The Kennedy Bunker closed in 2017. The non-profit that managed the facility lost its lease with the county. After several years of closure, Palm Beach County Commissioners voted in January 2022 to take over the facility, renovate it and re-open it to the public. But that process is estimated to cost millions of dollars and take several years. What follows is an earlier story about touring the bunker when it was open to the public. We’ll update the story as it develops.
Hidden on an island best known for boats and bikinis is a fascinating relic of another era in South Florida — the Kennedy Bunker, the underground fallout shelter built in December 1961 as a safe haven for President John F. Kennedy, whose family’s Palm Beach compound is minutes away across the water.
The bunker was constructed quickly and secretly during the run up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Hidden in the woods and underground, it fell into disrepair until restored by the museum in 1999.
The bunker is located on Peanut Island, a Palm Beach County park accessible only by boat, that is usually surrounded by partiers on boats.
The bunker is the real deal. The museums site says: “With the exception of a presidential seal, added as a modern enhancement, the declassified, decommissioned bunker is very close to the original. The structure is covered with earth and many layers of concrete and rebar. Entry is via a blast-hardened tunnel, with a 90 degree angle to minimize shock effects from a nuclear explosion. Entry is through a secure decontamination area, which was, however, and interestingly, made of plywood.”
While a few folks around Palm Beach County know about the Kennedy Bunker and Peanut Island, it still ranks as one of Florida’s hidden treasures. It’s likely to stay that way, however: Since it is located on an island, visiting it will always require taking a water taxi, private boat or a kayak — which is part of why we love it in the first place.
The bunker itself is quite small. Shelves are stocked with containers of drinking water, Army K-rations and gas masks. There’s a rocking chair — the seat of choice for a president with a bad back — and a ham radio reminds us of life before cell phones.
It’s a spooky space. You know that if this bunker were ever actually used, it would be something close to the end of the world.
More practical matters, however, are also discussed. There is no bathroom. How would that work?
The answer: You used a bucket, filled it and sealed it.
Before touring the bunker, visitors are taken through the historic Coast Guard Station. The tour is short and modest, but you see some interesting items.
Editors note: Florida's Atlantic coast and Central Florida escaped the brunt of Hurricane Helene. State parks are gradually reopening in this zone. For the latest updates on state park closures, go to Storm Updates
An interesting piece in the New York Times tells how JFK had a similar shelter built on another vacation destination, Nantucket Island. That shelter has never been open to the public.
Visiting the Kennedy Bunker
Peanut Island is also a great outing for snorkeling, picnics and even camping. For details see the Florida Rambler guide to visiting Peanut Island.
To reach the island, most people take a water taxi from Sailfish Marina: 98 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores. See website for shuttle times and parking fees.
We love leaving from Sailfish Marina because the docks there have clear turquoise water filled with schools of fish — jacks, parrot fish and more. You can buy shrimp here to feed the fish and have lunch or drinks in the restaurant.
The ferry to the island takes about a minute, but it’s scenic and the island beckons to you with its palm trees and boats.
You also can kayak to the island. To kayak, we parked and put in our boat at Riviera Beach Marina, 200 E. 13th St. Riviera Beach. (You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards at the marina.)
Another put-in spots for kayakers: Phil Foster Park, 900 E. Blue Heron Blvd., Riviera Beach.
Note: The Kennedy bunker has not been open for tours since 2017.
More things to do in Palm Beach County and nearby:
- Ten ways to enjoy the tony Town of Palm Beach
- A great beach at MacArthur State Park
- Kayak to Munyon Island in MacArthur State Park
- Lake Trail, a bike trail on the elite island of Palm Beach
- Peanut Island for snorkeling and camping
- Hiking and bike trails at Grassy Waters Preserve, West Palm Beach
- Great birding at Wakodahatchee and Green Cay Preserves
- Hiking and wildlife at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
- Delray Beach: Lots to do for weekend getaway
The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.
Brock
Sunday 7th of April 2024
I lived in Yacht Club Point in North Palm Beach in the 1970’s, and came across this shelter on Peanut Island. It must have been between 1973 and 1975. The shelter was blindingly lit, had thick vertical bars at the entrance, and a guard on duty standing at attention at the visible rear. Although Kennedy died in1963, seemingly no one had decommissioned the shelter and men were still going to work and standing guard every day. I’d never heard of it and it was unforgettable being there.