South Florida's Hidden Gem -- MacArthur Beach State Park

Want to be let in on a special secret? There is a State Park plus beach in South Florida which no one seems to know about. And it's called John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. It is a little-known gem north of Singer Island plus south of Jupiter Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It's got gorgeous surroundings and a stunning sun-washed stretch of beach...that you might have all to yourself.

Where is this secluded Florida park and beach? It's really easy to get to!

This thoroughly amazing Florida State Park boasts a tropical dune path and a stunning beach. Urban sprawl hasn't reached its tentacles here, so the beach and the park is quiet nearly all of the year. You may not even see anyone other than the park staff!

The beach itself has a quite fascinating history, dating back when it was known as Air Force Beach during World War II. What's now Palm Beach International airport was an Air Force base years and years ago. Apparently servicemen had some pretty wild beach parties, so it was (unofficially) named Air Force Beach!

Some time afterwards, John D. MacArthur bought the island, wanting to keep an unspoiled piece of South Florida safe. He subsequently donated the land to the State during the 1970s and the park (named after him) opened to the public in 1989.

MacArthur Beach State Park is found on a barrier island, which is long and slender, separating the mainland from the ocean. Though condominiums and resorts have taken over a lot of Florida's beautiful barrier islands, not this one - it's still "au naturale"!

Be looking for sea turtles! Scarce species of sea turtles are known to make their nests here, including the endangered loggerhead and the much rarer leatherback. You likely will not catch sight of the turtles themselves however you may see proof which they actually have been around. If you'd really like to detect the turtles, there are ranger-led walks in May and June. Call for advanced reservations thru the office -- the tours are filled up early.

You could see several roseate spoonbills at MacArthur Beach State Park. What are they? Roseate spoonbills are interesting birds; their feathers are rose tinted ("flamingo pink") and the overall bottom of their bills are spoon shaped.

Birding walks are also occasionally offered, for the ornithologically inclined.

The most wonderful single factor regarding this superb Florida state park is because not many individuals come here. Possibly for the reason that there are masses of public beaches just a little to the north and also the south, MacArthur Beach State Park is quiet. Serene. And you possibly could have the entire stretch (2 miles) of beach to yourself!

By the way, you can rent single or double kayaks here, as well as paddle along with ranger-led kayak tours in the lagoon areas.

Swim the waters, snorkel the reef or maybe try one of the park's surfing clinics -- the beach holds all sorts of wonders!

Florida Ghost Walks: A Hauntingly Good Time!

Florida is usually associated with sun and fun. Beaches, theme parks, beautiful weather. You know - Paradise.

What many people don't realize is that Florida, or at least parts of it, have a reputation for being a little on the ghostly side. Where are these spirited (so to speak) places? Let's take a look at where you can have a spook-tacular time.

Key West

Most people don't realize that the city immortalized as "Margaritaville" has its roots in salvage and even (dare I say it) piracy. Some residents swear that spirits are indeed restless in certain parts of the city. After dark, you can take a walking tour of Key West and hear tales such as a German count who dug up the body of his one true love. If that wasn't bad enough, he is said to have serenaded her for seven years! And let's not forget the haunted doll (no, his name is not Chucky) who is said to be possessed by an evil spirit. What other stories await? You'll just have to take the ghost tour and find out.

Grayton Beach

There is a little place called Camp Helen near Florida's Grayton Beach State Park that is said to have a spirit named Rachel wandering about. Rachel was the young daughter of the camp caretakers, and Rachel loved swimming in the nearby lake. Unfortunately, one day she drowned, and is now said to be wandering around, looking for her long-dead parents.

St. Augustine

Ghost walks also abound in Florida's (and indeed, the nation's) oldest city. Tales of slaves, murder and restless spirits haunt this city, making it the number one ghostly attraction (so to speak) in Florida. Take a walking tour after dark and visit places like the old City Jail, where the activity is most apparent, so I am told. Many say the hairs on the back of their neck rose while on the ghost walk.

Do You Believe?

I believe that the ghost tours are a good time, and a chance to stretch your legs. Visit parts of the cities you might not have ventured into. Enjoy the stories and legends from the past. Do I believe in the ghosts? Let's just say that I've heard at least one ghostly tale that I laughed so hard at that I cried. Why? Because I know some of the people (as in elderly family members) who would have had to have been involved if there were any apparitions. (Whoever came up with the tale probably figured that people who would have been involved were already ghosts.)

So while I don't believe in the ghosts themselves, I do believe that a hauntingly good time can be had by all.