Planning a family trip to the Florida coast? This guide reveals the best beaches near Palm Beach Gardens for families, focusing on kid-friendly amenities, calm waters, and fun activities. From the toddler-perfect lagoon at DuBois Park to the nature-filled adventures at MacArthur Beach State Park, we’ve found the perfect sandy spots for your crew.
Welcome to the Sunshine State! If you’re based in or visiting the lush, beautiful area of Palm Beach Gardens, you’re just a stone’s throw away from some of Florida’s most stunning and family-friendly coastlines. But with so many options, how do you choose the perfect beach for a day of fun with the kids? Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. This guide breaks down the top beaches that offer more than just sand and surf—they provide the safety, amenities, and entertainment every family needs for a perfect beach day.
What Makes a Beach ‘Family-Friendly’ in Palm Beach County?
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s define what makes a beach truly exceptional for families. It’s about more than just a pretty view. When considering where to take your little ones, we looked for beaches that excel in these key areas.
H3: Safety First: Lifeguards and Calm Waters
The number one priority for any parent is safety. The best family beaches are staffed with trained lifeguards during peak hours. Additionally, spots with naturally calmer waters, like protected inlets or lagoons, are a huge plus, especially for families with toddlers and young children who are just getting their sea legs.
H3: Essential Amenities: Restrooms, Showers, and Parking
Let’s be realistic—a beach day with kids involves a lot of gear and plenty of bathroom breaks. Easy-access parking, clean public restrooms, and freshwater showers to rinse off the sand and saltwater are non-negotiable. These simple conveniences can make the difference between a fun day and a stressful ordeal.
H3: More Than Just Sand: Playgrounds and Picnic Areas
While building sandcastles is a timeless activity, having other options can extend your beach day and keep everyone happy. Parks with playgrounds offer a great alternative when kids get tired of the water. Shaded picnic areas with tables and grills provide the perfect spot to refuel and relax away from the direct sun.
H3: Engaging Activities: Nature and Marine Life
The best family beach trips create lasting memories. Beaches that offer unique experiences, such as easy snorkeling spots, nature trails, or proximity to educational centers like the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, add a layer of adventure and learning to your outing.
Our Top Picks: The 7 Best Beaches Near Palm Beach Gardens for Families
Ready to find your family’s new favorite spot? Here are the top beaches in the area, each offering a unique blend of sun, sand, and family-focused fun.
1. DuBois Park, Jupiter
Best for: Toddlers and young children.
DuBois Park is arguably the most recommended beach for families with little ones, and for good reason. Its main attraction is a shallow, man-made lagoon protected by rock barriers. This creates a calm, pool-like swimming area with no waves, where toddlers can splash and play safely.
Why It’s Great for Families
The lagoon is the star here. It’s a worry-free zone for parents, as the water is typically only ankle-to-waist deep. The park is nestled along the Jupiter Inlet, offering stunning views of the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The large, grassy areas are dotted with palm trees, providing ample shade for a picnic or a midday nap.
Key Amenities
- Guarded swimming area (in the lagoon)
- Playground
- Extensive picnic areas with grills
- Public restrooms and outdoor showers
- Ample free parking
- Boat ramp and fishing areas
Pro-Tip
Get there early, especially on weekends and holidays. The parking lot fills up quickly due to its popularity. It’s the perfect spot for a child’s first beach experience.
2. Carlin Park, Jupiter
Best for: Families who want it all—beach, park, and entertainment.
Carlin Park is a massive, 120-acre facility that truly has something for everyone. It combines a beautiful, wide-stretching beach with an incredible park full of amenities, making it an ideal destination for an all-day family adventure.
Why It’s Great for Families
The sheer variety of activities sets Carlin Park apart. After spending the morning at the guarded beach, you can retreat to the park for a picnic lunch, let the kids burn off energy at one of the multiple playgrounds, or play a game of bocce ball. The park also features the Seabreeze Amphitheater, which often hosts free concerts and family-friendly events.
Key Amenities
- Lifeguarded beach access
- Multiple playgrounds suitable for different age groups
- Covered picnic pavilions and individual picnic tables
- Public restrooms and showers
- Exercise course (“Heart Trail”)
- Bocce, tennis, and volleyball courts
- On-site restaurant: The Lazy Loggerhead Cafe
Pro-Tip
Check the Seabreeze Amphitheater schedule before you go. Catching a free evening concert after a day at the beach is a fantastic way to end your day. The Lazy Loggerhead Cafe is a local favorite for a casual beachfront breakfast or lunch.
3. Juno Beach Park & Pier
Best for: Aspiring anglers, turtle lovers, and classic beach days.
Juno Beach is a quintessential South Florida beach experience. It features a wide, clean shoreline perfect for sunbathing and sandcastles, plus the iconic Juno Beach Pier, which extends nearly 1,000 feet into the Atlantic.
Why It’s Great for Families
The pier is a major draw for families. For a small fee, you can walk out over the ocean, watch anglers reel in their catch, and spot marine life like sea turtles and rays. The beach itself is guarded and offers plenty of space to spread out. Critically, it’s located right next to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a must-visit for any family.
Key Amenities
- 990-foot fishing pier with a bait shop
- Lifeguarded swimming areas
- Public restrooms and showers
- Picnic tables
- Free parking lot
Pro-Tip
Combine your beach day with a visit to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. This fantastic facility rehabilitates injured sea turtles and offers incredible educational exhibits. It’s free to enter (donations are encouraged) and provides a wonderful, air-conditioned break from the sun.
4. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach
Best for: Nature-loving families and exploring unique ecosystems.
Located on the northern tip of Singer Island, MacArthur Beach State Park is an environmental treasure. It’s the only state park in Palm Beach County and preserves a stunning piece of subtropical coastal habitat.
Why It’s Great for Families
The adventure here begins before you even reach the sand. To get to the pristine, two-mile-long beach, you cross a 1,600-foot boardwalk over a beautiful estuary. A free tram runs regularly if the walk is too much for little legs. Once there, the beach is unspoiled and perfect for swimming, shelling, and relaxing. You can also rent kayaks to explore the estuary, hike short nature trails, or visit the nature center.
Key Amenities
- Nature Center with exhibits
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Gift shop and concessions
- Playground
- Covered picnic pavilions
- Restrooms and showers
- Tram service to the beach
Pro-Tip
Bring bug spray for the nature trails, especially in the summer. Check the park’s event calendar for guided nature walks and junior ranger programs that can make the experience even more enriching for kids. Note that there is a small entrance fee per vehicle.
5. Ocean Reef Park, Riviera Beach
Best for: Young snorkelers and tide pool explorers.
Just south of Juno Beach, Ocean Reef Park offers a different kind of beach experience. Its main feature is a rock reef that runs parallel to the shore, creating fascinating tide pools and a great spot for beginner snorkeling.
