By Haley Dockendorff
What’s better than hanging out with all your friends and having a few cold drinks on your day off?
Getting to do it on an island!
If you’re a local, we’re willing to bet you’ve heard of a little place called Peanut Island. You may already know this island like the back of your hand, but for those of you South Floridians who have their heads in the sand … read on.
The Island and Its History
Peanut Island sits at the mouth of the Lake Worth Inlet and was formed in 1918 from the material dredged to create the inlet. Back then, the island only took up about 10 acres, but due to dredging efforts and its use as a spoil site, it has now grown to occupy 80 acres of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The island’s name did not come from its shape or size but was given the name after the land was approved as a shipping terminal for peanut oil. While those plans fell through, the name of the island stuck.
On the island’s south end, you can find two historic buildings that the U.S.Coast Guard used in the 20th century. The site contains a large station building and a boathouse, beautifully constructed and representative of “Old Florida” style. The boathouse is rumored to have been where Secret Service agents slept while the Kennedy family was at their home in nearby Palm Beach.
Speaking of the Kennedys, former President John F. Kennedy’s doomsday bunker is also on Peanut Island. The bunker was built in the early ‘60s as part of protection efforts during the Cuban Missile Crisis when the fear of nuclear war was ever-present. Unfortunately, the bunker was closed in 2017 due to its deterioration, but it used to be part of the island’s tour.
Getting There
The island is only accessible by boat, so fill yours up with gas or get a friend who has a boat to take you. If neither of you has a boat, or you just don’t feel like navigating the crowded waters, there are water taxis that shuttle people back and forth from the island, like the Peanut Island Shuttle or the Palm Beach Water Taxi.
If you do want to feel like a captain for a day, several boat rentals are available close to the island, like Blue Water Boat Rental and Beach Water Sports, which offer vessels and jet skis to rent.
For a more environmentally friendly and active option, several places rent paddleboards and kayaks, like Riviera Beach Marina Village or Salty Dog Paddle, which you can take over to the island. Many of these same places even offer kayak tours at sunrise and sunset for a more scenic island experience.
What to Do Once You’re There
Now, assuming you survived the boat or kayak launch, getting to the island is only the start of your fun.
Is it brazen of us to say Peanut Island is best known for its sandbar parties? Okay — maybe not BEST known, but there’s nothing like anchoring in 3 feet of water and enjoying whatever your koozie is hiding on a sandbar.
A few “boat vendors” typically putt around on the water, selling hot dogs, pizza, beverages, etc., but their prices tend to run steep. My suggestion: pack a cooler full of ice, drinks, and plenty of snacks to keep you and your party refreshed and energized. It will save you a lot of complaints and money.
If you’re anything like me and need a break from the crowds, there are other places to anchor on the island. My favorite is the beach on the island’s west side, which offers a beautiful, slightly more secluded area to anchor up. It can be a little rocky, which tends to scare away inexperienced boaters. There is also a bathroom on the island’s west side, just past the boat dock and ramp, so you don’t have to sacrifice your dignity to do your business.
Snorkeling
The island is home to some of the best snorkeling in South Florida. On the island’s east side, there is another beautiful stretch of beach where an artificial reef has been installed to promote marine life. The water is shallow enough to use a mask with a snorkel (some fins would help, too) and see lots of diverse marine life. A few local businesses even offer snorkel tours, like Get Wet Watersports. This beach is also guarded, so if you have little ones or want extra security, this is a good side. There is a bathroom not far from this beach as well.
Walking Trail
If you’re not the type to sit on a beach and bronze all day long, a paved walking trail circles the entire perimeter of Peanut Island. It is a 1.3-mile-long loop that takes you across bridges and leads to various boardwalks that stretch over the surrounding waters. It’s a perfect activity if you want to take in all the views from every side of the island.
Camping
Going to Peanut Island doesn’t have to be just a day trip. There is a very affordable campground on the island. It only costs $30 per night for a single site (up to six people) and $60 for a double site (up to 12 people). Reservations are required for a campground however, so this requires a little bit of planning ahead. There is even a fire ring in the campground where you can gather with other campers and enjoy an open fire under the stars.
Picnic Areas
If you plan to grill out on the island, you’re in luck. There are several picnic areas on the island equipped with charcoal grills, cabanas, and picnic benches. One is on the southeast side of the island, accessible by bridge, and has a large tiki hut to provide shade. A second area is by the bathroom and beach on the west side of the island, which also has a large tiki hut for cover. A third picnic area dotted along the north/northwest side of the island has individual grills and picnic benches spread out, offering an amazing view of the Blue Heron Bridge.
There’s a little bit of something for everyone on Peanut Island, so get moving, get outside, and make a trip to our little local oasis!
