The best things to do in Boynton Beach, Florida, almost always involve the Intracoastal Waterway. That is not an exaggeration. This stretch of South Florida sits directly on the water, and the entire personality of the town is built around its connection to the Atlantic, the marina, and the protected waterway that runs right through it.
Boynton Beach is often overshadowed by its neighbors. Delray Beach gets the nightlife credit. Palm Beach gets the luxury headlines. But Boynton sits between them with something neither can fully match: direct, walkable access to one of the most scenic pieces of Intracoastal in all of Palm Beach County. The Gulf Stream runs closer to Boynton Beach than any other city in the U.S., which is why locals call it the "Gateway to the Gulf Stream."
Here are 10 activities that make the most of that waterfront location.
This is, hands down, the best way to experience the Intracoastal in Boynton Beach. Renting a boat opens up roughly 17 miles of waterway with views of waterfront mansions, mangrove shorelines, and wildlife you simply cannot see from land. Manatees drift through the shallows during winter. Dolphins show up near the inlet year-round.
The route from Boynton runs north toward Palm Beach and south toward Delray Beach and Boca Raton. Both directions are worth exploring. Heading north offers bigger estates and wider views. Heading south leads toward sandbar hangouts and quieter stretches.
For anyone visiting from nearby Delray Beach, the run up the Intracoastal to Boynton Harbor Marina is a short and scenic trip. No boating license is required for rentals in Florida, which means the barrier to entry is basically nonexistent.
For a full breakdown of the best southbound routes and waterfront stops between Boynton Beach and Delray, check out this guide to the best Delray Beach boat tours, routes, and stops.
The marina is home to some of the best waterfront dining in Palm Beach County. Three restaurants sit directly on the water, each with dock access for boaters:
|
Restaurant |
Vibe |
Known For |
|
Banana Boat |
Casual, live music on weekends |
Tropical cocktails, outdoor deck since 1978 |
|
Two Georges Waterfront Grille |
Relaxed family dining |
Fresh seafood, Intracoastal views |
|
Prime Catch |
Upscale, date night worthy |
Yellowtail snapper, wine list, island bar on the water |
All three let guests dock and dine. That means pulling up by boat, tying off, and walking straight to a table. It turns a regular dinner into something way more memorable. Prime Catch even has a bar called Prime Island that literally sits in the Intracoastal Waterway.
For a quieter take on the waterway, kayaking and paddleboarding out of Boynton Beach are surprisingly good. The launch point at Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park puts paddlers right on the Intracoastal with direct access to mangrove-lined shorelines and calm backwater areas.
The wildlife on a paddle here is worth mentioning. Expect to see:
Because the Intracoastal is wide in this stretch, there is enough room to paddle safely alongside boat traffic. But mornings are best. Fewer boats, calmer water, better wildlife sightings.
The Boynton Inlet (officially called the South Lake Worth Inlet) connects the Intracoastal to the open Atlantic. This makes it one of the most productive fishing spots in the area. Shore anglers line the jetties on both sides, and charter boats run out of the marina daily.
What sets Boynton apart from other South Florida fishing spots is proximity. The Gulf Stream pushes game fish remarkably close to shore here. Wahoo, mahi mahi, tuna, and sailfish are all realistic catches depending on the season. For visitors who do not want to commit to a full offshore charter, the inlet jetties offer free access and solid action on snook, tarpon, and snapper.
This is one of those things to do in Boynton Beach, Florida that sounds gimmicky but is actually a lot of fun. The Tiki Taxi is a floating tiki bar that cruises the Intracoastal out of Boynton Harbor Marina. It runs Thursday through Sunday, with each loop lasting about an hour.
Tickets start around $10 per person, and the ride includes views of waterfront homes, the inlet, and the marina area. Drinks and snacks are available on board. It fills up quickly on weekends, so showing up a bit early is a smart move. The northbound route is generally more scenic than the southbound one.
Here is something most people do not know: Ocean Ridge Natural Area is only accessible by boat. It sits along the Intracoastal just south of the Boynton Inlet and offers a quiet, undeveloped shoreline that feels completely removed from the rest of South Florida.
This is a perfect side trip during a boat rental. Pull up, explore the natural shoreline, and then continue cruising. Few spots in Palm Beach County offer this kind of boat-only access to untouched coastal habitat.
Planning a day on the water that covers Boynton and the surrounding coastline? Browse the full fleet of available boats to find the right fit for the trip.
Oyer Park is the main public boat launch in Boynton Beach and sits directly across the Intracoastal from the inlet. It has a double ramp, restrooms, picnic tables, a playground, and a small dock for fishing.
What makes this park special is the lagoon area on its south side. During winter months, manatees gather here because the shallow water warms faster than the surrounding waterway. It is one of the most reliable spots in Palm Beach County to see manatees up close without getting on a boat.
Weekend launch fees are around $10 for trailer parking. Arrive early on Saturdays and Sundays because the ramps fill up fast.
Sunset viewing along the Boynton Beach Intracoastal is hard to beat. The waterway faces west in several stretches, which means unobstructed sunset views over the water.
Best spots for catching sunset include:
The golden hour here runs long because of the flat horizon over the waterway. Bring a camera or just sit and watch. Either way, it is one of the simplest and best experiences in the area.
Jet ski rentals operate directly out of Boynton Harbor Marina. The standard rental runs about an hour, which gives enough time to cruise north toward Palm Beach or south toward Delray Beach and back. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a jet ski in Florida.
The Intracoastal here is wide enough to open up the throttle in some sections while still staying within protected waterway zones. It is one of the more thrilling ways to see the coast, especially for visitors who want something faster than a pontoon but do not want to commit to a full day on the water.
Every December on the second Friday of the month, decorated boats line the Intracoastal for the Boynton Beach Holiday Boat Parade. It is a South Florida tradition. Boats of all sizes are strung with lights, and crowds gather along the waterfront to watch the procession.
The best viewing spots are along the Boynton Harbor Marina, Intracoastal Park, and the decks of the waterfront restaurants. Some visitors rent boats and join the parade itself, which is absolutely worth doing if the timing works out.
What are the best things to do in Boynton Beach, Florida along the Intracoastal?
The top activities include renting a boat to cruise the waterway, dining at Banana Boat or Prime Catch, kayaking from Harvey Oyer Park, jet skiing from the marina, and catching the sunset from the water or from Intracoastal Park.
Do you need a boating license to rent a boat in Boynton Beach?
No. Florida does not require a boating license to rent a boat. Rental operators provide a brief safety orientation before departure. Riders must be at least 16 to operate a jet ski.
Can you see manatees on the Boynton Beach Intracoastal?
Yes. Manatees are commonly spotted in the shallows near Harvey E. Oyer Jr. Park, especially during cooler months when they seek warmer water. Kayakers and boaters see them regularly along the mangrove edges.
What restaurants in Boynton Beach are on the Intracoastal Waterway?
Three restaurants sit directly on the Intracoastal at Boynton Harbor Marina: Banana Boat (casual, live music), Two Georges Waterfront Grille (family-friendly seafood), and Prime Catch (upscale waterfront dining with an island bar).