Drive south on A1A until the scenic views of Manalapan mansions and deep-blue ocean waters give way to a tree-canopy tunnel. When you’re suddenly back into the full force of daylight, you have arrived at the Boynton Inlet, a hub of recreational activity from 24-hour jetty fishing to card playing under the pavilion.
Think of it as Palm Beach County’s answer to Mallory Square, Key West’s go-to spot to savor an Instagram-worthy sunset, minus the guacamole stand, novelty acts and crowds of tourists.
Officially known as Ocean Inlet Park, the 11.39-acre site nestled between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway run by Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation, features 600 feet of beach and picnic shelters with grills, among other amenities.
The playground and marina are closed until further notice because of a $3.6 million construction project to renovate and replace the seawall and dock system. Work is expected to be completed in August.
About a mile north of the park, the Lofthus shipwreck awaits divers and snorkelers.
Pack up a cooler with your favorite Publix sub or visit the Bud’s drive-through for a box of fried chicken and sit along the seawall to watch boats and Jet Skis navigate the narrow inlet. It’s also the perfect place to set up a chair and people watch.
Don’t be surprised if you make a feathered friend or two while you’re there. Pelicans come in for a landing to scoop up any leftover fish parts thrown off the cleaning stations by anglers.
To reach the beach and fishing jetty, cross under the fixed-span bridge that for decades featured a decorative arch, which now exists only in the memories of the teenage daredevils who illegally jumped from the bridge and in black-and-white photos floating around on the internet.
A word of advice: While it’s tempting to take the plunge, it’s still illegal.
When you’ve rinsed off the sand at the outdoor showers, find a front-row seat on the west seawall along the Intracoastal side to watch the sun go down on another perfect — albeit scorching hot — day in paradise.
While the sun may be the star of the show, don’t count out what an evening at the inlet has to offer.
Trek out to the end of the jetty to catch some fish in peace and quiet under the pale moonlight.
On your way back, gaze upon the water under the bridge. If it’s just dark enough, you’ll catch a glimpse of bioluminescent plankton dancing in their own glowing light show.
Handy tips:
- Use an app such as Sky Tonight or Sky Guide (available on Google Play or Apple app stores) to pinpoint the constellations twinkling above. Be prepared to make a wish because you’re almost guaranteed to catch a shooting star zooming across the night sky.
- Self-service kayak and canoe rentals are available for $25 an hour through PADL, which is not operated by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation.
- Get a live look at boats entering and exiting the inlet, fishing activity on the jetty and the beach with the Boynton Inlet Webcam, provided by Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management. Visit video-monitoring.com/beachcams/boyntoninlet.
Ocean Inlet Park is at 6990 N. Ocean Blvd., Ocean Ridge. It’s open 24 hours for inlet fishing, but portions of the parking lot and other amenities are closed after sunset.
Admission and parking are free. Vending machines and restrooms are available. The use of balloons is prohibited. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Call 561-629-8775 for daily beach conditions.
Visit discover.pbcgov.org/parks.
