Top 15 Attractions in Jupiter, Florida You Can’t Miss

1. Jupiter Lighthouse Park
2. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Jonathan Dickinson State Park
4. Dupuis Nature Center
5. Carlin Park
6. Riverbend Park
7. The Loxahatchee River Center
8. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
9. Maltz Jupiter Theatre
10. Norton Museum of Art
11. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
12. The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum
13. The Town Center at Boca Raton
14. Peanut Island
15. Manatee Lagoon

Established in 1925, Jupiter is situated in northern Palm Beach County and forms part of the Miami metropolitan area, the largest population center in the state, which is home to over six million residents.

Jupiter is located between Lake Okeechobee to the west and the Bahamas, which are situated off the Atlantic coast to the east.

According to a well-regarded travel publication, Jupiter is recognized as one of the most enjoyable and livable coastal towns in the United States, characterized by its beautiful beaches and cultural as well as natural attractions.

In numerous respects, Jupiter serves as the charming and rural counterpart to Miami’s fashionable and exclusive environment.

Outlined below are the 15 most recommended activities and attractions in and around Jupiter, Florida.

1. Jupiter Lighthouse Park

Operated by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, Jupiter Lighthouse and Park has been accessible to the public since 1973 and occupies a 120-acre site that provides some of the most stunning views along the coast.

Both guided and self-guided tours are available; I utilized my mobile device as an audio guide, which allowed me to absorb the valuable information at my own pace.

Climbing to the top of the lighthouse is permitted; however, it is an endeavor best suited for those in good physical condition.

Children must be a minimum height of four feet to ascend to the apex of the lighthouse.

2. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Nature is a prevalent theme throughout this article, and I must begin by highlighting this nonprofit organization, which has been instrumental in protecting and conserving Florida’s natural resources since 1983.

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary provides medical care and rehabilitation services for up to 6,000 animals at any given time, with the aim of reintegrating them into their natural habitats upon recovery.

While the sanctuary engages in essential conservation work, visitors are still invited to explore. The sanctuary features an interactive discovery center, along with a trail that winds through cypress wetlands, oak hammocks, and pine flatwoods.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe black bears, alligators, crocodiles, river otters, various native birds, and more.

3. Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Open daily and located in Hobe Sound, just minutes from Jupiter, Jonathan Dickinson State Park stands as the largest park in southeastern Florida, offering an extensive range of activities for visitors.

For those interested in fitness and exploring the park, canoeing, kayaking, and biking rentals are available. Additionally, guided tours are offered via boat, canoe, horseback, and buggy.

Notably, the area known as Palmettos on the Loxahatchee provides a contemporary food and beverage destination featuring wine, beer, and a menu primarily composed of locally sourced ingredients.

4. Dupuis Nature Center

Offering a diverse array of recreational activities across its more than 20,000 acres, the Dupuis Nature Center encompasses a variety of natural environments, including pine forests, marshes, and cypress swamps.

The nature center serves primarily as a community-based educational facility, targeting numerous demographic segments of the local population through hands-on, interactive, and entertaining educational programs and events.

Among the most popular events are their guided evening stargazing tours led by the center’s staff.

For a full schedule of programs and events, please consult the ‘Community Events’ section of their website.

5. Carlin Park

Featuring nearly 3,000 feet of pristine sandy beach that gently transitions into the vibrant ocean waters, Carlin Park is situated on State Route A1A in Jupiter and remains open daily from sunrise to sunset. The park accommodates six illuminated tennis courts that are available until 9:00 PM.

The beach area exemplifies perfection in my view, with designated swimming zones monitored by lifeguards, complemented by nearby picnic tables, pavilions, and several playgrounds tailored to various age groups.

After a day of engaging in activities such as swimming, volleyball, and tennis, visitors can take advantage of the outdoor showers and a relaxing café; it is an ideal place to unwind with a refreshing beverage.

6. Riverbend Park

Tropical nature and history intersect in this public space along the Loxahatchee River, designated as a National and Scenic River.

The environment features Native American middens, and adjacent to the park lies the Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park, which commemorates a pivotal battle from the Seminole War (1816-1858).

Visitors can traverse through fern-laden woods on hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Notably, there is a bike rental service at the Jupiter Outdoor Center, located within the park.

In my opinion, the optimal way to experience Riverbend Park is by renting a kayak to leisurely glide downriver through the cypress swamp.

Wildlife observers may spot turkeys and deer along the banks, as well as numerous alligators.

7. The Loxahatchee River Center

A modestly sized attraction with significant appeal, the Loxahatchee River Center is located in Burt Reynolds Park, near where the river converges with the Atlantic Ocean.

In a hut-style setting, the center features elegantly arranged aquariums and interactive exhibits that provide a comprehensive overview of the river’s wildlife, spanning from its headwaters in Palm Beach County to the coral reefs within Jupiter Inlet.

When visiting with children, I believe this center ranks among the top places for spending an enjoyable hour or two in Jupiter.

In addition to a vibrant array of fish, visitors can observe turtles and alligators up close, while children can engage with harmless animals like sea urchins at the touch tank.

8. Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

Florida holds a special significance in the realm of baseball, serving as the Spring Training site for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.

Jupiter plays its role in this regard as well; the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, established in 1998, serves as the spring training location for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins.

This 6,871-seat stadium also hosts an extended baseball season, as the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals of the Florida State League use it as their home field.

Independence Day weekend is always an exciting occasion, complete with a Mega Kids Area, live music, a golf cart parade, a block party, and post-game fireworks.

When I prepared this article, the stadium was undergoing some long-awaited renovations to enhance facilities for both fans and teams.

9. Maltz Jupiter Theatre

One individual with a strong connection to Jupiter was the late actor Burt Reynolds (1936-2018).

As a child, he relocated to Riviera Beach with his family and later resided in a mansion in Jupiter that had previously belonged to Al Capone.

In the late 1970s, he established the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater, fostering young talent like Sarah Jessica Parker while stars such as Liza Minelli offered classes.

Since 2004, this venue has been known as the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, a 554-seat professional playhouse that has been staging a diverse array of productions over the last two decades.

The theater hosts dramatic works, Broadway-level musicals, concerts, and family-friendly shows, attracting over 100,000 guests each season.

I attended a performance of “Jersey Boys” there not long ago and was thoroughly impressed by both the show and the quality of the facilities.

10. Norton Museum of Art

Situated on South Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach, the Norton Museum of Art has been in existence since the early 1940s and features thousands of art pieces from various cultures around the world.

While many of the museum’s holdings are centuries old, it also boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art, which includes works by renowned masters such as Picasso and Monet.

I can easily spend hours exploring the European collections, which encompass works from masters ranging from Rubens to Gauguin.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum frequently hosts unique temporary exhibitions that many visitors find equally captivating.

Be sure to take advantage of their gardens, gift shop, restaurant, and stylish coffee bar before leaving the premises.

11. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Guided by the principle that educating the public today is vital for ensuring the preservation of the natural environment of tomorrow, the Oxbow Eco-Center spans over 200 acres of land that functions as a classroom, field laboratory, and wildlife sanctuary.

Unlike other facilities that only permit observation, the Oxbow Eco-Center offers a calendar filled with guided nature experiences; I participated in a late-season guided hike, which was engaging, informative, and enjoyable.

For those unfamiliar with the region’s ecology and wildlife, there is no better location to witness it all up close.

The center is located in Port St. Lucie, easily accessible from Jupiter.

12. The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum

For those desiring an experience reminiscent of the Big Apple, indulging in a performance, a guided tour, or both at the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum would be an excellent choice.

The museum commenced operations in 2013 when an underutilized auditorium with over 300 seats was acquired to house the unique costume collection, and the community theatre followed shortly thereafter.

Since its inception, the venue has been delivering high-quality performing arts at a fraction of the cost found in larger metropolitan areas.

Packages that combine tours, shows, and dining are available for those interested in experiencing a comprehensive evening.

13. The Town Center at Boca Raton

While Florida boasts numerous affordable shopping destinations, the state is often recognized for upscale locales that tend to cater to affluent clientele.

The Town Center at Boca Raton exemplifies exclusivity, featuring premium fashion retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, and Neiman Marcus, among others.

In addition to high-end retail options, a variety of dining experiences are available. The center even offers a valet parking service, ideal for those who prefer to have their luxury vehicles conveniently parked.

Conveniently located just off Interstate 95, the Town Center is easily accessible.

14. Peanut Island

If you have not yet heard of Peanut Island, that is perfectly understandable; I was also unfamiliar until recently. This 79-acre islet is a local treasure that is off the main tourist path and is only reachable by boat.

While relatively small for an island, it offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, swimming, and snorkeling.

The boat ride takes approximately 15 minutes and operates at multiple times throughout the day, every day of the week. There is ample space on board for those bringing their beach gear.

Camping incurs an additional fee beyond the island’s standard entrance charge, and the facilities reflect a relatively rustic setting.

15. Manatee Lagoon

Beyond alligators, no creature represents Florida more than the gentle and slow-moving manatee.

Situated near the warm water outlet of the Florida Power and Light Company’s Riviera Beach Plant, Manatee Lagoon provides an exceptional opportunity for most visitors to observe these remarkable sea cows in their natural habitat.

From November to March, the likelihood of witnessing these magnificent aquatic herbivores is highest, as they are often accompanied by newborn calves seeking the warmth of the water during colder ocean temperatures.

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the visitor center, which is filled with informative exhibits regarding this gentle yet endangered species.

Located on North Flagler in West Palm Beach, admittance to the facility is free.

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