BRINY BREEZES, FLORIDA

Briny Breezes is a small town of mobile homes on State Road A1A across the Intracoastal Waterway from Boynton Beach and Delray Beach.

Briny Breezes in the Early Days

Trailer parks, mobile home parks, manufactured home parks - by any name - are all over Florida, but people who pass by Briny Breezes get a different feeling about this one.

For starters, it is located on the barrier island that separates the Intracoastal Waterway from the Atlantic Ocean. 

How many trailer parks can say that?  

Or mobile home communities or manufactured home or modular home communities?

Briny Breezes Auditorium
Flickr/Florida Memory

The town is nestled in on the barrier island between the upscale oceanfront communities of Ocean Ridge and Gulf Stream with their multi-million dollar homes.

The 2020 census put the population at 590.  

A Michigan businessman named Ward Miller started a strawberry farm on the current town site in the 1920s. 

During the Great Depression, he permitted "tin can tourists" to camp on his farm.  

These tourists - most from northern states - spent a lot of time in their trailers and loved being right on the ocean.

The Town of Briny Breezes, Palm Beach County

Miller advertised his trailer park in northern newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, and emphasized his park's $3/week lot rent.

In 1958, Miller decided to retire and offered to sell the trailer park to the campers.  He charged from $2,000 to $2,500 per lot.

The campers got together and bought the park and incorporated it as a town in 1963.

In the early days most of the town's residents only came down during the cold winter months.  It was primarily a "snowbird" community, but today the majority of the residents live in the town full time.  Most of them are retirees.

Briny Breezes Canal to Intracoastal Waterway

The Briny Breezes community center is in a building on State Road A1A along with a pharmacy.  The Town Hall is in another building on A1A that also houses a beauty salon.

About half of the homes are on the ocean side of A1A and the others are on a parcel that fronts on the Intracoastal Waterway with a marina and several canals.

Briny Breezes Community Chapel

Several Quonset hut style buildings on the west side of A1A house various town offices, storage areas, and a community church.   There is a large community building directly on the ocean beach.

The town has a pleasant feel, friendly attitude and sense of community.

BRINY BREEZES ALMOST DISAPPEARED IN 2005

Briny Breezes, Florida almost disappeared in 2005 when a developer offered $510 million to buy the entire town.  This would have resulted in each lot going for a bit more than $1 million.

Briny Breezes Oceanfront Clubhouse

The majority of the town's citizens voted to accept the offer, but the deal fell through in 2007 during the negotiation phase.

According to Realtor.com, homes for sale today (2021) in Briny Breezes range in price from $139,000 to $1,200,000.  The average asking price is about $250,000.

RECOMMENDED BRINY BREEZES RESTAURANT

Prime Catch
700 E. Woolbright Road
Boynton Beach, Florida 33435
Tel: 561-737-8822

Prime Catch, Intracoastal Waterway, Boynton Beach

Prime Catch is a seafood restaurant on the water across the Intracoastal Waterway from Briny Breezes. It is located at the western end of the Woolbright Road bridge in Boynton Beach.

The view of the waterway is great from most of the seating, but especially so from the outside deck.

The restaurant is very popular with locals for lunch, Happy Hour, and dinner. As the name implies, seafood is the specialty of the house.

Most of their seafood is local, but they also import some favorites like Maine lobster, Maryland blue crab, and Boston cod.

Prime Catch, Intracoastal Waterway, Boynton Beach

The interior has large windows overlooking the waterway and a nice fully stocked bar. The bar staff makes great drinks and are extremely good with their Bloody Marys.

The service staff is friendly, from the hostess who greets and seats you to your server.

Seafood entrees include the fresh catch of the day, and one of their specialties, the Prime Mixed Grill with lobster tail, jumbo shrimp, sea scallops.

Their vegetables are also great - especially asparagus - and they can handle vegetarian or gluten free requests too.

Prime Catch, Intracoastal Waterway, Boynton Beach

Like most good restaurants, they haven't forgotten the landlubbers. The menu includes burgers, prime rib, ribeye, filet mignon, organic chicken, and an entree of seasonal vegetable tempura.

You can also make a great meal at the bar with just appetizers including tuna tacos, grilled Spanish octopus, wild shrimp and avocado toast, and many other offerings.

This is not a cheap restaurant, but you have great service and awesome views of the waterway.

You are across the waterway from million dollar homes - even mobile homes - and location is everything not just in real estate but restaurants too.

They are open 7 days a week from 11:00 am until 10:00 or 11:00 pm. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

THINGS TO DO IN BRINY BREEZES, FLORIDA

Briny Breezes Beach
Ocean Blvd, Briny Breezes, FL 33435

Briny Breezes Beach is a hidden gem along Florida's coastline. We enjoy the serene atmosphere and the pristine sands. Visitors like to relax under the sun and swim in the clear blue waters.

The beach is perfect for a quiet day out, away from the crowded tourist spots. It's a great place for beachcombing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.

The natural beauty of this beach makes it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to unwind or take a peaceful walk, Briny Breezes Beach offers a tranquil escape.

Ocean Ridge Hammock Park
6620 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge, FL 33435

Ocean Ridge Hammock Park is a lovely natural area close to Briny Breezes. We enjoy exploring the walking trails that wind through lush greenery and coastal hammocks. Visitors like the park's picnic areas and the chance to see local wildlife.

It's a peaceful spot for a family outing or a relaxing afternoon. The beach access offers a secluded spot for sunbathing and swimming. The park’s natural beauty and quiet atmosphere make it a perfect retreat from the busy city life. It's a favorite for nature lovers and anyone looking to enjoy Florida’s coastal charm.

Gulfstream Park
4489 N Ocean Blvd, Gulf Stream, FL 33483

Gulfstream Park is a beautiful coastal park near Briny Breezes, not to be confused with the famous horse racing track. We enjoy the scenic walking trails and the picnic areas with stunning ocean views.

Visitors like the clean, well-maintained beach that's perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The park also has a playground for kids and plenty of shady spots to relax. It’s a great place for a family day out or a peaceful afternoon by the sea.

The natural surroundings and friendly atmosphere make Gulfstream Park a favorite destination. Whether you're looking for a place to swim, picnic, or just relax, this park has it all.

Ocean Inlet Park
6990 N Ocean Blvd, Ocean Ridge, FL 33435 | (561) 966-6600

Ocean Inlet Park is a popular spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts. We enjoy watching the boats navigate through the inlet and out to the ocean.

Visitors like the fishing opportunities from the pier and the stunning views of the Atlantic. The inlet is also a great place for a scenic walk or to enjoy a picnic by the water. The strong currents and clear waters make it a favorite for experienced divers.

It’s a vibrant spot where you can feel the energy of the ocean. Whether you're fishing, boating, or just enjoying the view, Ocean Inlet Park is a must-visit.

Seacrest Scrub Natural Area
3400 S Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL | (561) 233-2400

Seacrest Scrub Natural Area in nearby Boynton Beach offers a unique glimpse into Florida’s native scrub habitats. We enjoy the peaceful walking trails that meander through sand pine and oak scrub.

Visitors like the chance to see native wildlife, including gopher tortoises and a variety of bird species. The well-maintained paths are perfect for a leisurely hike or a nature walk. It’s a quiet retreat where you can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility.

The educational signs along the trails provide interesting information about the local ecosystem. It's a favorite spot for nature lovers and anyone looking to escape into nature.

Mangrove Nature Park
700 NE 4th Ave, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 | (561) 737-3256

Mangrove Nature Park is a peaceful natural area ideal for a quiet escape. We enjoy the boardwalk that winds through the mangroves, offering scenic views and wildlife sightings.

Visitors like the educational signs that provide information about the mangrove ecosystem. The park is great for birdwatching and photography. It’s a serene spot to connect with nature and enjoy a leisurely walk.

The shaded paths and tranquil environment make it a perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're exploring the boardwalk or enjoying the views, Mangrove Nature Park is a delightful destination.

Canyon Amphitheater and Park
8802 Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL | (561) 966-7094

Canyon Amphitheater and Park, located in Canyon Town Center, is a lively spot for outdoor entertainment and recreation. We enjoy the open-air concerts and events held at the amphitheater.

Visitors like the park’s amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails. The park is great for a family day out or an evening of live music. The spacious grounds and well-maintained facilities make it a comfortable and enjoyable place to visit.

The community events and performances add to the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're attending a concert or enjoying a picnic, Canyon Amphitheater and Park is a fantastic destination.