Red Reef
Parking lot
04.7 (54)
Parking lot, 1371 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Restroom
Ocean Beach ParkFL
Red Reef Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Red Reef Park with current vehicle-entry fees, cashless payment, permitted parking, beach facilities and official ocean-condition updates.
Water type
Ocean Beach Park
Access
Informal
Fee
From October 1, 2026: Class 1 vehicle daily entry $40 weekdays, $55 weekends/holidays. Other vehicle classes differ. Eligible annual permits are separate.
Best season
Check operator updates and weather before departure. Calendar season does not establish favorable swimming conditions
Nearby towns
Boca Raton
Water body
Atlantic Ocean
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Boca Raton
Access location not verified
26.36285, -80.06969
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Plan a Red Reef beach day
Red Reef combines ocean access with a city park setting. Decide on parking and check water conditions before treating snorkeling as the day's guaranteed activity.
Budget for the right parking option
The current city rates replace the directory's historical $8/$10 figures. Bring a debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay for the gatehouse. Annual vehicle permits are not valid at parking meters; pay meters separately.
Gumbo Limbo is not a beach-parking shortcut
The nature center's visitor rules reserve its limited free parking for nature-center visitors and explicitly prohibit beach parking. Red Reef West has metered parking. Check that lot's posted terms rather than assume a free space covers a beach outing.
Snorkeling depends on the ocean
The city describes an expanded snorkel trail with a jetty and artificial reefs. That does not make the water a sheltered beginner pool. Review Beach Conditions and speak with Ocean Rescue before entry. A high tide or attractive photo alone cannot establish favorable conditions.
Park hours are not lifeguard hours
Ocean Rescue lists coverage from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on standard time and to 6:30 p.m. on daylight time. Confirm staffing and posted instructions on arrival; do not use the later park-closing time as evidence of guarded swimming.
Plan the rest of your visit
Check services and any assistance your group needs before traveling. Pets, alcohol and overnight camping are prohibited in the park. Reviewed October 9, 2026, without a surveyed entrance or new gallery.
Getting There
Use 1400 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Follow designated beach parking and current city arrival instructions, not the unverified map point.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Park hours listed as 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Gatehouse daily payments are cashless. Gumbo Limbo parking is for nature-center visitors only, not beach parking.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Red Reef Park
Park
0.1 mi
4.7 (3096)
1400 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
A 67-acre oceanfront park for swimming, snorkeling & surf fishing that includes a nature center.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
1256-1368 N Ocean Blvd Parking
Parking lot
0.1 mi
2.3 (9)
1256-1368 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Spanish River Park
Park
1.1 mi
4.7 (2574)
3001 N. State Road A-1-A, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Family-friendly city park along the Intracoastal Waterway for picnicking, swimming & bird-watching.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Boca Raton Park Rangers
City government office
1.6 mi
3.3 (7)
3939 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Restroom
El Rio Trail Head
Hiking area
1.7 mi
4.8 (22)
FL-808, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Public restrooms
Public bathroom
2.5 mi
Sand Pine Park, 300 Newcastle St, Boca Raton, FL 33487
Baños públicos
Public bathroom
3.2 mi
2123-2117 NE 2nd St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Reef Park
Can I use Gumbo Limbo's free lot for the beach?
No. The city explicitly prohibits beach parking there, even if you also visit the nature center.
What does daily vehicle entry cost?
See the current Class 1 rates above; other vehicle types and annual-permit eligibility have different terms.
Can I pay cash at the gatehouse?
No. Daily parking payments became cashless on October 1, 2026.
Is snorkeling always suitable for beginners?
No. Check Ocean Rescue conditions and your swimming ability before deciding whether to enter.
Does the park have restrooms?
Yes, the city lists restrooms. Confirm availability if your visit depends on a specific service.
Do lifeguards work until park closing?
Do not assume that. Ocean Rescue lists separate coverage hours; check on arrival.
Highlights
Current parking costs and payment methods
Nature-center parking restriction clarified
Official ocean-condition link
Unique Features
City-listed snorkeling pods and coastal park facilities
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Check official Beach Conditions and ask Ocean Rescue about your intended swim or snorkel
- Currents around reef rocks and shoreline drop-offs can occur
- Do not infer ocean suitability from a calm-looking photograph
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
No additional historical claims established in this review.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
No reviewed gallery added in this pass. Respect visitor privacy and restrictions; photographs are not current conditions reports.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Do not feed or disturb wildlife. Follow city restrictions and leave marine life undisturbed.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check operator updates and weather before departure. Calendar season does not establish favorable swimming conditions.
Difficulty Level
Ocean conditions vary; no beginner-friendly or universal-access guarantee.
Fee
From October 1, 2026: Class 1 vehicle daily entry $40 weekdays, $55 weekends/holidays. Other vehicle classes differ. Eligible annual permits are separate.
Facilities
Confirm specific services and beach-entry assistance. Accessible parking does not establish a step-free route into the ocean.
Activities
Beach recreation and snorkeling when current conditions and staff restrictions allow.
Phone
561-393-7815
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Overnight occupancy and camping prohibited by the city park rules.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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