One of the northernmost towns of The Palm Beaches, Jupiter is a cross between Old Florida and the tropics, with its native landscapes and colorful reefs. Here, we present a roundup of our top 10 things to do when visiting Jupiter!

1. Explore the largest State Park in Southeast Florida

Just off the Indiantown exit of I-95 lies Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the largest state park in Southeast Florida. Explore this unique spot on land or by water, and see environments such as coastal sand hills, upland lakes, and scrub forests as well as the pristine Loxahatchee River.  Historical interests include a secret World War II training camp, the story of the shipwrecked Quaker merchant who is the park’s namesake, and Trapper Nelson, the legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.

2. Visit Carlin Park

This guarded 3,000-foot beach is perfect for families with small kids or anyone who wants to seek a little bit of relaxation. The park features a playground, picnic areas and pavilions,  pickleball courts, softball fields, tennis courts, a volleyball sand court, and bocce courts. And the adjacent Seabreeze Amphitheater features live music, special events, and the annual Shakespeare by the Sea Festival. With so much to do here, you have to come back for more!

3. Unleash at the dog beach

Jupiter is home to one of Florida’s few dog-friendly beaches. Fido can freely splash and enjoy the sand between Beach Marker #26 (Marcinski Road), going north to Marker #57 (at the Carlin Park property line). Practice good petiquette: use the free dog bags so your pup only leaves pawprints in the sand.

4. Have lunch or dinner at Guanabanas

Guanabanas is an outdoor-only restaurant and local favorite offering fresh-from-Florida fare and a truly breathtaking view. Enjoy waterfront dining in a lush tropical garden by the light of tiki torches. Live music is featured on the weekends with local rock, reggae, and funk bands.

5. Paddle the Loxahatchee River

Riverbend Park is connected to the Everglades along the Loxahatchee River. With low-hanging branches and proximity to wildlife, you will feel like you are paddling the jungle. Make the trip by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, carving through the cypress forest while you glimpse herons, turtles, and more wildlife.

6. Find your inner light at the Lighthouse

Juan Ponce de Leon didn’t receive the most hearty welcome after he sailed through Jupiter Inlet and up the Loxahatchee River, as the local Jeaga Native American tribe shot at his crew with arrows tipped in bone and fish spines. Today, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum welcomes all by land or sea into the Inlet and shines a light on Spanish expeditions, shipwrecks, and legends in The Palm Beaches. This national heritage site offers climbing tours of the 1860 Lighthouse and the best views in Palm Beach County! Explore waterfront exhibits and discover over 5000 years of history strolling along native plant pathways with cell phone apps or on docent-led tours. 

7. Enjoy the beach at Coral Cove Park

If you enjoy a quieter beach but still want the benefit of great snorkeling and paddleboarding, Coral Cove Park is the place! Just a few feet offshore and in just a few inches of water are water-carved rock formations shaped by countless seasons. You’ll also see a variety of sea life, including sea turtles, eels, fish, and sharks between the reefs and rocks of the cove. The park is situated close to the Intracoastal Waterway and has picnic benches, grills, and a small playscape.

8. Catch the coastal vibe at Harbourside Place

Harbourside Place is the premier downtown destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and boating. Nestled along Jupiter’s Intracoastal Waterway, Harbourside Place conveys that classic, coastal vibe. Savor the flavors in one of the mouthwatering restaurants; shop in more than 15 national and specialty stores; stay in the spectacular Wyndham Grand Jupiter Hotel; and revel in live entertainment at the center’s waterfront amphitheater. 

9. Stop by Charlie and Joe’s at Love Street

Founded on a longtime friendship between two Jupiter area locals, Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street is a piece of paradise that caters to locals, tourists, and other visitors alike. With a spectacular view of the Lighthouse, Love Street is the perfect place for a waterfront dinner or a fun happy hour with friends. Grab a bite at Beacon, an upscale restaurant serving contemporary American fare. Then, head upstairs to Topside, a social destination where you can indulge in classic tiki cocktails while enjoying the view from the rooftop. Alternatively, grab a bite in a relaxing atmosphere at Lucky Shuck and indulge in fresh seafood from their raw bar.

10. Grab an ice cream at Cones and Coffee

Cones and Coffee is a shared space between Coral Cones and Pumphouse Cofee Roaster. Located just steps from Love Street, this is the perfect place to grab a refreshing ice cream cone. Our favorite flavor? The chocolate chip cookie dough, or the chocolate peanut butter. And if you’re in the mood for coffee, try one of Pumphouse’s special cold brews. Outdoor seating is available!