Most people who visit Florida's Treasure and Gold Coasts go to spend time near the ocean. But on cool, windy, cloudy, or rainy days, there are a number of interesting places to go and things to see.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
On US 1, north of Indiantown Road, is the iconic red lighthouse seen on many Jupiter postcards. The 1860 features a museum and tours for a small fee. The tour does not permit children under 48 inches of height and is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. The Jupiter Lighthouse is still lit each evening. If you would like to enjoy it's beauty without a tour, enjoy dinner or lunch across the waterway at Jetty's restaurant in full view of the lighthouse.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
On US 1 just south of Hobe Sound is Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The large park offers many walking trails and bike paths. Wildlife abounds in the park, including alligators, so watch your step. A lookout tower leads to views of the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean. Take the boat tour, available only during high tide, along the Loxahatchee River back to the Trapper Nelson Interpretive Site. Alligators, osprey, and herons are common here. A small entry fee applies, and boat tours can be purchased at the concession stand.
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
From Indiantown Road, between I-95 and US 1, take Central Blvd south and follow the signs to the wildlife sanctuary at 2500 Jupiter Park Drive. This small sanctuary is packed with sick, injured, or orphaned animals. Animals at the park include bobcats, panthers, foxes, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, otters, eagles, owls, hawks, snakes, skunks, opossums, racoons, deer, and a large variety of water birds. Educational programs, nature trails, and a gift shop round off some of the other opportunities. Entry is free.
John D MacArthur Beach State Park
Try MacArthur Park for a chance to kayak among manatees and sting rays. Double and single kayaks can be rented at the nature center. Follow their maps to be guided under A1A and to a small island that has water trails in its interior. Picnic areas are available on the island. Don't carry anything unless you don't mind it getting wet, and wear shoes and bottoms that can get wet also. Just west of the A1A bridge, look for pelicans diving into the water alongside your kayak, searching for their next meal.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
On US 1 in Juno Beach is a sea turtle hospital and rehabilitation center. Entry is free and includes aquarium viewing and the tanks where the injured and sick sea turtles are cared for before their release. There are some small attractions for kids such as photo opportunities and small sea animals that can be climbed on. A gift shop is also on site.
Other Attractions
Shopping, dining, and movie theaters are abundant here. Bealls and a cinema are found on US 1 and Indiantown. PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens has the Gardens Mall with surrounding shopping and dining areas, including a Barnes and Noble, Michaels, many specialty shops and one-of-a-kind stores and restaurants. The Ke'e Grill and Juno Beach Fish House, across the street from each other on Donald Ross by US 1 are popular spots for dinner, as is Panama Hattie's on Ellison Wilson Road on the Intracoastal.
If the forecast does not call for a beach day, there is still much to do in the Jupiter, Florida, area.
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