Best Things To Do In Jupiter, Florida, In 2024
Ready to soak up some Florida sunshine? The coastal town of Jupiter deserves to be on your itinerary. We have been frequent visitors to this little piece of paradise for over ten years, and we love to share the very best things to do in Jupiter, Florida!
Located in northern Palm Beach County, Jupiter is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear inlets, an iconic lighthouse, lush natural areas and seafood restaurants. Jupiter’s prime location at the confluence of the Loxahatchee River, the Intercoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean make it the perfect destination for those who love activities in and around the water. Best of all, Jupiter has maintained a small town-feel, and has even been named as top 10 happiest seaside towns in the U.S.!
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Best Things To Do In Jupiter, Florida
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
First on the list of best things to do in Jupiter: climbing to the top of the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Operated by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, this beautiful red lighthouse has been lighting up the night since 1860, guiding ships around the dangerous shoals in the inlet.
We arrived at opening time and beelined straight for the lighthouse. The interior of the lighthouse heats up as the day goes on, so we opted to climb to the lookout deck first, and explore the grounds afterward.
The first thing you’ll notice as you approach is an the amazing, 80 year old banyan tree. Banyans are a type of fig tree that spread out by putting out roots that develop into secondary trunks. This particular, enormous tree provides welcome shade as visitors wait to start their lighthouse tour. The beautiful deck area around the tree is a popular spot for weddings.
The climb to the lighthouse observation deck involves 105 steps up a twisting, spiral staircase. The staircase is narrow, with no room for people to pass. For this reason, visitors must line up outside until those already in the lighthouse descend. (hence, the shade of the banyan tree!) Children must be at least 48 inches tall in order to climb the stairs.
Once you’ve mastered the staircase, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Indian and Loxahatchee Rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The museum contains interactive exhibits that chronicle the lives of the lighthouse keepers, Native Americans, and early pioneers. Touch screens explain how the lighthouse was built and operated.
You’ll definitely want to set aside some time to wander through the lush grounds. The Natural Areas surrounding the lighthouse features 120 acres of Florida wilderness to explore. A scenic hiking trail leads to a covered observation platform overlooking a tranquil mangrove lagoon.
Visitors can join a guided tour at 11:00 and 2:00 daily, or do a self-guided tour using a smartphone app. The self-guided tour is available in English, French and Spanish. Head to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum website for prices and operating hours.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Blowing Rocks Preserve is high on the list of best things to do in Jupiter . Owned by the Nature Conservancy, this barrier island sanctuary is located on Jupiter Island. The rocky shoreline extends for more than a mile along the ocean. At high tide breaking waves slam into the rocks, sending plumes of spray into the air and geysers of water spurting through blow holes.
The rocky terrace along the shore is made of Anastasia limestone, mostly formed from shell and coral fragments, fossils and sand. It is also known as coquina, from the Spanish word for cockleshell. Being a relatively soft rock, the limestone has been weathered by wind and waves into all sorts of unique shapes and patterns.
This unique beach was far different from any of the other sandy Florida beaches that we have been to. The dramatic shoreline contains bluffs and sea caves, blow holes and rocky pools. We marveled at the erosive power of the wind and the ocean tide.
I spent a few minutes observing this eroded blow hole. When the next ocean wave came crashing in, I completely understood how the Blowing Rocks earned their name.
Each year from March through October, hundreds of Loggerhead, Leatherback, and Green sea turtles toil their way over the rocks at the Preserve to lay their eggs in the sand beyond. Navigating through the cracks and crevices in the limestone can be quite a challenge for a tiny sea turtle hatchling. In response, the Nature Conservancy has established a Sea Turtle Rescue Program within the preserve. Volunteers keep an eye out for stranded turtles and assist them back into the sea. In the photo below, volunteers have roped off a sea turtle nest in order to protect the eggs and future hatchlings.
The Dune Trail leading from the parking lot to the beach is surrounded by lush sea grape trees. The sea grapes have reddish, peeling bark, bright green leaves and ivory flowers that become edible grapes in the fall. At one point, the sea grapes form a natural archway over the trail.
Across the road, the Hawley Environmental Center has interpretive exhibits, restrooms and a small gift shop. At the time of our visit, the Environmental Center was closed due to COVID precautions. The preserve visitor fee of $2.00 per person was also was temporarily waived. The goal of the Conservancy is to preserve the Blowing Rocks in their pristine state. For this reason, food and beverages, pets and drones are not allowed. Be sure to check the Blowing Rocks Preserve website for their hours of operation before driving to the island, as the preserve has more limited hours during COVID restrictions.
We chose to visit at high tide on a windy day, when the geysers of spray shooting skyward would be at their most dramatic. We can’t wait to visit next time during low tide when it’s possible climb down the rocks and walk along the water’s edge, exploring the sea caves carved out underneath the rocks. Decide which experience is most interesting for you, and check out the Jupiter Sound Tide Schedule to plan your visit accordingly.
Be prepared to get wet if you want to observe the spray close up. I highly recommend investing in a water-resistant camera! My Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera performed beautifully on our Jupiter excursion. Not only did my Olympus get sprayed at Blowing Rocks, it also got knocked off of my paddle board and sank four and a half feet to the bottom during our paddle tour. Luckily, it happened in the shallow area while we were posing for our lighthouse photo! Absolutely no harm done in either case: my camera continues to perform and take awesome photos. The Olympus Tough is a rugged, waterproof camera that gets sharp images while being incredibly easy to use. You can get yours by clicking the Olympus Tough t-6 link here, or on the image below.
I also recommend some sturdy water shoes for climbing around on the rocks. Teva’s Hurricane Sport Sandals are perfect for navigating rugged terrain. They have a thick rubber sole that provides great support, and you won’t have to worry about slipping on wet rocks.
Jupiter Inlet Paddle Board Tour
Paddle boarding is one of our favorite things to do when we head to sunny Florida. We signed up for a tour with South Florida Paddle, a mobile tour company that doesn’t actually have a physical storefront. Tour guides load their paddling equipment into a van and meet up with clients at several launch locations throughout Palm Beach County.
We rendezvoused at Sawfish Bay Park, a small park which appears to be used mostly for fishing and paddling access. We met with our guide, received a few paddling and safety tips, and then cruised out on the Intercoastal Waterway and made our way to the Jupiter Inlet. First priority: a photo op in front of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. We kept a lookout for the manatees that had been spotted in the area on that morning’s sunrise paddle. While we didn’t encounter any of the gentle sea cows, we did see a variety of tropical fish in the crystal clear water and pelicans soaring overhead.
From there, we cut across the channel, keeping an eye out for fast moving boats. Our guide led us to a shallow area where the bottom was thick with sea grass. We hung out there for a while, watching a dozen or so sea turtles feeding. We were also fortunate to see a string ray scuttling by.
The sun was quite warm at mid-day, so we made several stops to jump into the water to cool off, including one near this mangrove swamp.
We had a wonderful time and look forward to booking with South Florida paddle on our next visit. We’d like to sign up for one of their Glow Tours, which involves paddling out in the evening to enjoy the beautiful South Florida sunset. Once the sun goes down, participants turn on colorful LED lights underneath the paddle boards and watch the water glow.
South Florida Paddle offers Eco tours, sunset, sunrise, and Night Glow tours , paddle board lessons and stand up paddle board rentals. Our tour cost $60 per person for a two hour trip. Book your tour at the South Florida Paddle website.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Getting a glimpse of a sea turtle is always a highlight for us whenever we visit Florida. There are five types of sea turtles that can be found in the waters around Jupiter. Leatherbacks, Loggerheads and Green turtles nest on the local beaches every year in between March and October. Kemps Ridley and Hawksbill turtles also swim along the coast.
One sure way to see a turtle is to stop at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. While the Center technically has an address in Juno Beach, it’s just over the boundary line from Jupiter.
Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a research and rehabilitation center for sea turtles. It is the only veterinary sea turtle hospital located between Orlando and the Florida Keys. The Center provides medical care to around 100 sea turtles per year, as well as caring for thousands of hatchlings. In addition, the Center’s research provides important data about ocean ecosystems.
On the day of our visit, there were only two adult sea turtles being cared for at the Center. A young adult green sea turtled was being treated after ingesting gasoline that spilled into the ocean. A loggerhead turtle was undergoing surgery after being injured by a boat. Rehabilitated sea turtles are always released back into the ocean as quickly as possible. As a result, there are not many mature turtles in the viewing tanks. In the event that a turtle is unable to be released to the wild, it is given to a larger aquarium like those at Disney.
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers guided tours, hands-on craft projects and a Junior Veterinarian clinic for kids. There is an interactive exhibit hall and an extensive gift store. Drop into the Tortuga Café, where you can purchase sandwiches, salads, pizza, hotdogs, pretzels, and popcorn.
There is no set admission charge, but donations to the Center are deeply appreciated. Find more information, book a tour, and check out the Center’s hours by going to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center website.
Termarsch Groves Citrus Shop
No visit to Florida is complete without indulging in some freshly squeezed orange juice. We found ours at the Termarsch Groves citrus shop, located along US-1 just south of Jupiter in Juno Beach.
The shop, a family run business operating since 1959, has retained its delightful farm market vibe despite being located in a commercial strip. The shelves are overflowing with various oranges, tangerines and grapefruit. They also had local tomatoes, red peppers and organic greens. And of course, the incredibly wonderful freshly squeezed orange juice. We all scored a free sample at the cashier station in addition to buying quarts to take home.
Also available is a wide variety of jams, jellies, marmalade, honey and candies. We picked up some chocolate dipped coconut patties to enjoy in the car and a bottle of fig jam to pack in our suitcase.
Can’t make it to Florida any time soon? No worries. Termarsch Groves will ship throughout the U.S. and Canada. Order up some Florida sunshine through the Termarsch Groves website.
Termarsch’s is also a huge hit with anyone in need of Florida souvenirs. There is a great selection of natural coral and shells. They also have colorful tie dye shirts, hand-crafted jewelry and a dizzying amount of trinkets and treasures.
Best Places To Eat In Jupiter, Florida
Guanabanas Island Restaurant and Bar
Stopping in at Guanabanas is also high on the list of best things to do in Jupiter. Their logo claims that it’s a taste of paradise, and we agree!
Guanabanas is an open-air restaurant with a lush, tropical setting and great views of the Intercoastal Waterway. It’s a great spot to listen to live music and enjoy the sunset. Guanabanas specializes in Caribbean cuisine, Florida seafood and craft cocktails.
We love to drop in for lunch or for happy hour drinks at the tiki bar. Be warned: Guanabanas is often packed at dinner time, so be prepared for a wait. Our favorite appetizers include the to-die-for smoked fish dip, with veggies, jalapenos, pita chips and lemons, and the incredibly plump chicken drumsticks in a smoky barbecue sauce.
During our latest lunch stop I ordered the Baja crunchy fish tacos with pickled onions, queso blanco, cilantro and lime-sour cream. David opted for the macadamia and coconut encrusted wahoo with mango-pineapple salsa. He choose black beans and rice and mac & cheese for his side dishes. Both were delicious!
Preview the menu at the Guanabanas website.
Our favorite night of the week to hang out at Guanabanas? Tuesdays! The nearby Blueline Surf & Paddle Co. hosts a Tuesday Night Race League for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders that starts behind the restaurant. It’s great fun to sit on the deck on Guanabanas, cocktail in hand, and cheer for the paddlers! Or head to the Blueline Surf& Paddle Co website if you’d like to register to paddle yourself!
Hog Snappers Shack and Sushi
As Michiganders, the opportunity to indulge in fresh seafood is always high on our list of things to do in Jupiter, and we couldn’t have been happier with our decision to check out Hog Snappers Shack and Sushi. It’s location in a rather nondescript strip mall enhanced our impression of stumbling upon a true hidden gem.
The extensive menu boasts a variety of offerings, from lettuce wraps and paella to a juicy burger with fries . Prominent on the menu is the hog snapper that the restaurant is named for, which turns out isn’t a snapper at all. Hog Snapper is a mild flavored fish with a long snout that the restaurant serves whole. While we didn’t order this dish, a patron at a neighboring table did, and the presentation was impressive!
Our group ordered appetizers to pass around the table, and we loved everything that we tried. I especially loved Hog Snapper’s signature Ceviche: luscious shrimp, scallops, clams and calamari piled together with mangos and avocados, all marinated in lime juice and cilantro. It came with some fried plantain on the side. Exactly the appetizer that we can’t get back home!
We were equally impressed with the chicken wings. They were more like monster-sized drumsticks from some very bulked up chickens! The drummies were huge and had a nice flavor with a bit of a crunch, along with with celery and blue cheese crumbles on the side.
All of these photos of the food from restaurant are from the Hog Snapper’s Facebook page. Take a look at all of their delicious options!
Locals in the know advised us of the customary 2 hour wait for a table if you show up at Hog Snappers during the typical dinner hour. Not only that, the early bird “senior hour” would also be packed. Which is why we found ourselves walking into the restaurant for dinner at the “Super Senior” hour of 4:45.
There were a few people seated at the long, tiki-style bar and only one occupied table. People started pouring in as we looked over the menu and ordered drinks, and every seat in the place was full shortly after 5:00. By the time we had finished some warm, gooey lava cake for dessert, a long line to get in had formed outside.
One more thing that we appreciated about Hog Snapper’s: they participate in the Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s “Blue Table” Program. They make an effort to source food sustainability and use paper straws and to-go containers rather than using Styrofoam. Our review of Hog Snappers in five words or less? “You gotta try it!” Check out the complete menu at the Hog Snappers Shack and Sushi website.
Chowder Heads
Chowder Heads is a casual restaurant that features traditional New England seafood dishes. Fresh seafood is flown in from Boston every other day. Chowder Heads is famous for its Maine lobster, lobster rolls, fried oysters, and of course, chowder.
Chowder Heads features three clam chowders and Maine lobster bisque each day. In addition to their traditional creamy New England clam chowder, the restaurant serves up my personal favorite, spicy Manhattan clam chowder with veggies, tomato and beef broth. There’s also Rhode Island clam chowder, made with chicken and clam broth. Gazpacho is also on the menu, a chilled vegetable soup that tastes even better if you add shrimp.
Indoor seating is available. We opted for a table under the sheltered outdoor walkway. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of sangria and a shrimp cocktail. This was followed by crab cakes, which were pretty much the best we’ve ever had!
The waitstaff was friendly and attentive. Our waiter recommended Boston cream pie for dessert: two layers of sponge cake with vanilla custard and topped with a chocolate glaze. Being in Florida, we went with the key lime pie instead. The perfect blend of tartness partnered with a honey biscuit crust.
Kids in tow? Your waiter will offer crayons, toys and a kid’s menu to keep your youngest ones occupied. Hot dogs and hamburgers are available for those not in the mood for seafood.
Find Chowder Heads in the Driftwood Plaza along US Highway 1. Look over the Chowder Heads menu and make a reservation on their website.
Dune Dog Café
Looking for a fun, casual place that not’s overly expensive? Head to Dune Dogs Café, conveniently located along Alt A1A. The outdoor atmosphere makes it a family-friendly place, and the waitstaff is outstanding.
This Key West-inspired café offers incredible hot dogs, hamburgers, salads and sandwiches. There’s excellent seafood on the menu, including crab cakes, crab legs, and fried shrimp.
Their nightly specials really draw in the locals! Head to Dune Dog on Mondays nights for all you can eat baby back ribs, and Two-For- Tuesdays where you can score two complete dinners for only $24.99. Wednesday nights offer specials for kids. Thursdays really attract a crowd: It’s lobster night, featuring a whole Maine lobster dinner with two sides.
Check out the Dune Dog Café menu for operating hour and daily specials. Their motto says it all: “Come as you are, bring the kids and we’ll find you a table.”
Places To Stay In Jupiter, Florida
Beachside accommodations :The Pointe Hotel
Luxury Hotel: Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place
Mid-range: Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
Budget friendly La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Jupiter
Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources!
Accommodations: We recommend using booking.com
Flights: We recommend WayAway
Tours And Experiences: We recommend Viator
Best Clothing And Gear: We recommend REI
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More Things To Do In Florida
Looking for another unique Florida adventure? Hop into a seaplane head to The Dry Tortugas. These seven small islands lie about 67 miles west of Key West and are accessible only by boat or by seaplane. Dry Tortugas National Park is the least visited National Park in the United States, and is home to Fort Jefferson, a massive fort built in the 19th century to protect the southern coast of the United States from Caribbean pirates. Learn more about our day in the Dry Tortugas.
We love hearing from our readers! Please leave a comment.
WOW ! What an amazing place to visit! There is so much to do for the whole family!! Thank you for sharing!
We had such an amazing time, Holly. You’re right: Jupiter has so much to offer for the whole family.
I have never heard or seen this part of Florida. It’s like a whole new side of the state and it’s absolutely gorgeous!
We’ve been around the Jupiter area before, but hadn’t heard about the Blowing Rocks Preserve. Truly a hidden gem!
My family LOVES any day spent close to the water, and these rock formations look like the perfect place for us to explore. Looks inviting!
We are always drawn to the water as well. Blowing Rocks Preserve is a fascinating place, and we are looking forward to a return visit so we can explore at low tide.
Thanks, Linda, for all this info about Jupiter – it’s on my go-to list for the next time I visit my sister. Great photos!
Looks like an amazing time! So much you can do here. Paddling boarding looked like fun, it would be neat to go for the sunset session.
Paddle boarding is always at the top of my activity list. A sunset paddle on Jupiter Inlet is definitely on the agenda for next year.
That is so exciting! We will be going to Florida this summer!
A complete and great blog to read about Jupiter, Florida. Included sights to see, history regarding wildlife, tours to try, food to try, and local vendors to visit. I will be adding this to the list of places to visit in the near future. Thanks for sharing.
I do hope you make it to Jupiter, Sabrina. In fact, we can’t wait to go back. There are still more great beaches and restaurants for us to check out!
I will have to check Juniper out. I have never seen a Florida coast with so many rocks!
I would highly recommend checking out the Blowing Rocks Preserve. We didn’t feel like we were in Florida any more!
Great ideas and tips of what to do in the area. The Jupiter Inlet paddle looked incredible and that’s definitely going on my bucket list! Fantastic pictures.
Thanks, Stephanie. Our paddle boarding experience definitely was incredible, and I hope you have the opportunity to try it for yourself!
That must have been amazing padding along like that. The food looked great.
The Palm Beach area of Florida has so many opportunities for paddle boarding, and so many incredible seafood restaurants. We love trying something new every time we visit.
What a great trip!
You can say that again!
Definitely looks like a place we would enjoy! Love the blowing rock!
There are so many great options for family fun in the Jupiter area.
I love Florida and that looks like a great place to visit!
So many great places to visit in Florida. The Jupiter area should definitely be on your list.
Looks like an amazing place to visit! I would love to try paddle boarding with the kids. The whole deep fried fish caught me a little off guard… not sure I would want to see that on my plate. LOL.
I agree, Marianne! It was really fun to see the hog snapper presentation, but it wasn’t what I ordered.
Looks like such an amazing time and a great place to explore and enjoy sunshine!
Such a great place to enjoy the sunshine after a Northern Michigan winter!
Wow, you could have told me this was Hawaii and I would believe you! Looks like a beautiful area. I love to SUP!
I agree! Blowing Rocks Preserve totally felt like it belongs in Hawaii.
I haven’t been to Jupiter yet but it sounds great with all the nature related activities!!
Jupiter has so many great beaches and waterways. There are also a number of natural areas that we haven’t gotten to yet: next time!
Jupiter Florida sounds like a lot of fun, and full of activity. I enjoyed the photos very much!
Thank you! We thoroughly enjoyed Jupiter.
Blowing Rocks looks amazing! We’ll definitely be planning a trip there soon.
I hope your family can stop in at Blowing Rocks Preserve. It’s amazing!
Looks like a great hidden gem in Florida. I don’t believe I ever heard of it and it’s named after a planet . I love that there’s a turtle preserve . The food looks delicious as well especially the hog snapper .
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is located near Jupiter in Juno, Beach. It was under reconstruction at the time of our visit, but we definitely plan on checking it out next year.
I love this area! Can’t wait for some sun and fun soon!
I think we could all benefit from a little sun and fun!
Thanks for the info. Never been to that part of FL. Looks like a fun spot to go.
There’s so much to do in the Jupiter area. I do hope yo can make it there one day!
I have never heard of Jupiter Florida but it sounds lovely. Definitely on my list to visit the next time I go to Florida.
Jupiter is lovely! It’s a bit pricey for an extended vacation, but definitely worth a day trip if you can swing it.
Never heard of sea grapes before! Such cool pictures. I would love to visit the citrus place.
I hadn’t heard of sea grapes before this trip, either. I love the bark and how the branches entertain.
It looks as though you had a great time on all your adventures in Jupiter! It all sounds fun, especially the citrus shop! And I love the sea grape tunnel, how unique!
We did have a great time. Getting freshly squeezed orange juice is a priority anytime we find ourselves in Florida.
I’ve never seen a beach like this in Florida…very different! I like it! This trip looks amazing especially the paddle boarding and the food! Thanks for a really great guide!
Blowing Rocks Preserve is indeed a unique area.
Hog Snappers sounds like my kind of restaurant! I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to try the whole fish, though!
I’m with you, Carolyn! Luckily, Hog Snapper’s has a huge variety of delicious options to choose from!
Delightful adventure
It truly was a delightful adventure!
What a beautiful place! I’ve never heard of Jupiter Florida. Now I’d love to visit.
Jupiter truly is a unique and beautiful place. I hope you make it there one day!
Jupiter looks like an interesting destination! Had never heard about it before. Being settled in Aisa, Florida is all about Miami and Disneyland for me. Glad to have come across your post that widened my knowledge of the sunshine state of the USA.
Thanks for commenting! There are so many things to do in Florida in addition to Miami and Disneyworld.
What a great place to visit. The colour and rock formations on the Blown Rock Preserve is quiet amazing. I love the fact that the Nature Conservancy has established a Sea Turtle Rescue Program to take good care of the sea turtles.
The seafood looks so fresh and delicious..
I also love that the Conservancy has established a Sea Turtle rescue program. I’d love to volunteer for sea turtle rescue one day when I actually retire.
It has been a few years since I was in this area, but these pictures brought back so many memories! Thanks for the tips of places to go and check out the next time I am in Jupiter Florida!
We’re planning a return trip to Jupiter this spring, as we ran out of time to check out all of the places that we were interested in!
Absolutely beautiful photos. I’ve never been to Florida, but have always wanted to visit! Jupiter looks like a beautiful area, especially Blowing Rocks Preserve. Thanks so much for sharing!
Of course Florida boasts a lot of beautiful swimming beaches, but Blowing Rocks is truly unique!