to other beaches on this list, including Peanut Island and Ocean Reef Park.
From Riviera Beach, you can catch the shuttle boat to Peanut Island or launch your jet skis from Bicentennial Park. From town, you can also cross the lagoon onto the barrier islands via Phil Foster Park to check out the glorious Atlantic coastline.
RELATED: Best Areas to Stay in West Palm Beach
After jet skiing or baking in the sun, enjoy an envious selection of great dining and nightlife, from Johnny Longboats to the Islander Grill and Tiki Bar.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
A part of North Palm Beach and just 15 minutes from West Palm Beach lies John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. As the lone beach state park in the area, the beach belongs on this list purely based on its natural beauty and two hiking trails.
The pleasant sandy shores and untouched landscapes make John D. MacArthur Beach a popular destination with locals and travelers alike. On the barrier island and away from major development, the coastline here is a great place to go for serene quiet.
The park attracts a lot of wildlife, particularly along its nature trail. The boardwalk takes visitors through habitats harboring herons and sandpipers among a wealth of other flora and fauna. As for the water, the beach is a fantastic spot for kayaking and snorkeling. Just be aware that there aren’t any lifeguards on duty here.
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