Riviera Beach

Base for sightseeing tours.

The county-run Peanut Island Park is an extremely popular destination for day trips. On busy weekend, expect to see the waters surrounding the island absolutely packed with small boats, which drop anchor in the lagoon as a base for drinking while their passengers swim or kayak to the island's shores. Snorkeling is extremely popular, as are kayaking and paddlebarding to the island (the only way to avoid the hefty water taxi charge). The island is home to a historic Coast Guard station and the bunker where President John F. Kennedy hid out during the Cuban Missile Crisis; unfortunately, the bunker ended public tours in 2017 and has fallen into disrepair. Anyone can paddle, kayak, or take their own boat to the island, but the rest of us need to book a water taxi from the marina. All tickets are good for round-trip, same-day passage. Camping is permitted in designated campgrounds by reservation only; if you want the water taxi to shuttle your gear, you'll need to arrange it in advance (they also rent tents and a limited selection of other necessities). The water taxi will not sail when there's a lightning or other small craft warning, but even on bad-weather days, the forecast may turn around within an hour or two.

One of the largest water parks in the state, long-standing Rapids caters to families with slides of all sizes, a wave pool, lazy river, and kids' splash pads. Two snack bars serve kid-friendly food like pizza and chicken tenders, while tiki bars have a full-service menu and adult beverages. Cabanas are available for rent. A small store offers goods like sunscreen, towels, and waterproof cases.