Crossing onto Singer Island, a calm washes over you as the frenzy of South Florida dissolves into tangles of sabal palms and sea grapes. Though it’s only twenty minutes from Palm Beach International Airport and sandwiched between the cultural hub of West Palm Beach and the laid-back beach towns of Juno Beach and Jupiter, the barrier island feels like a remote hideaway.
Singer Island comprises three towns—Palm Beach Shores, Riviera Beach, and North Palm Beach—and makes a great jumping-off point for exploring nature. Of course, lounging on the beach is always an option, as the island’s proximity to the Gulf Stream (it’s the easternmost spot in Florida) keeps water temperatures pleasant year-round.
Stay
Looking shiny after a recent renovation, the Singer Oceanfront Resort makes an ideal landing pad for travelers seeking comfortable accommodations without a lot of fuss. You won’t find turndown service here; the true luxury lies in the mid-sized hotel’s proximity to the beach—and that beach’s expansiveness. The room rate includes chairs and umbrellas, but plan to spend at least part of your beach day on foot, eyes to the sand. On a recent visit, the beach contained so many seashells that they sounded like wind chimes when the waves rushed over them. And then there’s the sea glass. Lauren Mirabile, a local sea glass enthusiast, offers guided excursions through the hotel and shares tips on how to find these shimmering pieces of history, which can take up to fifty years to wash ashore.
For a more wellness-focused stay, the recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort offers luxe guest rooms, including suites and villas, and a 103,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor spa. There’s also the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island with condo-style rooms and two pools (one with a plunging water slide).
Eat
At the Singer, Caretta Caretta—a nod to the many sea turtles that lay their eggs on the island’s beaches—is open all day but especially shines at dinner. Try the plump crab fritters, the restaurant’s delicious spin on lomo saltado with yucca fries, and a seafood charcuterie board starring smoked mahi mahi dip, charred octopus, and pickled shrimp alongside accoutrements. The hotel’s bar, Top Shell, serves up ocean views in addition to pub grub like steak tacos and sandwiches.
You’ll find no-frill spots elsewhere on the island, including the mainstay Mulligan’s (which is temporarily closed for renovations), but a wider variety of dining options aren’t too far away. Sara’s Kitchen in Palm Beach Gardens excels at over-the-top breakfast fare like a banana crunch waffle stuffed with pecans. In Jupiter, Guanabanas sets a tropical tone for lunch with banyan trees and dockside dining on the Intracoastal. Standouts here include the smoked fish dip, the island chopped salad with hearts of palm and mango, and the Cuban sandwich. At night, the atmosphere becomes revelrous with live music.
James Beard–nominated Stage (pronounced “stahj”) in Palm Beach Gardens excites with Indian-meets-Floridian flavors. Plan on sharing dishes like the zesty “ceviche”—made with meaty, locally grown lychees instead of fish—and the spicy tuna bombs, crispy puri pouches stuffed with fresh tuna, avocado, and green goddess dressing. Save room for the wood-grilled tandoori churrasco served alongside a tomato and blue cheese salad.
Play
Between the mainland and Singer Island sits eighty-acre Peanut Island. Snorkelers love its lagoon brimming with starfish, hermit crabs, and parrot fish, and there’s a paved walking path that circles the island. President John F. Kennedy’s doomsday bunker resides here, too, though it’s closed indefinitely for repairs. The island is only accessible by boat, so plan on taking a water taxi from Sailfish Marina Resort or rent a kayak. Note that while there are restrooms and pavilions, it’s otherwise rustic and you’ll need to bring your own food and drink.
On the northern end of Singer Island, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park boasts an estuary ready for kayak or paddleboard exploration, plus nearly two miles of beaches and nature trails. In the cooler months (November to March), manatees make their return to Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach. The educational center situated on a power plant off the Intracoastal is free to visit and offers plenty of chances to spot the gentle sea creatures.
In Jupiter’s inlet, the nineteenth-century red brick lighthouse is a beauty to admire, but climbing the 105 steps treats you to a breathtaking view. At Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, guests can check in on recovering sea turtles as well as partake in educational programming and kid-friendly activities.
