This 79-acre Island Is One of Florida’s Best-kept Secrets

Peanut Island, or “the Nut” as locals call it, is one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets. Once home to President Kennedy’s Cold War bunker, the 79-acre island now feels more like a tropical escape than a historic site. It’s just a short boat ride from Palm Beach, and about 75 miles north of Miami, but it may seem like you’ve landed in the Caribbean. With no cars, hotels, or restaurants, the island manages to feel untouched, though peak-season weekends often see it packed to capacity. For those who can’t get enough, there are only 17 campsites available, so plan ahead if you’re hoping to spend the night under the stars.

Originally named Inlet Island, it was later renamed Peanut Island after a failed peanut oil shipping operation in 1946 and later became Kennedy’s secret bunker during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It wasn’t until 2005 that Peanut Island was renovated as the park we know today with human-made reefs, a pier, and rocky outcroppings perfect for fishing. 

These days, most visitors come less for the history and more for the water. “Peanut island feels like a breezy, tropical, almost Caribbean island, but it’s right in the middle of the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach County,” says Skye Sherman, a travel writer and West Palm Beach local. “It’s right at the mouth of the Palm Beach Inlet, so the water surrounding it is super clear and blue.” Whether snorkeling through reefs, kayaking along the shoreline, circling the 1.3-mile walking path, or simply relaxing on the island’s soft sand, there’s something for everyone here. 

Arguably one of the best islands in Florida, Peanut Island is a destination worth planning a trip around.

Best Time to Visit

The Intracoastal Waterway is beautiful and calm most of the year, so there’s no bad time to spend a day on Peanut Island. The most comfortable weather comes in the shoulder seasons of fall and spring, when it’s ideal for exploring. If you want to spot manatees, winter is your best bet, since they gather in the island’s warmer shallows. Weekends are lively with locals and visitors enjoying everything the island has to offer, while weekdays are quieter with more space on the beaches and trails. During peak season (winter), weekends can fill up quickly.

The clearest water comes with the tides. Plan to snorkel or swim about two hours before or after high tide, when visibility is at its best. For up-to-date tide times, check the NOAA Palm Beach schedule before heading out.

How to Get There

Peanut Island is a no-vehicle island, but getting there is simple.

The Peanut Island Shuttle Boat and Sailfish Marina Resort both run daily ferries that take about 10 minutes across the inlet, with schedules posted online. Walk-ins are sometimes available, but it’s best to book ahead for holidays and peak season.

Private boats can also pull up for the day—anchor offshore or tie up at the public docks on the east and west sides, which are first-come, first-served. “Many locals head over by boat instead and just anchor offshore to make a day of it” says Sherman. 

For the more adventurous, kayaking or paddleboarding are fun ways to arrive. Launch from Phil Foster Park or Riviera Beach Marina Village, bring your own gear or rent locally, and aim for 30 minutes before high tide for calmer water. Keep an eye out for boat traffic as you cross the channel, and plan to arrive early since parking at both launch points often fills by mid-morning on weekends.

Know Before You Go

Pack a cooler with plenty of drinks and snacks before heading over as there are no food services on Peanut Island, and alcohol is prohibited. That doesn’t mean you’ll go hungry—charcoal grills and picnic pavilions shaded by palm trees make it easy to enjoy a laid-back lunch between swims. You may also spot boats selling everything from pizza to Italian ice, but these are swim-up only.

Come prepared with the basics: sunscreen, towels, hats, chairs, and snorkel gear. Power outlets are limited on the island, so don’t count on charging devices. You won’t want to leave once you arrive, so bring everything you need to make your stay comfortable.

For safety, lifeguards are on duty at marked swimming areas, which makes the island especially family-friendly. Stay in these areas for the calmest water, and keep an eye out for boat traffic if you’re snorkeling or paddling near the inlet. The 1.3-mile path around the island is paved, making it accessible for strollers and most wheelchairs, and restrooms and showers are available near the picnic areas. Some sandy stretches and rocky outcroppings may be harder to navigate.

If You Have More Time

If one day isn’t enough, book one of the island’s 17 campsites and fall asleep under the stars, grill dinner by the water, and wake up to sunrise over the Atlantic. Reservations go quickly, so plan ahead if you want to camp.

For those who prefer more comfort, head back across the inlet and explore the best of West Palm Beach. From stylish restaurants and boutique shopping to cultural spots like the Norton Museum of Art, it’s the perfect way to round out a weekend on Florida’s coast.

Peanut Island may be small, but with its clear water, reefs, and laid-back vibe, it’s one of South Florida’s most unforgettable hidden gems.