Lay of the Land: Jupiter, Florida
Exploring Jupiter, Florida, has never been easier for turtle trackers, lighthouse lovers, and the art appreciative.
Orientation On Florida’s east coast, 90 miles north of Miami.
Nearby Loxahatchee River and Jupiter Inlet.
Date incorporated 1925.
Namesake Jupiter, Roman god of light and sky.
Notable for Being ranked as one of the 10 “Happiest Seaside Town in America” by Coastal Living in 2012.
History & Culture
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, which celebrates its 155th birthday in 2015, offers tours of the 1860 landmark where you can walk to the top and to exhibits in the waterfront history museum located in the restored WWII naval housing quarters building. Year-round entertainment can be found at Maltz Jupiter Theatre in the form of improv comedy and classic musicals, like Fiddler on the Roof.
Celebrity Sightings
The famous mustachioed actor called Jupiter home for much of his career and seeks to provide educational opportunities for actors and filmmakers through a series of classes and events at Burt Reynolds Institute for Film & Theater. Head to the nature trails at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, and you might bump into another quirky celeb, Jack Hanna, best known for bringing wild creatures to American television sets via Good Morning America and Late Night Show with David Letterman. Living nearby, Hanna often collaborates on-site with wildlife rehabilitation of birds, bobcats, black bears, and more.
Turtle Spotting
Witness – and even help support – the natural phenomenon of endangered loggerheads, leatherbacks, and green sea turtles laying eggs during their annual summertime process on a Sea Turtle Walk with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, based in the designated marked areas on the 1,000-foot beach at the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa. The center offers a variety of its own turtle-themed experiences, from guided tours through the turtle yards to interactive feeding times.
Art
Hibel Museum of Art features the paintings and lithographs of 98-year-old Edna Hibel, who, through her sentimental paintings of children, has become an advocate for peace. The museum also holds her personal collection of antique paperweights and Asian artifacts.
Beach Time
Some of the warmest waters are along Jupiter’s 3.4 miles of Atlantic coast. With an average water temperature at 78 degrees, it’s easy to beach hop from Juno Beach Park’s sand pier to John D. MacArthur State Park for kayaking.
Eat
Relaxing poolside drinks and bites come at the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa’s Sandbar. End the evening in the best way possibly, by cozying up to the outdoor fire pit.
Where to Stay Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
