Ocean Ridge FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Ocean Ridge, Florida.
1. Oceanfront Park
YEAR-ROUND BEACH ACCESS
Oceanfront Park is a public beach open 365 days a year from sunrise to 9 pm with lifeguards on duty daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy designated surfing and skim board areas located at the north and south ends of the beach, with staff certified as First Responders or EMTs. The park features picnic areas equipped with grills, tables and restrooms, as well as a playground with separate areas for toddlers and children ages 5 to 12.
2. Ocean Ridge Hammock Park
TRANQUIL COASTAL HAVEN
Ocean Ridge Hammock Park is a serene 8.54-acre beach park open from sunrise to sunset. This natural coastal getaway offers visitors a more secluded beach experience compared to larger, more developed beaches in the area. Visitors should note there are no on-site restroom facilities available at this tranquil hammock park.
3. Ocean Inlet Park
INLET VIEWS AND RECREATION
Ocean Inlet Park is an 11.39-acre beach park offering pristine coastline and excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and shell collecting. Visitors can enjoy watching boats pass by, observing local wildlife like pelicans, and fishing from the pier, though the marina is temporarily closed. The park features outdoor showers and public restrooms, with lifeguards on duty in the designated swimming areas.
4. Lake Worth Beach
HISTORIC BEACHFRONT DESTINATION
Lake Worth Beach is a vibrant municipal beach featuring a historic casino building, pier, and expansive shoreline with guarded swimming areas. Visitors can enjoy the beach complex which includes restaurants, shops, and a renovated casino building that hosts events year-round. The pier extends into the Atlantic Ocean, offering excellent fishing opportunities and panoramic views of the coastline.
5. Lantana Beach
UNCROWDED COASTAL GEM
Lantana Beach offers a less-crowded alternative to some of Palm Beach County's busier beaches with its clean shoreline and relaxed atmosphere. The beach features picnic areas, a playground, and facilities including restrooms and outdoor showers. Its location near the Lantana Bridge provides scenic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.
6. Phil Foster Park
UNDERWATER SNORKEL TRAIL
Phil Foster Park features a unique underwater snorkel trail known as the Blue Heron Bridge Snorkel Trail, offering one of the best shore diving and snorkeling experiences in South Florida. Located under the Blue Heron Bridge, this park provides access to an extraordinary diversity of marine life in clear, shallow waters that are protected from strong currents. The park also includes picnic facilities, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier, making it a versatile destination for water enthusiasts.
7. Peanut Island Park
HISTORICAL ISLAND GETAWAY
Peanut Island Park is an 80-acre tropical island located in the Intracoastal Waterway accessible only by boat, featuring pristine beaches, a snorkeling lagoon, and historical sites including a bunker built for President Kennedy. The island's clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with a designated swimming area and artificial reef teeming with colorful fish and marine life. Camping facilities, picnic pavilions, and walking trails make this a perfect day trip or overnight adventure for visitors seeking both recreation and history.
8. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
NATURAL BEACH WILDERNESS
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park encompasses 438 acres of pristine coastal land with nearly two miles of beach and a unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock environments. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and kayak in its clear waters or explore its nature center, walking trails, and boardwalk that traverses an estuary. The park protects rare plants and animals while offering an unspoiled glimpse of what South Florida's beaches looked like before development.
9. Delray Beach Municipal Beach
VIBRANT DOWNTOWN SHORELINE
Delray Beach Municipal Beach stretches for two miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offering crystal clear waters and pristine white sand just steps away from the vibrant downtown Atlantic Avenue. The beach features amenities including lifeguards, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and nearby restaurants and shops accessible by foot. Its proximity to downtown creates a unique atmosphere where visitors can easily transition between beach relaxation and urban entertainment.
10. Spanish River Park
COASTAL HAMMOCK RETREAT
Spanish River Park offers 95 acres of coastal hammock environment with 1.8 miles of beachfront access via scenic tunnels that pass under A1A. The park features amenities including picnic areas, nature trails through native vegetation, and observation towers providing panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Its less crowded atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals seeking a more natural beach experience with ample parking and full facilities.