Overview
Riviera Beach is a small coastal city in Palm Beach County, Florida, sitting on the southern end of Lake Worth Lagoon where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of around 34,000, it occupies both the mainland and Singer Island — a narrow barrier island connected to the rest of the city by the Blue Heron Bridge causeway.
Despite being largely overshadowed by its more famous neighbors (West Palm Beach to the south, Palm Beach Gardens to the north), Riviera Beach has built a loyal following among divers, boaters, and travelers looking for a more low-key, working-waterfront feel. The city is home to one of Florida's busiest recreational marinas and serves as a departure point for fishing charters, dive trips, and cruises.
Singer Island, the city's Atlantic-facing barrier island, offers wide public beaches and a string of oceanfront condominiums and hotels. Peanut Island — an artificial spoil island in the Lake Worth Inlet — is a popular weekend destination for local boaters and snorkelers. Riviera Beach is not a resort town in the traditional sense; it rewards travelers who value access to the water over polished tourist infrastructure.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Riviera Beach is a domestic US destination. International travelers should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website for current entry requirements.
Climate
Riviera Beach has a tropical climate. Winters (November–April) are dry and warm, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-60s to low 80s°F (roughly 18–28°C). Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly in the upper 80s°F (30–33°C) and a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane season runs June through November; monitor local weather services if visiting in late summer or fall.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (important for water activities near marine habitats)
- Light, breathable clothing year-round; a light jacket for winter evenings
- Snorkel or dive gear if you prefer your own equipment (rentals are available locally)
- Cash for parking meters and smaller waterfront vendors
- Insect repellent for mangrove-adjacent areas and Peanut Island
Getting There
By Air
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach is the closest commercial airport, roughly 8–10 miles south of Singer Island. It is served by several US carriers. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is approximately 45–50 miles south and offers a wider range of flights, including international connections.
By Car
Riviera Beach is easily accessible from I-95 (exits near Blue Heron Boulevard) and Florida's Turnpike. Blue Heron Boulevard (State Road 708) runs east-west directly into Singer Island and past the marina district. A car is strongly recommended, as public transit options are limited.
By Train
Amtrak's Silver Service and Palmetto routes stop at West Palm Beach station, about 7–8 miles from Singer Island. From there, a taxi, rideshare, or the Palm Tran bus network can bring you into Riviera Beach; verify current Palm Tran routes locally before travel.
By Bus
Greyhound and Flixbus serve West Palm Beach. Verify current schedules and stops on the operators' official websites.
Getting Around
Most visitors use a personal or rental car to get around Riviera Beach and Singer Island, as destinations are spread out and sidewalk connectivity is limited in places. Parking is generally available at public beach access points and the marina, though fees and hours should be verified on posted signage or the city's official website.
Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate in the area and are a practical option for shorter trips within the city or to and from the airport. Palm Tran, Palm Beach County's public bus system, provides some coverage; check palmtran.org for current routes and schedules.
For the water, boat rentals and kayak/paddleboard outfitters operate out of the marina and along the Intracoastal Waterway. This is the most practical — and scenic — way to reach Peanut Island, as there is no vehicle bridge to the island.
Things to See & Do
Blue Heron Bridge Diving and Snorkeling
The Phil Foster Park area beneath the Blue Heron Bridge causeway is widely regarded as one of the best shore dives in Florida and attracts underwater photographers from around the world. The shallow, nutrient-rich water hosts seahorses, frogfish, juvenile fish, nudibranchs, and occasional manatees. Diving is best at slack high tide; tidal currents can be strong at other times. Local dive shops can advise on timing and conditions.
Peanut Island
This small artificial island in the Lake Worth Inlet is a Palm Beach County park accessible only by boat. It offers a campground, picnic areas, a snorkel trail around a submerged artificial reef, and a historically significant bunker built for President John F. Kennedy during the Cold War. Boat shuttles have historically run from the marina area on weekends; verify current operators and schedules locally.
Singer Island Beaches
Singer Island has several miles of Atlantic-facing beach accessible via public access points along Ocean Drive and Riviera Drive. The beaches are generally uncrowded compared to more tourist-heavy areas to the south. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, at the northern end of Singer Island, preserves a stretch of natural coastal habitat with hiking trails and guided nature programs; check the Florida State Parks website for current hours and fees.
Riviera Beach Marina
The municipal marina is one of the largest in South Florida and serves as a hub for recreational fishing charters, diving excursions, and sightseeing boat tours. Walking the docks and waterfront area is free and gives a genuine sense of the city's working maritime character.
Kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway
The calm, sheltered waters of Lake Worth Lagoon and the adjacent Intracoastal Waterway offer good conditions for kayaking and paddleboarding, with views of manatees, dolphins, and waterfront homes. Several outfitters rent equipment in the area; verify availability locally.
Food & Drink
Riviera Beach's dining scene is modest but has a handful of reliable waterfront and casual options concentrated around the marina and along Blue Heron Boulevard. Seafood — including fresh catch from local fishing boats — features prominently on most menus.
Singer Island has a small cluster of beachside restaurants and bars catering to both hotel guests and day visitors. The city does not have a destination dining scene comparable to West Palm Beach's Clematis Street or Palm Beach's Worth Avenue, but that is part of its low-key appeal.
For a broader range of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, the Northwood Village neighborhood in West Palm Beach and downtown West Palm Beach are accessible within a 15–20 minute drive. Visitors with dietary restrictions or specific cuisine preferences may find it useful to plan ahead.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Riviera Beach is treated municipal water and is considered safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available.
Connectivity
Cell coverage (all major US carriers) is reliable throughout the city. Free Wi-Fi availability varies by accommodation and venue.
Money
ATMs are available at banks and some convenience stores. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most businesses. Cash is useful for parking meters, boat shuttles, and smaller vendors.
Accessibility
Some beach access points on Singer Island have designated accessible parking and boardwalk access; conditions vary by location. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact individual venues or Palm Beach County Parks in advance.
Useful Links
- City of Riviera Beach official site: verify URL locally or via a search engine
- Palm Beach County Parks: pbcgov.org/parks (verify current URL)
- Florida State Parks (MacArthur Beach): floridastateparks.org
Safety
Riviera Beach has historically had elevated crime rates in parts of the city relative to Florida averages, particularly in some inland residential neighborhoods. Singer Island and the marina waterfront areas frequented by visitors are generally active and well-trafficked during daylight hours.
As in any city, standard precautions apply: avoid leaving valuables in parked vehicles, be aware of your surroundings after dark, and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Check current local advisories through official city sources or the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office website.
Ocean and waterway safety is equally important. The Lake Worth Inlet sees significant boat traffic; swimmers and snorkelers should stay within marked areas. Always dive and snorkel with a buddy. Jellyfish, stingrays, and biting insects are occasional nuisances — local dive shops and park rangers can advise on current conditions. During summer thunderstorm season, exit the water and seek shelter immediately when lightning is in the area.
