The Palm Beaches are home to a wide array of experiences. You could visit the region for decades and still not see all the amazing places to discover. Where to start on the journey of exploring America’s First Resort Destination? If you want a more laid-back feel and true South Florida hospitality, consider starting your South Florida sojourn at Riviera Beach and Singer Island.

Located just north of West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach is home to incredible water sports like snorkeling and diving, nature activities, and good eats. The city is also home to Singer Island, a barrier island just east of the mainland with beautiful beaches and superior views of the aqua-blue Atlantic! Here are my top 10 recommendations for enjoying this one-of-a-kind area in The Palm Beaches.

1. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

As the only state park in The Palm Beaches, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is one of the best places to enjoy South Florida’s unique coastal ecosystems. From kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway and exploring historic Munyon Island toward the park’s south end to enjoying a short hike through coastal hammocks along one of several nature trails, there’s something for everyone.

As you may have guessed, this state park is a great place for outdoor lovers. A large portion of the park is part of an estuary ecosystem—a coastal body of brackish (AKA salt and fresh) water. This type of ecosystem provides a haven for many local species, including sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, fish, and more, making John D. MacArthur Beach State Park one of the best places to view wildlife.

Of course, if you’d like to spend your day at the beach with a good book, simply trek or catch a free tram ride across the boardwalk, which connects the mainland to the barrier island.

While at the park, check out the gift store for coastal keepsakes and a snack before your adventure. And, don’t forget to step into the nature center to view interactive exhibits that describe the many native species that you can spot in the park.

2. Local Restaurants

After a day of fun in the sun, stop for a bite at one of several great dining options. First up is Two Drunken Goats, a local haunt in Riviera Beach. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway, you’ll be able to take in unparalleled views as you enjoy a cold beer, iced tea, or mixed drink. Try the challah French toast, Caribbean seafood platter, or mahi Reuben!

Another great stop is the Rafiki Tiki Bar, a Floribbean-inspired restaurant that’s also located on the Intracoastal. Be sure to sample the coconut shrimp, fish tacos, or croquetas de jamón and one (or two) Caribbean-inspired drinks, like the painkiller or piña colada.

In addition to great food, this restaurant has a lovely waterfront patio, making it an ideal place to relax after a day of exploring.

After lunch or happy hour, head just across the Blue Heron Bridge to grab a nitro-infused cold brew or smoothie at Paradise Coffee on Singer Island. Or, head north for about 10 minutes to check out Coastal Karma Brewing for local brews in a laid-back setting. I especially love the Hopfenreich (German pale ale). Bonus—this brewery is dog-friendly!

3. Blue Heron Bridge

The Blue Heron Bridge is one of The Palm Beaches’ best snorkel and dive sites. Internationally known as a top dive site and named “Best Shore Diving in The Americas”, you can see beautiful tropical fishes, octopuses, seahorses, manatees, and even statues and small boat wrecks in these clear blue waters!

The best part about diving or snorkeling here is that’s extremely accessible. You can wade out from the shore at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach and begin diving or snorkeling in a matter of minutes. The depth ranges from four feet to 20.

Not sure where to start? Palm Beach County’s Parks and Recreation Department created a two-acre snorkel trail of limestone boulders with a max depth of 10 feet, making it easy to follow. You can also launch your kayak or boat from Phil Foster Park, fish for species like snook or mangrove snapper, or enjoy a picnic.

Need gear? Check out Pura Vida Divers on Singer Island just across the bridge. In addition to outfitting you with everything you need, they host guided snorkel tours and dives!

4. Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa

Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa is a one-of-a-kind place to stay in The Palm Beaches.

The resort features a variety of luxury amenities that make recharging feel like second nature. Check out the award-winning 3800 Ocean for dinner, grab a tropical drink from the Tiki Bar, or enjoy beverages and bites from the poolside Lagoon Cantina.

With two outdoor pools, a spa, and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax at the end of the day, you’ll never want to leave.

Traveling with loved ones? Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Resort & Spa offers a variety of residence-style suites and condominiums that include fully equipped kitchens, private balconies with stunning vistas, separate living and dining spaces, and more.

5. Rapids Water Park

Think water parks are for kids? Think again. At Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach, it’s more than just a day at the pool. With over 40 exhilarating and memorable slides and rides, this 35-acre water park features rides for every thrill level, making it fun for the whole family.

Daily tickets start at $59.99/person, but the park also offers a variety of season passes and packages.

New to the park this year is the Mega Mayhem, Florida’s only dueling water coaster with twists, turns, and a max speed of 22 miles per hour! Try Black Thunder (if you dare), and ride a multi-person raft that winds through abyssal darkness before dropping you into a dark vortex.

If you’d rather relax by the pool, rent a cabana, or float down the lazy river, Rapids Water Park has you covered. The park is open from March through November (visit their website for updates on hours).

6. Palm Beach and Jupiter Dolphin Tours

Want an opportunity to view wild dolphins up close? Look no further than Palm Beach and Jupiter Dolphin Tours. Led by experienced biologists, this three-hour expedition is perfect for small groups, giving you an up-close look at local wild bottlenose dolphins.

You may even spot other species like manatees, sharks, and sailfish! If the marine conditions are right, you can use a hydrophone to listen to the distinct clicks and calls of each dolphin under the surface.

The tours launch out of Sailfish Marina on Singer Island and Harbourside Place in Jupiter. An adult ticket begins at $125—but if you don’t see any dolphins on your first excursion, Palm Beach and Jupiter Dolphin Tours will take you back out on the next available tour, at no extra cost.

Best of all, proceeds from the tours go back to the Taras Oceanographic Foundation, a local conservation organization that uses educational programs to raise awareness about dolphins, their habitats, and the threats they face.

7. Peanut Island Park

Located just a stone’s throw from Riviera Beach (0.6 miles to be exact), Peanut Island is one of Palm Beach County’s most iconic parks! This 80-acre park is a go-to spot for both locals and visitors, especially on the weekends.

To start your adventure, bring your boat or kayak out to the island. If you don’t have a vessel, no worries! You can take the Peanut Island Shuttle Boat over (tickets start at $25/person, round trip). Don’t forget your mask, fins, and snorkel—Peanut Island is a great place to look for tropical fish.

You can also follow the walking path to take in the sights or enjoy some beach time underneath the coconut palms. Visitors also love to fish from the pier, check out the observation deck, or have a picnic in one of the pavilions. You can even turn your day trip into an overnight camping trip at one of 17 tropically landscaped tent sites! Overnight camping begins at $30 for a single campsite and must be reserved in advance.

9. Manatee Lagoon

Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway in Riviera Beach, Manatee Lagoon is Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) very own manatee education and conservation center. Dedicated to educating the public about manatees and the neighboring Lake Worth Lagoon (part of the Intracoastal), the free 16,000-square-foot facility offers visitors a place to view manatees up close.

The best time to spot these “sea cows” is during Florida’s manatee season. From November 15 to March 31 each year, herds love to gather and soak in the warm water outflows from the adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center.

In addition to its observation areas, Manatee Lagoon offers a delightful gift store and interactive exhibits, making it an unforgettable place for the whole family to learn about manatees and South Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

10. Ocean Reef Park

Looking for a place to relax after all those memorable adventures around Riviera Beach and Singer Island? Check out Ocean Reef Park, one of my favorite places in The Palm Beaches.

Surrounded by a dune system of sea grapes and grasses, Ocean Reef Park on Singer Island is a pretty, quiet place to take in some rays (especially during golden hour!), reflect on your vacation, or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’d like a little more adventure before heading home, you can also enjoy fish for species Crevalle jack or snook, walk or run on the beach, or enjoy the picnic pavilion. There’s also a playground for little ones.

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