Peanut Island, Florida – Things to Do and Travel Guide
Last Updated on 14th September 2025 by admin
Peanut Island is a very small island but one of the most interesting and entertaining to visit in South Florida. Located precisely at the mouth of Lake Worth Inlet in Riviera Beach, this man-made island covers 80 acres and has something to suit all people, including serene beaches and snorkeling areas, Cold War-era presidential bunker.
Here we will try to share some tips for best things to do in this beautiful little island. Whether you are interested in spending a weekend or a day of fun on this small island with your kids or loved ones, our tips may help you a little. This guide will take you through all that you should know about Peanut Island, how to get there, what to see and some tips on how to make the visit memorable.
A Short History of Peanut Island
The Peanut Island did not always exist. It was developed way back in 1918 as workers dredged the Lake Worth inlet in order to make it easy to be used by ships. Sand and dredged material were heaped up and gradually constituted the island. The island was named the peanut oil shipping terminal because of a plan to construct one in 1940s. The project did not actually materialize, but the funny name remained and has become part of its charm.
Peanut Island has served various purposes over the decades such as a Coast Guard station. The most renowned historical characteristic of it, however, is the Kennedy Bunker. It was also the site of a fallout shelter designed secretly in case of a nuclear bomb explosion on President John F. Kennedy during the cold war. It was created as an escape home to the president in case a nuclear menace occurred when he was at his winter home Palm Beach. The bunker is now a tourist attraction and one of the most unusual sites in the island.
Getting to Peanut Island
The most enjoyable fact about Peanut Island is that it is a real escape place that cannot be reached easily by driving. They have to arrive by water, which increases the excitement of tourists. Below is a list of the most common ways to reach the island:
Water Taxi: The most convenient way of traveling between the Riviera Beach Marina and the Peanut Island is by water taxi. It is only a couple of minutes and taxis operate around the clock.
Private Boat: In case you can a boat, you can anchor the island and spend the day there.
Kayak or Paddleboard: To have some exercise, renting a kayak/paddleboard and making the short trip yourself is an option. It is a pleasant row because of the smooth water.
The journey by boat or water taxi is an experience. As soon as you approach the island, you witness the sea of blue water and white beaches, and it immediately turns out to be a mini island vacation.
Things to Do on Peanut Island
Although Peanut Island is a small island, it has much to offer. The following is a list of all the activities and experiences to be enjoyed during your visit.
1. Enjoy the Beaches:
The beaches in Peanut Island are peaceful, clean and kid friendly. Its shallow waters make it an ideal swimming or floating or even sitting and relaxing place. Due to a breakwater around it, the waves are soft in contrast to those in open-ocean beaches, and as a result, kids have a great place to visit.
Image Credit: Florida Guidebook via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
2. Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is considered one of the most popular activities here. The water surrounding Peanut Island is so transparent and there exist unnaturally formed reefs and rock piles where a very big variety of tropical fish are attracted. They are also likely to see stingrays or manatees. It is also during high tide when the visibility of the water is at its optimum times to snorkel.
Image Credit: Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
3. Kayaking and Paddleboarding:
Hire a kayak or paddleboard at the Riviera Beach Marina and make an island Tour. It is the most relaxing to explore Peanut Island in every direction and have the waterway, boats passing by, and West Palm Beach skyline in sight.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
4. Walk the 1.25-Mile Island Trail
Every corner of the island is easily covered by a paved path, which means one can explore it on foot. On the roadside, there will be shaded places, picnic places, and amazing photo spots. The most suitable means of enjoying the beauty of the island is walking the trail.
5. Plan a Picnic
Picnic tables and grills in Peanut Island are covered thus the idea of bringing your own food is very good. The island has no restaurants or food sellers so a picnic is a sure way to enjoy and have a meal with a beautiful waterside scenery.
6. Explore the Kennedy Bunker
One of the most interesting areas of the history of Peanut Island is the Kennedy Bunker. It was constructed in 1961 to house President John F. Kennedy as a fallout shelter during the times of the Cuban Missile Crisis. It is nowadays a mini museum in which people can view envision what life could have been like had it ever been utilized.
7. Try Camping Overnight
When there is no time to do it in one day, spend the night in the Peanut Island campground. The camp sites include 17 picnic areas that have picnic tables, grills and toilets. Camping in this place will afford you the opportunity of exploring the island once the majority of the tourism is over, enjoying the sunset, and stargazing through the water. Remember to book your camp site in advance since they are occupied, and mostly during weekends.
8. Watch the Boats and Yachts
There is always a boat traffic in the inlet, and it is quite pleasant to just sit there and watch boats, fishing boats, and sailboats, go by. It is also a wonderful place to take pictures, and especially at sunset.
9. Go Fishing
Certain fishing is permitted in the Peanut Island. Take a rod and get somewhere out of the way, and have a pleasant afternoon seeing what you can get.
10. Spot Wildlife
In addition to fish and manatees, sea turtles, crabs, and other seabirds may also be viewed. The wildlife lovers will find the amount of life that can be contained in such a small place a marvel.
Tips for Visiting Peanut Island
In order to make your trip as easy as possible, remember the following tips:
- Arrive early when going on a weekend- the island is a tourist attraction, which may be crowded.
- Bring everything you need, like food, drinks, sunscreen and snorkeling equipment. The island does not have any stores.
- Check the tide times, so as to have the most favorable snorkeling.
- Book camping spots in advance if you plan to stay overnight.
- Follow park rules – no glass containers and do not forget to carry away all your garbage.
- Wear water shoes in case you intend to snorkel or visit the rocky areas.
Nearby Attractions
And in case you have time left after going to Peanut Island there are a lot of nearby attractions to visit:
- Riviera Beach Marina: The best place to have a meal before or after a journey.
- Phil Foster Park: The another great snorkeling location within a short distance.
- Palm Beach: To have a more luxurious atmosphere, go to Palm Beach, where there are stores, restaurants, and architecture that is marvelous.
Peanut Island is not only a beach place, but a combination of nature, adventure, and history. It is one of those spots where you feel at ease and can fully enjoy the water besides being able to find out some of the history of Florida. It is ideal with families, couples, guests who travel alone or with friends who would like to do something different to the normal tourist destinations. You might only spend a few hours there or stay overnight, but the memory of the Peanut Island will be remembered long after you have gone.
