A spectacular stretch of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean near the town with the same name, Jupiter Beach is home to white sand beaches and gorgeous parks offering a myriad of activities for lovers of the great outdoors. Surfing, fishing, swimming, or a game of beach volleyball are all on offer.
North of Jupiter Inlet, you’ll find Blowing Rocks Preserve. Here, seawater crashes through holes in rock formations at high tide, creating a dramatic dance show of waves. There are also plenty of hiking trails in this area. South of the inlet is Jupiter Beach Park, where you can stop off for a picnic at one of the many picnic tables, pavilions and grills scattered throughout. There is also a children's playground and a beach volleyball court. The 16-hectare beach offers plenty of safe swimming areas, with patrolling lifeguards, while surfing and fishing is allowed outside of these areas, from the rock mounds and the jetty. Parking is readily available, as are toilet facilities and showers.
Adjoined with Jupiter Beach Park is DuBois Park. A calm, shallow lagoon makes the park a lovely venue for families with small children. Both adults and children will delight in the rich marine life at the snorkel areas. Parking is free and abundant, but weekends tend to get very crowded so arrive early if you want to grab a grill for a barbecue in the picnic area.
Near DuBois Park is the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. Located on a US Coast Guard base, visitors are granted entry inside this landmark built in 1860 only as part of a 45-minute guided tour. Take the 105 steps to the top and find yourself rewarded with sweeping views over the inlet. Housed within a restored World War II Naval building, the museum which provides some insight into the significance of the area, once a traditional meeting place for Native American tribes and, during World War II, home to Station J, a secret operation designed to intercept messages from enemy vessels.
Just west of DuBois Park, the Loxahatchee River is fringed with laidback bars and restaurants for a relaxing meal or drink. Jupiter Beach is about one hour’s drive north of Fort Lauderdale and there is plenty of free parking.
