Highland Park FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Highland Park, Florida.
1. Cam D. Milani Park
LONG-AWAITED BEACHFRONT PARK
Cam D. Milani Park is a publicly accessible beachfront park soon to open in Highland Beach, offering one of the only public entry points to the ocean in this exclusive community. The park will feature amenities such as a large parking lot, pedestrian crosswalk, lifeguard services, restrooms, and direct access to a sandy Atlantic shoreline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach recreation. Its long-anticipated opening provides a new destination for locals and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Highland Beach's coast.
2. Beach Highlands Access
NEIGHBORHOOD LAKESIDE BEACH
Beach Highlands Access is a serene neighborhood beach entry point located near Stallworth Lake, just outside Highland Avenue in Santa Rosa Beach. With easy access to Dune Allen Beach and proximity to the wild beauty of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, it is popular for quiet shoreline walks, swimming, and enjoying picturesque Gulf sunsets. This spot is favored for its laid-back vibe, limited parking, and natural lakeside charm.
3. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
EXPANSIVE GULF COAST PRESERVE
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park boasts more than three miles of white quartz sand beaches, rare coastal dune lakes, and nature trails set among rolling sand dunes. Visitors can swim, fish, paddle, or simply relax on the unspoiled shoreline, with amenities including restrooms, parking, and rental services. Its unique combination of natural habitats and recreational opportunities makes it a standout destination for beachgoers and nature lovers.
4. Grayton Beach State Park
SCENIC COASTAL PARK
Grayton Beach State Park is renowned for its sugar-sand shoreline, scenic Western Lake, and abundant opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Set against a backdrop of lush coastal forest, it offers picnic areas, camping, and hiking trails just steps from the water. The park is cherished for its uncrowded beaches and access to both the Gulf of Mexico and one of Florida's iconic dune lakes.
5. Deer Lake State Park
DUNE LAKE BEACH ESCAPE
Deer Lake State Park features pristine beach access alongside the rare and picturesque Deer Lake, one of the area's iconic coastal dune lakes. Boardwalks traverse sand dunes down to a quiet stretch of Gulf beach, ideal for unfettered swimming and peaceful picnics. The untouched natural environment makes this park a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil beach day.
6. Lake Worth Beach Park
CLASSIC PIER AND BEACHFRONT
Lake Worth Beach Park offers a bustling oceanfront setting with a historic fishing pier, clean sandy beaches, and clear waters perfect for swimming and surfing. Amenities include lifeguards, restrooms, concessions, and a playground, making it a favorite for families and active beachgoers. Its vibrant atmosphere and iconic pier give it a unique charm on Palm Beach County's Atlantic coast.
7. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
NATURE PRESERVE BEACHFRONT
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is a protected barrier island offering wild, scenic beaches, mangrove forests, and nature trails along the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can swim, kayak, discover marine life, or join guided nature walks in this biodiverse sanctuary. The park's natural setting and abundant wildlife provide a rare glimpse of unspoiled South Florida coastline.
8. Okeeheelee Park
FRESHWATER LAKE RECREATION
Okeeheelee Park features a sprawling freshwater lake complex suited for kayaking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding, with designated swimming areas and wide grassy beaches. The park's extensive system of trails, picnic shelters, and boat rentals provide a variety of ways to enjoy the water and scenic parkland. It has remained a favorite for locals seeking a family-friendly, active lakeside escape within Palm Beach County.
9. Peanut Island Park
ISLAND OASIS ADVENTURE
Peanut Island Park, accessible by water taxi or private boat, offers crystal-clear swimming lagoons, sandy beaches, and excellent snorkeling along the shoreline of the Lake Worth Lagoon. The island features picnic areas, camping sites, and walking trails, making it a unique destination for day trips and water recreation. Its island atmosphere and inviting waters draw snorkelers, swimmers, and boaters year-round.
10. Spanish River Park
WOODSY BEACHFRONT RETREAT
Spanish River Park stretches along a peaceful portion of Boca Raton's Atlantic shore, combining wooded parkland with pristine beachfront access. Facilities include lifeguards, shaded picnic areas, and walking trails, making it suitable for swimming, beach games, and relaxed gatherings. Popular for its tranquil ambiance and natural dune landscapes, it offers a quieter oceanfront getaway near Highland Park.