Riviera Beach takes its name from Judge Allen Heyser, whose wife Mattie Spencer Heyser ran the Oak Lawn Post Office from their Oak Lawn Hotel, changing both names to Riviera in 1893. The area was incorporated as the Town of Riviera on September 29, 1922, and became the City of Riviera Beach in 1959. As early as 1906, a squatter's community of fishermen and their families from the Bahamas, nicknamed "conchs," lived on Singer Island's south end in a settlement called Inlet City, with families including the Moree, Pinder, Knowles, and Griffin families. Around 1919, the fishing colony relocated to the mainland. By the 1920s, Riviera Beach emerged as one of Florida's east coast's largest fish suppliers, shipping catches to Fulton's Fish Market in New York. Charles N. Newcomb purchased the Riviera Hotel in 1901, making extensive improvements that attracted Henry Flagler, Andrew Carnegie, the Vanderbilts, and Astors as frequent visitors. In 1913, Newcomb recorded a plat envisioning Riviera as a resort community after purchasing 200 acres from Lake Worth to the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. The city's development accelerated with Palm Beach County's growth, transforming from a fishing village into a coastal city along Singer Island's Atlantic coastline.
The beach along Singer Island offers swimming, snorkeling, and diving in Atlantic waters with aquatic activities including boating, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet-skiing available for rent. Riviera Beach Marina Village provides charter fishing boats to the Gulf Stream targeting sailfish and marlin in deep-sea waters. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park features two miles of beach with three nature trails, offering paddleboard and kayak rentals for exploring coastal ecosystems. Ocean Reef Park provides a 700-foot beach with playground and picnic areas ideal for families. Phil Foster Park features an underwater snorkel trail and scenic Intracoastal Waterway views, popular for diving and marine life observation. Manatee Lagoon offers educational experiences about Florida's state marine mammal with viewing opportunities during winter months. Rapids Waterpark spans 35 acres with water slides and attractions for family entertainment. Ocean Walk on Singer Island's south end combines beach access with shopping and casual dining in a beachside plaza. The beaches and parks provide lifeguards, restrooms, and facilities supporting all-day visits along the Palm Beach County coastline.
Dining at Riviera Beach and Singer Island showcases waterfront locations and diverse cuisine. Rafiki-Tiki serves fresh seafood and local flavors with marina views overlooking boats and Intracoastal waters. Sailfish Marina offers Florida seafood with waterfront dining and views of fishing vessels. ONA Coastal Cuisine at Palm Beach Marriott provides contemporary coastal dishes with Mediterranean influences using fresh local ingredients. TULĀ features wellness-driven plant-forward coastal cuisine in an oceanfront space emphasizing healthy dining. Johnny Longboats offers a lively atmosphere with American classics from burgers to seafood platters and tropical drinks. The Crab Pot serves steamed seafood, crab legs, and coastal favorites in a casual environment. Guanabanas features Caribbean-inspired cuisine with waterfront seating, tiki bars, and live music. U-Tiki Beach serves beachside fare with tropical drinks and ocean views. The diverse restaurant scene ranges from casual waterfront eateries to upscale dining, reflecting Riviera Beach's evolution from fishing village to sophisticated coastal destination.
