In South Florida, Singer Island is a lovely mix of beach fun, nature, and delicious places to eat. It’s a great place for both families looking to enjoy a relaxing vacation and for couples who want to escape to a quieter but equally alluring beach community in Palm Beach County. Here, the days start early at the many waterfront parks and end with casual cocktails as the warm day turns into a star-soaked balmy evening.
This cozy barrier island just out of West Palm Beach has several beautiful beaches where you can watch the sun rise and fall while enjoying the sound of the Atlantic waves. Just minutes away, you’ll discover state parks and famous dive sites where you can catch the best of local flora, fauna, and marine life. Whenever you’re ready, Singer Island’s delectable food scene awaits.
Not sure what to do on Singer Island? Look no further than our complete Singer Island guide, including the best places to eat, drink and stay.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out 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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Things to do in Singer Island, FL
Riviera Beach
Singer Island’s main drag is Ocean Drive, cutting through the heart of town, and delivering you to some of the island’s top attractions. One such attraction is Riviera Beach. There are many great places to enjoy a beach day on Singer Island, but this patch of sand is the most popular.
Riviera Beach is in the busiest part of Singer Island, surrounded by a number of excellent local restaurants and beach-themed bars. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner steps from the ocean, along with golden hour cocktails when your day on the sand is done.
As you walk towards Riviera Beach, you’ll first pass through a lovely park where you’ll find bathrooms, showers, and a playground.
There are also some short trails through the park that are handy for an early morning run or sunset walk. Once you set foot on the beach, you’ll feel right at home, with soft golden sand beneath your feet and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Phil Foster Park
As you drive over to Singer Island from the town of Riviera Beach you’ll briefly touch down at Phil Foster Park. This diminutive island is packed with some of the best things to do on Singer Island. Despite being less than 15 acres, this park has everything you’d want for a day of outdoor adventures.
With balmy water temperatures and more protection than the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, swimming in the Intracoastal Waterway is fun for adventurers young and old. It’s also safe with a designated swim area that’s manned by lifeguards.
If you’re up for further exploration, grab some snorkel gear and find the underwater snorkel trail just offshore from Phil Foster Park. You’ll quickly discover why the area is beloved by marine researchers and scuba divers.
The park is also a great spot to launch your boat as the ramp provides easy access to the waterway. Anglers will also have plenty of opportunities to fish, with a pier and two additional platforms.
Ocean Reef Park
Riviera Beach continues north along the Atlantic Ocean until it merges with Ocean Reef Park. A local favorite, Ocean Reef is home to an 800ft long beach along with an adjoining park that has all the features you need.
Located on North Ocean Drive, Ocean Reef Park’s glistening white sands don’t see the same number of footsteps as Riviera Beach, leaving even more room for you to sunbathe. For those driving, there’s also free and convenient parking just steps from the shore.
Between the car park and the beach is the spacious ten-acre park. Here, you’ll find playgrounds for the little ones, shaded picnic spaces, and BBQ grills for a hearty beachfront lunch.
As for the beach, it’s manned by lifeguards with the opportunity for shore fishing outside of the swim area.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
In North Palm Beach, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a haven for adventurers. With a pristine beach, maritime hammock, a nature center, and more, visiting the park is one of the most popular things to do in West Palm Beach. You’ll have your work cut out trying to do everything in a single day. Luckily, it’s only a ten-minute drive away.
The park opens daily from 8 am until sundown. There’s also a $5 entry fee for each vehicle holding up to eight guests. Once you’ve made your way in, you’ll be met not only with all those shore-based activities but also with plenty of water-based fun.
If you haven’t yet gotten your Palm County beach fix, you can set up shop on the 1.6-mile beach that’s as tranquil as any in Florida. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, put on your hiking shoes and complete the three nature trails through the state park’s various ecosystems and spot rare flora, birds, and turtles.
Why not rent a kayak on Singer Island, explore the park’s lagoon, and make your way around the uninhabited Munyon Island.
Blue Heron Bridge
Blue Heron Bridge isn’t just a connection between Singer Island and the mainland, it’s a remarkable spot for diving enthusiasts as the bridge has created reefs and brought in a rich array of marine life. So much so that the water is studied by researchers from all over the world.
That’s why it’s the perfect spot to experience Singer Island’s vibrant underwater world. Travelers can make their way to Phil Foster Park and snorkel around the bridge’s support structures or sign up for a scuba diving tour that allows you to experience the famous dive site up close.
As you dive down, the diversity of marine life will be on full display. You’ll spot Atlantic long-arm octopus, seahorses, frogfish, stargazers, and rays swimming by the coral and several sunken boats.
Peanut Island Park
Between Singer Island and Riviera Beach, Peanut Island Park is a man-made atoll and an outdoor treasure. Set on Lake Worth Inlet, the island comprises 80 acres of lush landscapes where you can hike, fish, kayak, and explore by boat.
With no access bridge, the only way to get to Peanut Island is via boat. You can venture out on a kayak, your own private vessel, or jump on one of the regular water taxis leaving from Riviera Beach Marina and Sailfish Marina.
Once you’ve arrived on the island, embark on a hike along the 1.25-mile walking trail that meanders around the island’s shore, bringing you to many highlights along the way.
The path connects to an elevated boardwalk that runs across the Lake Worth Lagoon. As you enjoy the views, be sure to look down to spot Peanut Island’s manatees and the beautiful artificial reef.
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Before completing the hike, you’ll come across picnic areas with BBQs along with the island’s relaxing beach.
Manatee Lagoon
The Manatee Lagoon is an educational center that’s entertaining and insightful for families, couples, and solo travelers. You’ll find the center in the Northwood Harbor Historic District back on the mainland. Here, visitors can enjoy seasonal viewings of manatees from the observation deck along with the site’s many interactive exhibits.
From November to the end of March, great numbers of manatees arrive in this part of Florida, attracted by the warm water and the protection of the Intracoastal Waterway. Naturally, this is also the best time to visit.
Manatee Lagoon sheds light on the animals and the importance of Lake Worth Lagoon to the surrounding habitats.
Even if there are no manatees at the center when you visit, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on learning about the animals. Manatee Lagoon is open year-round with a packed calendar of educational programs and events, alongside several fun activities like art classes and yoga by the water.
Where to eat & drink
No holiday, weekend getaway, or staycation is complete without good food. Singer Island has a great mix of breakfast, lunch, and dinner joints that are more than just a place to keep hunger at bay. No, they’re a place to celebrate your adventures and toast to another great day!
To start your morning off right, make your way to Beach Court. Right behind Riviera Beach, the court is home to Paradise Coffee, serving coffee how you love it, plus invigorating cold brews.
A short walk from the coffee joint is Castaway’s Craft Beer & Pizza. Steps from the beach, this is a great option for lunch or a post-swim beer. Another great lunch and dinner option is The Island Grill & Tiki Bar. Come for the American fare and stay for drinks by the pool.
For pub grub and a laid-back atmosphere, start your evening on Singer Island at Seaside Bar and Grill. with their full bar, TVs along with darts, and pool tables. For fantastic seafood and a breezy outdoor patio, you can’t go wrong with Johnny Longboats. Their central location also adds an electric atmosphere, especially on the weekends.
When it comes to enjoying a drink or three on Singer Island, Two Drunken Goats is the place to be. The beach-themed bar and restaurant comes with Mexican-American cuisine and a lively outdoor patio.
Where to stay
Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Palm Beaches Resort
Wake up to a private beachfront with a night at the Hilton Oceanfront Palm Beaches Resort. Featuring a wide range of modern amenities and spacious suites, this Singer Island resort is a fantastic choice for everything from a couples getaway to a family vacation. After roaming the seashore, chill out in the kid-friendly outdoor pool area and one of the on-site restaurants.
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
Located on the sandy shores, this popular resort & spa is the perfect choice for families or couples wanting a little extra space. The modern suites are fitted with full kitchens and private balconies with views of the Atlantic or the Intracoastal Waterway.
Oceanfront Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Need to add a dash of relaxation to your trip? Book yourself into one of the spacious suites at this oceanfront resort & spa. Besides the comfortable full-service rooms, you’ll enjoy ending a day of sightseeing in the luxurious pool or at the on-site tiki bar, featuring sparkling ocean views.
