Things to do nearPeanut Island

Peanut Island sits in the Lake Worth Lagoon near the Port of Palm Beach, a location that belies its surprisingly layered history. Originally created from dredge spoil in the late 1910s, the island was once considered as a site for a fuel transfer facility before eventually becoming a public recreational park managed by Palm Beach County. Its most historically significant feature is a fallout shelter constructed in 1961 during the Kennedy administration, intended as a secure retreat for the president during a nuclear emergency. The bunker has been preserved and is open for guided tours, offering a rare and tangible window into Cold War-era civil defense planning.

Above ground, the island draws snorkelers and swimmers to its artificial reef, which rings much of the shoreline and supports a lively community of tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional manatee. The reef was created using natural limestone boulders and provides clear, calm conditions that are well-suited to beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. A sandy beach lines the lagoon-facing side, and a paved walking path circles the entire island, making it easy to explore on foot in under an hour.

Camping is available for those who want to extend their stay, and the island's small campground offers a genuinely peaceful setting once the day-trippers have headed home. Sunsets viewed from the western shore, with the Palm Beach skyline glowing in the distance, are a particular highlight. Peanut Island earns its place as a must-visit for anyone curious about Florida's natural and historical character in equal measure.