Locals call Spanish River Park “Boca’s backyard beach,” and one visit explains why: 95 oceanfront acres of sea-grape dunes, shady picnic groves, and a meandering Intracoastal lagoon create an escape that feels miles from city bustle—even though downtown Boca Raton lies only seven minutes south. The park’s name honors the long-vanished Boca Raton Lagoon (once dubbed the “Spanish River” by early settlers), and today a scenic footbridge lets visitors trace that historic waterway on the lagoon’s western edge before tunneling beneath A1A to the Atlantic surf.
Beaches, Dunes & Tunnels
Three pedestrian tunnels—Pelican, Ibis, and Plover—whisk beachgoers under the highway, emerging onto a dune-backed shoreline where lifeguards watch over crystal-blue water from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Early risers snag front-row sand for sunrise yoga, while snorkelers kick out to patch reefs teeming with sergeant majors and shy nurse sharks. From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the southern stretch converts to Dog Beach—one of Palm Beach County’s few leash-optional strands—so expect wagging tails and paddle-boarding golden retrievers during those golden hours.
Picnic Groves & Intracoastal Lagoon
West of the dunes, a maritime hammock shelters more than 50 covered picnic tables, each with charcoal grills and water spigots—perfect for birthday parties or tailgate spreads before FAU games. Boat owners tie up at the park’s day-use slips along the lagoon and join manatees drifting past mangroves in winter. A 1.5-mile nature trail snakes beside the water, shaded by live oaks and sea hibiscus and peppered with interpretive signs describing gopher tortoise burrows and migratory warblers.
Recreation & Amenities
- Kayak / SUP Launch: A sandy ramp on the lagoon’s north end opens at 8 a.m.—bring your own board or rent from vendors who set up curbside on weekends.
- Fishing Piers: Two wooden overlooks give anglers shots at snook, jack crevalle, and mangrove snapper without leaving dry land.
- Playground: A nautically themed structure with soft-fall turf keeps kids busy while parents grill lunch.
- Restrooms & Showers: Each tunnel plaza offers modern facilities and freshwater rinse stations; the Pelican Tunnel features outdoor ADA showers.
Nearby Essentials
Grab Cuban coffee at Café con Leche on Spanish River Boulevard en route, or pick up deli subs at Publix GreenWise Market five minutes west. Boca Raton Regional Hospital sits ten minutes inland for peace-of-mind emergencies, and Mizner Park’s boutiques and amphitheater await a quick bike ride south via the oceanfront A1A lane.
Getting Around
Spanish River Park’s main gate is at 3001 N. Ocean Boulevard (A1A). The I-95 interchange on Spanish River Boulevard puts Palm Beach International Airport 30 minutes north and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport 35 minutes south. Cyclists reach the park via the Blue Lake Loop trail, while Tri-Rail riders hop ride-share from the Yamato Road station—an eight-minute trip.
Why Visit Spanish River Park?
Where many Gold-Coast beaches trade serenity for crowds, Spanish River Park preserves native dunes, offers shaded picnic lawns steps from the surf, and even lets Fido romp leash-free on designated mornings. Add free parking for county residents, clean facilities, and both lagoon and ocean access in one footprint, and you’ve found Boca Raton’s most versatile slice of coastline.
Business Information
Prime Air
150 East Palmetto Park Road, Ste 800, Boca Raton FL 33432
(561) 855-0659
Next Up: Atlantic Dunes Park, FL
For a quieter strand with boardwalk access and lifeguards, Atlantic Dunes Park in Delray Beach offers dune-lined serenity just north of Linton Boulevard.