Spanish River Park
Boca Raton, FL
Tucked between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean on Boca Raton’s barrier island, Spanish River Park is a public park and beach. It has access to a lagoon, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Atlantic Ocean, nature trails, and several amenities that make for an enjoyable day in nature.
The basics
The uncrowded beach on the east side of Spanish River Park offers plenty of space for sunbathing, while more active visitors can swim, surf the waves, kayak, canoe, or play sand volleyball. On the park’s west side, you can fish in the Intracoastal Waterway, hike the nature and bird-watching trails, climb the observation tower for panoramic views, or take advantage of plentiful grills and picnic tables. Amenities include lifeguards, a playground, pavilion rentals, a kayak/canoe launch, and restrooms.
Things to know before you go
- There is an entry fee for vehicles; visitors can enter for free on foot and by bike.
- Swimming is not permitted in the lagoon or Intracoastal Waterway but allowed in the Atlantic Ocean; the beach is accessible via tunnels under Highway A1A.
- Beach mats are in the middle tunnel at Spanish River Park. Beach wheelchairs are also available.
- An off-leash Bark Beach is between lifeguard towers 18 and 20. A permit is required for access.
- A fishing license is required for saltwater fishing from the shoreline.
How to get there
Spanish River Park is off Highway A1A in Boca Raton at 3001 North State Road A1A. Take I-95 to the Spanish River Blvd exit and head east to Highway A1A/North Ocean Blvd. A parking permit or fee is required to park at Spanish River Park. Metered street parking is also available nearby. At Spanish River Boulevard.
When to get there
Spanish River Park is open daily from early morning to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach from 9am to 5pm (EST) and 9am to 6:30pm (EDT). Surf fishing is not permitted in the designated swimming areas during regular swimming hours. The Bark Beach is open from 7 to 9am and 3pm to sunset Friday through Sunday.
Where to find more green spaces
Just south of Spanish River Park on Boca Raton’s barrier island is the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Spanning 20 acres (8 hectares), the coastal preserve is surrounded by rare tropical flora and offers a boardwalk, nature trails, an observation tower, a butterfly garden, multiple outdoor marine aquariums, and a sea turtle rehabilitation center.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!