There are places that feel like they belong to you the moment you arrive, and Peanut Island is exactly that kind of place. Tucked just off the coast of Riviera Beach, a short ferry ride or kayak paddle from the Lake Worth Lagoon, this 80-acre island park is one of the most genuinely surprising outdoor experiences in all of South Florida. I had heard about it for years before I finally made the trip, and I have been kicking myself ever since for waiting so long.
Getting there is part of the adventure. Most visitors hop aboard the Peanut Island Ferry, which departs from Phil Foster Park on Blue Heron Boulevard — a quick, scenic crossing that takes just a few minutes but feels like a proper departure from the mainland. If you are the more adventurous type, rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the nearby outfitters and make your own way across the shimmering blue-green water. Either way, the moment you step onto the island, the noise of the city genuinely melts away.
The snorkeling here is exceptional. The island is surrounded by a man-made snorkel reef, and even beginners will find themselves face-to-face with parrotfish, sergeant majors, and the occasional sea turtle gliding effortlessly past the coral. The water is warm, clear, and calm on most days, making it ideal for families with kids who are getting their first taste of what lies beneath the surface. Bring your own gear or rent it dockside — just bring it, because once you are in that water, you will not want to get out.
Beyond the reef, the island offers shaded picnic areas, a small sandy beach perfect for lounging, and one of the more unusual historical curiosities in Palm Beach County: a fully preserved Cold War-era fallout shelter built for President John F. Kennedy. The shelter was constructed in 1961 during the height of Cold War tensions, and guided tours are available on select weekends through the Palm Beach Maritime Museum. Walking through those low concrete corridors, surrounded by vintage communications equipment and original furnishings, is a genuinely eerie and fascinating experience that adds an unexpected depth to what might otherwise be a purely leisurely outing.
The island tends to fill up on weekend afternoons, so arriving early is the smart play. Pack a cooler with sandwiches and cold drinks, lather on the sunscreen, and plan to stay most of the day. There is no bad time to be here, but a weekday morning when the lagoon is glassy and the island is nearly empty feels almost impossibly peaceful for somewhere so close to a major city.
Peanut Island is the kind of local gem that reminds you why people fall in love with Florida in the first place. It is not polished or commercialized. It is just beautiful, accessible, and completely, wonderfully real. Do yourself a favor and make the trip — you will wonder how it was not already at the top of your list.
