MacArthur Beach State Park: The Barrier Island Nobody Knows

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, north of West Palm Beach on A1A. Barrier-island wild — mangrove boardwalk, lagoon, dune trail, Atlantic beach. The boardwalk through the mangroves has snook and silver minnows visible in the water, herons patrolling the edges, fiddler crabs on sun-warmed mud.

The dune route climbs to keep your eyes level with sea oats and wind. The lower route threads the lagoon edge. At low tide the flats reveal shells and colors that look prehistoric. Late fall through early spring for cooler air and fewer crowds. Summer is steamy but the park holds a dawn calm even in August.

Main boardwalk is flat and stroller-friendly. Bring water, sunscreen, hat, bug spray. Swimsuit if you want the calmer shallows. Don't expect a fancy beach — this is conservation land, not a resort, and that's exactly the point.