Florida's Luxurious Beach Town Boasts Some Of The Clearest Waters In The South

When it comes to beach vacations, you can practically throw a dart at any point in Florida and hit a world-class stretch of sand. The Sunshine State has more than its fair share of scenic beaches, but only one of them sounds like it's out of this world. That would be Jupiter Beach, situated in the luxurious town of Jupiter, Florida.

Located about 38 minutes south of the family-friendly Treasure Coast gem of Stuart, Jupiter blends Old Florida history with modern amenities. It also has an abundance of water, as it's where the Loxahatchee River meets the Atlantic Ocean. So, if you love sitting next to the waves or dining while overlooking a waterway, you have plenty of opportunities to do so. Plus, the waters at Jupiter Beach are some of the clearest in the region, thanks to a quirk of geography and tropical ocean currents.

And if you're curious about the name, Jupiter actually originates from a map-reading error. The area's earlier name referred to the Hobe people, who lived near the Loxahatchee River. A mapmaker misread the Spanish spelling as Jove, which later mapmakers associated with the Roman god Jupiter. Fortunately, modern maps make it much easier to get around, so let's start exploring!

The best place to appreciate Jupiter's stunning waters is around the Jupiter Inlet, where you'll find both Jupiter Beach Park and DuBois Park, the latter of which is situated along Jupiter Inlet. As you might imagine, Jupiter Beach Park is great for relaxing on the sand or beachcombing, with 1,700 feet of shoreline facing the Atlantic Ocean. However, if you prefer to go kayaking to explore the Loxahatchee River, you can launch from DuBois Park. Then, if you want a longer beach, you can head farther south to Carlin Park, which has 3,000 feet of shoreline.

Once you're done chilling on the beach, you can start exploring other highlights of the Loxahatchee River. For history buffs, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a great place to start. Built in 1860, the lighthouse is still open to the public, and it offers incredible views of the area. In fact, you can reserve a spot for a Sunset Tour and see how the town looks at golden hour. If visiting the lighthouse sparks an interest in checking out other historical sites, you can take advantage of an interactive map provided by the town and plan your route based on your interests.

Next, head south to Burt Reynolds Park, which sits along the Intracoastal Waterway. The park is great for launching boats or fishing the river. But if you really want to see local fish up close, you can visit the River Center, an aquarium with interactive exhibits and touch tank.

Fortunately, Jupiter is near West Palm Beach, meaning it's easy to reach if you fly into the President Donald J. Trump International Airport, which is only about half an hour south. And since you'll be near Palm Beach, you may want to check out one of the largest mansions in the USA, Whitehall. Jupiter has a variety of hotels and an abundance of vacation rentals, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget and preferences, such as being close to the beach or downtown.

Although playing in the water is a popular pastime in Jupiter, it's not the only thing you can do during your visit. There are also plenty of dining and shopping opportunities, especially along the Waterfront. For example, if you want tropical cuisine in an outdoor setting while overlooking the water, try Guanabanas Restaurant. Here, you can indulge in fresh seafood and tasty cocktails while listening to live music and sitting next to the water. Or, if you want to get your shopping and eating done at the same time, you can head over to Harbourside Place, which features eight restaurants and 16 retailers. You can even make your visit more convenient by staying at the Wyndham hotel on-site.

If the River Center piqued your interest in seeing wild animals up close, you can head farther inland to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can see a wide array of different creatures, including Florida cougars, alligators, foxes, tortoises, and many more. Or, if you really want to get a taste of wildlife, drive about two and a half hours south to Florida's popular national park full of unique scenery, Everglades National Park.