The more you get to visit Florida and the more you fall in love with the beach towns and wildlife, you start to look for overlooked spots. There are so many things to do in Riviera Beach and most people that don’t live here have never heard of it. Located in the Palm Beach area, Riviera Beach is the poor man’s West Palm. We love coming here for amazing snorkeling, beautiful beaches and fishing with friends.
We’ve got the full scoop on visiting Riviera Beach, FL and all the great activities you can enjoy. Our kids like visiting Riviera Beach and Singer Island because they can explore on their own a bit or we can go out snorkeling as a family. Us adults like coming here because it’s mellow and such an easy vacation destination for our family. If you have any questions about visiting Riviera Beach or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip to Florida!
16 Things to Do in Riviera Beach, FL
By now you know that snorkeling is one of the top things to do in Riviera Beach. I think because it’s not the Florida Keys it’s not a place that people associate awesome diving and snorkeling with, but it’s actually fantastic and there are plenty of activities for non-underwater people to enjoy too. Riviera Beach and the Singer Island neighborhood are a small community with lots of activities close together. You can have a fun week here and never have to drive more than 20 minutes away even if you want to visit West Palm Beach or other fun Florida destinations. Overall, visiting Riviera Beach is one of the best things to do in Florida.
Where Is Riviera Beach Florida
Located between West Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida, Riviera Beach is this wonderful pocket that looks a little industrial on the surface but then is actually a wonderful fishing and beach community from the 1960s. Riviera Beach is on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway, connected by the Blue Heron Bridge (more on this below). This particular area of water is called Lake Worth or the Lake Worth Lagoon. The city of Riviera Beach includes Riviera Beach proper (west side), Singer Island, and within Singer Island is Palm Beach Shores. When you think about where to stay in Riviera Beach, you’ll be able to choose which neighborhood and each is very different.
From Orlando, it’s 2.5 hours driving, or from Miami 1.5 hours drive time. If you’re planning a trip to Riviera Beach or Palm Beach, you can actually fly into the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) on American, JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, Frontier, Allegiant and a few other airlines. Once you’re here, places like West Palm, Jupiter, Juno Beach and more are not too far to visit on day trips around Palm Beach County.
Is Riviera Beach, FL Safe
I always feel like a destination is as safe as you are. Riviera Beach, for our family, is a very safe vacation destination. Our kids can hang out on their own at the beach or park and they feel safe. As parents, we like to be within eyesight, but here we can let the kids feel a little extra independent, whether they’re fishing or hanging out on the sand. Like with any place, you don’t want to go wandering on foot at night through an unfamiliar place, but the neighborhoods from Broadway all the way across Blue Heron Bridge to the beach are safe places. Parks are very open and there is plenty of public parking wherever you may want to go. I feel more safe here than West Palm Beach.
What To Do In Riviera Beach FL
Whether you’re coming for two days or a week, there are lots of great things to do in Riviera Beach. It’s our favorite low-key vacation destination here in Florida, and we love how easy it is to get to. Depending on the weather, of course your plans need to be flexible, but there are enough outdoor activities and indoor options that you’ll be able to put together a fun vacation with or without kids in tow.
Enjoy the Beach!
You have to start with planning some beach time, as you are in Florida. One of the best things to do in Riviera Beach, there are plenty of public beach access spots with parking. You can plan a beach day for either the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway, depending on where you’re staying or where you want to drive to. Riviera Beach is great because it’s much more down to earth than Palm Beach. Here is where regular people can enjoy the parks without all the filler and face lifts.
NOTE: Palm Beach County beaches are NOT dog-friendly. There is Jupiter Dog Beach to the north and Bark Park in Boca Raton to the south, but no other beaches.
Snorkeling at Phil Foster Park
I mentioned the Blue Heron Bridge earlier and that’s where you’ll find Phil Foster Park. THIS is the reason we come to Riviera Beach. Located on a small island between Singer Island and Riviera Beach proper, Phil Foster Park is a great place for snorkeling, scuba, fishing, picnics and just having a beach day. There are bathroom and shower facilities, and if you arrive early there is plenty of parking. I can’t say enough about the fun our family has at this park and the amazing wildlife we see.
What makes Phil Foster Park so great for snorkeling is the wonderfully clear water and abundance of underwater wildlife. There is actually a snorkeling trail here that’s been created with the installation of artificial reef pieces. Corals have taken them over and they provide shelter for all sorts of reef fish. Here we’ve seen sea turtles, Queen angelfish, moray eels and so much more. It’s a great, calm place for snorkeling and is a really good introductory snorkeling spot for kids.
TIP: seahorses hang out where they can wrap their tails around something. Buoy lines and seagrass are the best places to look for them.
Are there snorkeling tours in Riviera Beach?
Yes! We like to snorkel on our own because we’re very experienced, but there are plenty of snorkeling tour options when you come to Riviera Beach. It’s important to feel safe and confident when you’re dealing with the underwater world and marine life, so booking a snorkeling tour is absolutely recommended. Here are some options:
What can you see Snorkeling in Riviera Beach?
Since the Lake Worth Lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, you can see countless species of fish and marine life that live in warm salt water. Tropical fish like sergeant majors, angelfish of different sorts, needlefish, and parrotfish are plentiful, but there are some big ticket fish around too. Groupers, queen angelfish, wrasse and scorpionfish are really cool to spot. I like how many sea turtles I’ve seen snorkeling at Phil Foster Park and Peanut Island, but they’re never a guarantee. Moray eels are around, usually lurking in the artificial reef areas, and both yellow sting rays and spotted eagle rays swim through quite frequently.
Fishing at the Riviera Beach Jetty
There are lots of places to fish, but one of the easiest spots to fish in Riviera Beach is actually from the jetty that leads to the Easternmost Point. This waterway is full of fish and you can easily cast from the rocks. Jacks, hogfish, tarpon and so many more love it in the current here. You can also fish from the pier at Phil Foster Park for an easy spot, just beware of divers and snorkelers that have gone out of their zone. Remember that anyone 16 or older needs a Florida fishing license (done through the FL Fish and Wildlife app).
TIP: on the west side of the Blue Heron Bridge is the Rod Room, which is a great bait and tackle shop. It’s in a weird location and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside it’s loaded with gear, live bait and helpful staff. It’s a must-visit when you come to Riviera Beach.
Day Trip to Peanut Island
Peanut Island is such a fun destination and it’s smack between the two parts of Riviera Beach. It’s a man-made island in the Lake Worth Lagoon and it’s a blast. There are five ways to get to Peanut Island:
- Passenger ferry from Riviera Beach marina
- Passenger ferry from Sailfish marina
- Do a kayaking tour w/ snorkeling
- Arrive via your own boat
- Paddle to Peanut Island from Phil Foster Park
Once you’re here, you’ll see why Peanut Island is one of the best things to do in Riviera Beach. There is a 1.25 mile walking trail around the whole island, there are boardwalks for wildlife watching, a swimming beach, and some really great snorkeling. On the east side of the island there are a whole lot of rocks with sandy stretches between them making for really good snorkeling. If the tide is high enough to snorkel the sandy/grassy area, you can even look for seahorses!
Beside the amazing snorkeling, there are lots of picnic tables and shelters all around Peanut Island. There are some historic buildings that include a marine science museum (under construction as of March 2026), and there are restroom facilities and showers. If you plan to paddle to Peanut Island, go from Phil Foster Park where there is lots of free parking and an easy entry. You can paddle right to the beach on Peanut Island or the small marina.
NOTE: the ferry to Peanut Island from either Sailfish or the Riviera Beach marina isn’t free. These are privately operated and cost from $14 to $28 per person.
Is there Camping on Peanut Island?
There is actually a small campground on Peanut Island, which may seem like a strange sort of place to stay, but how cool to take the boat over and then get to swim and snorkel all day and then sleep in a tent and do it all again the next day. You must make campsite reservations in advance, as there are only 17 sites and they go fast. You’ll need to cart your camping gear over on one of the ferries or in your own boat. Reservations are accepted up to 90 days in advance by calling 561-845-4445 or 866-383-5730. You can also email Palm Beach County Parks at pnutcamp@pbc.gov.
Visit the Sailfish Marina
While it might seem like a strange activity, visiting the Sailfish Marina is a great thing to do in Riviera Beach. Even if you don’t have a boat or are going out on a fishing charter, you can visit the marina and see all kinds of cool fish. The Sailfish Marina on Singer Island is FULL of tropical fish of all sorts. Just walking along the waterfront and docks we saw lionfish, queen angelfish, porcupine fish, French angelfish, jacks, spiny lobsters, anemones, a moray eel and even an arrow crab.
Here at the Sailfish Marina you can also grab a meal or drinks at the restaurant, the Buccaneer Waterfront Grill or at the Sailfish Tiki Bar. It’s a fun place to hangout and if the weather isn’t cooperating for snorkeling, this is still a great place to easily see wildlife. The Sailfish Marina is a great visit with kids!
John D MacArthur Beach State Park
Heading just north of the main hangout area in Riviera Beach lies John D MacArthur Beach State Park. Another great idea for a rainy day, there are lots of things to do. There is a wonderful nature trail that is primarily a boardwalk, perfect for birdwatching and fishing. There’s a beautiful secluded beach that’s very well maintained, and although it’s a bit of a walk, it’s worth it. We really like the nature center at John D MacArthur State Park too. It’s got live turtles and snakes, and lots of exhibits all about the wildlife of South Florida.
NOTE: there are kayak and SUP rentals in the state park which are a pretty good deal. This is a beautiful place for kayaking and as long as the weather is good, you’ll love how easy the paddling is.
Ocean Reef Park Snorkeling and Beach
If you have a mixed group with you when you plan your Riviera Beach vacation, make sure you include a day at Ocean Reef Park. It’s on Singer Island and is one of the best public beach parks in Florida. There is a ton of parking, shady areas, picnic options, showers and a nice restroom, and then a boardwalk to the beach. Once on the sand, Ocean Reef park really shines as one of the best things to do in Riviera Beach with its beautiful reef just off shore. When it’s calm this is an easy snorkel and is quite different from snorkeling at Phil Foster Park. There are three reef areas: one stretching south from the curve of the beach, one just off the beach boardwalk, and one in front of the resort next door. Awesome snorkeling spot!
Paddling on the Intracoastal Waterway
We love traveling with our kayaks or SUPs, and paddling in Riviera Beach can be wonderful. Put it at Phil Foster Park to paddle to Peanut Island, or in John D MacArthur State Park for lagoon paddling with mangroves. If you’re going from the state park, continue south under the bridge and you’ll be in the main area of the Lake Worth Lagoon (Intracoastal Waterway). There are lots of places to explore and look for manatees and rays. If you see a nice and calm area with clear water, there are some pockets of interesting snorkeling from your paddlecraft too.
Here are the places to launch a kayak or SUP around Riviera Beach (north to south):
- Juno Park boat ramp
- John D MacArthur Beach State Park
- Lakeside Park
- Anchorage Park Marina
- Lake Park Harbor Marina
- Phil Foster Park
- Jim Barry Light Harbor Park
- Riviera Beach Marina
- Palm Beach Inlet Dock (on Palm Beach Island, not Singer Beach)
If you’re new to the area, be very aware of boat traffic. There are a lot of yachts and speedboats, and Palm Beach isn’t known for its awareness of paddlers. Be wise with your launch point and enjoy!
Book a CLEAR KAYAKING tour here!
Explore the Palm Beach Shores Neighborhood
On Singer Island, the south end is the beautiful, vintage Palm Beach Shores neighborhood. Full of bungalows and cottages from the 50s and 60s, enjoying the quiet side of the area is one of the best things to do in Riviera Beach… if you want to be inspired to move here. There are very few condos or hotels in this part of Singer Island and the vibe is very different. Walking along Park Avenue, which is just one long town-square-style park, allows you to enjoy the cute houses and even brings you to the vintage town hall and fire station. I kind of love it here… but we’re not leaving St Augustine!
Kayaking or SUP to Munyon Island
While Peanut Island gets all the love for its wonderful snorkeling, it can be a busy place. Munyon Island is a part of John D MacArthur Beach State Park and is very much overlooked. Either from within the state park or from Lakeside or Anchorage Parks, paddle over to Munyon Island. There are picnic shelters and paddling trails, making it a really cool place to explore as well and kayak to. The water isn’t quite as clear as those surrounding peanut island, but there are some mangrove areas and grassy beds where you might be able to find seahorses and nurse sharks.
NOTE: if you’re kayaking to Munyon Island, check the tides and go at HIGH TIDE so you have the best experience doing the mangrove paddling trail.
Manatee Lagoon Visitor Center
Just south of the Riviera Beach Marina is a spot you can’t miss, especially if you’re visiting in the winter months. The Manatee Lagoon visitor center is one of the best things to do in Riviera Beach if seeing and learning about wildlife is something you’re interested in. Because of the nearby power plant with warm water flows from, the manatees congregate here on cold days or throughout the winter to stay warm. Within the Manatee Lagoon visitor center there are exhibits to learn about manatees and other local wildlife, as well as a live underwater camera focused on where manatees hang out. It’s pretty cool, even when it’s summer and the manatees are not conglomerating here.
Day Trip to Palm Beach
I don’t love Palm Beach for a variety of reasons, but if you want to see how the other half lives, it’s the place to do it. Worth Ave is like the Rodeo Drive of Florida. The Coral Cut is a cool slice out of an ancient reef that’s now a road. The coolest thing though is the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, aka Whitehall. Henry Flagler left his mark all over the Florida coast with his railroads and hotels. St Augustine is THE hub of Flagler’s opulence, but Whitehall was his Gilded Age home, and now you can tour it on your own or with a guide. It really is beautiful and I think it’s one of the more fascinating historic homes in Florida. It’s up there with visiting the Ringling in Sarasota.
Wildlife Watching at Winding Waters
I will find wildlife and birdwatching everywhere I can, and when you come to Riviera Beach there is an awesome nature preserve just west of town that you can’t miss. There are miles of trails at the Winding Waters Preserve and tons of wildlife. Just fifteen minutes from downtown Riviera Beach, it’s a world away. Alligators, turtles and SO MANY BIRD make it a great place to explore with kids. The trails are both paved and dirt with exhibits along the way. We really enjoyed the glossy ibises and wood storks here. Add it to your list of things to do in Riviera Beach!
Visit Loggerhead Marine Life Center for Sea Turtles
Something I love about coming to Riviera Beach with kids is how many sea turtles we get to see when we’re snorkeling. When sea turtles get injured or ill and are found by boaters, the Loggerhead Marine Life Center is one of the places they’re brought. Just up in Juno beach, 20 minutes from Riviera Beach, this turtle hospital is open to the public seven days a week (like the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital). You can even watch sea turtle releases when they’re healthy enough to return to the ocean.
Scuba Diving in Riviera Beach
Like I said, even though it’s not the Florida Keys, snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular here in Riviera Beach. Divers know this is a good spot, and novice divers can come here and build up their skills and confidence. There are several dive companies, both on Singer Island and Riviera Beach proper, so you have lots of options:
Day Trip to Jupiter Inlet
One more fun thing to do when you’re in Riviera Beach is a day trip up to Jupiter Inlet. Located north of Singer Island, Jupiter is really pretty and has a beautiful red lighthouse. Jupiter has lots of kayaking opportunities (and CLEAR KAYAKING tours), great scuba diving, and it’s a fun place to just explore. And of course Jupiter has beaches too, so you’ll still be able to have a nice afternoon of quality beach time.
Where to Stay in Riviera Beach
You have a few options for where to stay when you come to Riviera Beach. Between the neighborhood you choose and if you want to do a hotel versus a vacation rental, there are things to consider. Hotels and resorts in Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach tend to be pricey any time of year, but if you visit mid-week you can find some deals. If you consider vacation rentals, you have a broader price range to work with, and you can still be close to the beach or you can save a lot and have an easy ten minute drive.
Riviera Beach Proper (west)
Staying on the west side of the Lake Worth Lagoon in Riviera Beach proper, there are a lot of vacation rental options, so you’ll be in a neighborhood. You can be walking distance to the grocery store or marina, and then plan to drive to the beach or Phil Foster Park when it’s time to snorkel. There aren’t really hotel options in this part of town, but there are some lovely vacation rentals to consider.
Singer Island (east)
This is my favorite area to stay in for a trip to Riviera Beach. There are hotel options that are right on the beach or even right next to Phil Foster Park. Heck, you can actually stay at the Blue Heron Bridge Hotel & Dive Club and be IN THE ACTION. The resorts on Singer Island are very nice with ideal beach access, but they’re a little further from the snorkeling, except for the Palm Beach Singer Island Marriott or Singer Oceanfront Curio, which are directly next to Ocean Reef Park. Search for a Singer Island stay here!
Normally we don’t go for a vacation rental because of the impact they have on neighborhoods, but here we do like to have one. There are several vintage weekly beach motels (that’s the style) that run as vacation rental apartments now vs vintage motels. We like these so we can have a kitchen and still be walking distance to the things we like to do, and they’re easier on the budget.
Palm Beach Shores (southeast)
Still on Singer Island, but being the southern end of it, Palm Beach Shores is basically the same as the above neighborhood, but slightly nicer. There is the Sailfish Marina inn on the water, the Inlet Palm Beaches (condos), the Marriott Ocean Pointe and more. You’ll love staying in this part of Riviera Beach and I know you’ll want to extend your trip.
Clearly we love visiting Riviera Beach and always enjoy the many things to do. Even if you’re facing rainy Florida days it’s still a fun destination with kids or for a snorkeling beach getaway. If you have any questions or need other recommendations for Riviera or West Palm Beach, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip to Florida!
