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What do Michael Jordan, Celine Dion, and Burt Reynolds all have in common?
They adore Jupiter enough to have homes here, and we’re confident you will like it, too.
So, what is the big draw to this southeastern Sunshine State coastal town?
Whether you are looking to take a dip at DuBois Park, catch a wave at Juno Beach, learn about local history at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, or putt a ball at one of the many golf courses, there are plenty of things to do in Jupiter, Florida.
You may also find our guide to neighboring West Palm Beach useful.
Fun Things to Do in Jupiter, FL, All Year Round
As with all of our Florida guides, we have organized our travel guide in an orderly manner; all of the suggestions are close to each other, which means you can build your own itinerary with ease.
Let’s start in the south at Juno Beach.
Take a Dip at Juno Beach
Kick the sandals off and unwind with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway at Juno Beach.
Parking is located just over the road from the beach, where you’ll also find restrooms.
Fishing fans can load up at the pier bait shop, and while a little rough, surfers still attempt to hit the waves.
From May until October, Juno becomes a nesting ground for sea turtles.
It is the densest nesting ground in the US!
While Juno Beach is actually part of the town of Juno, it is often a Jupiter sightseeing spot for visitors seeking sun during the day.
It is also popular with people who plan to watch the sunrise at one of Florida’s Palm Beaches, America’s First Resort Destination!
Golfing Capital of the World
If you ask locals what to do in Jupiter, it is likely they’ll suggest spending a sunny day on the green because there is a ridiculous amount of fairways located here!
With over 50 courses in or close to the town, there’s plenty of choice for every budget – ideal for the avid putter and their pals.
Check out Jupiter Dunes, Jupiter Country Club, Jonathan’s Landing, and The Loxahatchee Club for reservations.
It is also worth mentioning that Jupiter is home to the private golf estate owned by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, The Bear’s Club.
Catch a Game at Roger Dean Stadium
Sticking with the sports theme, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium (4751 Main St) is home to two major teams, the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals, and four minor league teams, Jupiter Hammerheads, Palm Beach Cardinals, FCL Marlins, and FCL Coast Cardinals.
As to be expected with this amount of batting, there’s a packed schedule of games at Roger Dean, making it one of the best things to do in Jupiter for baseball fans.
Check the official site to see what’s happening during your visit.
See a Show at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
If you are looking for indoor things to do in Jupiter, The Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 E Indiantown Rd) has been putting on live performances and providing education since 2001.
It is the largest theater in the southern half of the US.
The award-winning theater was historically the failing Jupiter Theatre, but today is named after benefactors Milton and Tamar Maltz, who were awarded the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s National Leadership Award for their lifetime of work against hate.
It has a capacity of over 500 seats and Broadway-scaled seats.
See what shows and programs are on at their official website.
Get in the Water at Jupiter Beach Park
While there aren’t many things to do in Jupiter Beach aside from sunbathing and watersports, that’s the appeal of the 3.4 miles of shoreline in the town.
The water is known for being turquoise in color, and while the sand isn’t quartz like at Siesta Key in the west or golden like at Daytona Beach on the east, it is soft underfoot.
Amenities include 1,700 feet of guarded beach, restrooms, outdoor showers, benches, and grills – the perfect setup for a day trip.
The park also has an outdoor volleyball court, and inlet fishing is permitted 24/7.
The Jupiter Government website has put together this really handy map of the Jupiter Area beaches.
It identifies beach ‘crossovers’ that allow you to access the sand.
The map also highlights accessibility to crossovers, lifeguard areas, dog beaches, and free parking.
Spend the Day at DuBois Park at Jupiter Inlet
Talk about postcard perfect; DuBois Park (19075 DuBois Rd) looks like a dreamy scene from the Maldives, never mind Florida.
This public park would have any out-of-tower putting on a lottery ticket to try and afford to live here.
The recreational jetty has parking by the picnic tables and grills and a paved walkway lined with huge palm trees.
The path and bridge are adjacent to million-dollar homes, so you can have a nosey at how the other half lives as you stroll.
Boats take advantage of the slip, cruising down the Intracoastal Waterway with the town’s lighthouse popping out in the background.
Swimming at DuBois
The DuBois Lagoon and beachfront area is popular with swimmers, especially families, as the 100-foot pool is guarded.
Other amenities in the park include restrooms, showers, a historic home, and a Native Indian mound.
With the coast and inland nature, there are so many free things to do in Jupiter, which makes it appealing from spring through to winter.
DuBois Pioneer Home
Located at the car park of DuBois Park on Jupiter Inlet, this historic home was built by Harry and his wife, Susan Dubois, in 1898.
It holds the title of being one of the oldest homes in the Palm Beach area and today, visitors can see the building and read its historic marker.
In 1974, the building was purchased by the Board of County Commissioners and managed by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Palm Court’s archeology team and volunteers have uncovered lots from this area, such as stone tools and pottery, which can be viewed at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum.
Jupiter Inlet Midden
DuBois Pioneer House was built on top of a Native shell mound associated with a tribe known as the Jeaga (hay-gwa).
It was thought that the mound was created by the Jeaga, but now, according to Dr. Robert S. Carr, evidence shows the mound was formed naturally.
Jupiter Inlet Shipwrecks
Another informative history marker shares background information about shipwrecks in the region.
For example, when Spanish galleons and merchant ships carrying silver and gemstones, taken from mines in Mexico and Peru, attempted to sail through the Florida coast in the 17th century.
However, natural obstacles such as sand bars, shallow waters, and hurricanes stopped the bounty in its tracks around the Jupiter Inlet area.
They don’t call it The Treasure Coast for nothing!
One famous shipwreck story is that of Jonathan Dickinson, a wealthy plantation owner and slaver, who, along with his family, acquaintances, and 12 enslaved people, tried to sail to Philadelphia from Port Royal, Jamaica.
A storm cut their trip short when they washed up at Jupiter Inlet to be met by the Jobe Indians.
The chief spared their lives, keeping them captive as the tribe looted their vessel.
You can learn more about this shipwreck, and others, at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum.
Jupiter Donuts
You’ll be hungry after all that Jupiter sightseeing, so why not pop into Jupiter Donuts (141 Center St) for a fresh bagel or delicious donut?
Sweet treats come in a variety of flavors, from classic donuts to seasonal kinds celebrating events such as PRIDE.
Dive Into Jupiter
Another reason people love this area is its diving opportunities.
Divers have the luxury of choosing from double-digit artificial reefs.
See sharks at Area 51, sixty varieties of fish at Scarface, or goliath groupers at Monkey’s Edge; one of the more unique things to do in Jupiter!
Visitors can take scuba diving tours with Jupiter Dive Center and Jupiter Scuba Diving.
Hike or Kayak in Riverbend Park and Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park
There really is a large offering of nature in Jupiter!
Next up are Riverbend Park and Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park (9060 W Indiantown Rd).
Visitors can hike and bike along 10 miles of compact shell trails featured in the two adjacent parks and picnic at three separate areas: East Grove Picnic Area, Big Hammock Picnic Area, and Cow Pen Picnic Area.
Amenities for hikers also include restrooms.
For those who prefer to be on the water, Riverbend Park and Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park also have a number of creeks, rivers, and loops for kayakers, with launches located around the park.
Palm Beach County has created this useful map, which highlights trails, kayak launches, and picnic areas.
If you are new to paddling or don’t have equipment, consider this 2-hour kayak tour with a professional guide to navigate the Loxahatchee River for you!
History fans can also learn about the two Seminole war battles that took place at Riverbend in 1838, meet with the Loxahatchee Battlefield Preservation Society, and get a glimpse at what farming technology looked like in the 1900s.
This is also the location of the Tree of Tears, a 300-year-old oak tree that sits atop a burial mound in the park.
Enjoy the Shade at Loxahatchee River
For an Everglades-ish experience near Jupiter, plan a trip to the Loxahatchee River for water-based activities, animal spotting, and picnics.
The 7.6-mile National Wild and Scenic River runs through the above parks and Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Originally, the Seminoles People named the river Locha Hatchee or Turtle River, and was used by Ar-pi-uck-i, also known as Abiaka or Sam Jones, a war chief of the Miccosukee, during the Second Seminole War.
After the war, Seminoles made the Jupiter area their home once again, forming relationships with the lightkeepers according to the town’s historic marker.
Climb the Stairs of Jupiter Lighthouse Inlet
The red beacon that stands out among the shoreline is Jupiter Lighthouse.
It was designed by Lieutenant George G. Meade and first lit in 1860.
Today, visitors can climb its 105 steps.
There are also sunrise and moonlight tours for avid pharologists.
The Lighthouse Museum, which is part of the complex, hosts exhibitions covering 5000 years of regional history.
WWII Navy Building
Close to Jupiter Lighthouse is the WWII Navy Building and historic marker, which reveals that the building was constructed in 1939 as a Married Men’s Quarter.
The two-story building is made from wood and features six two-bedroom apartments, where Navy personnel stayed during the war when the area was known as Station J.
Their role was to help find German submarines that planned to torpedo ships off the Florida coast.
Other parts of Station J were demolished but this historic building and area around it was given to the U.S. Coast Guard.
See Marine Life From a Clear Kayak
Get up close and personal with Jupiter’s aqua life without having to set foot in the water with this 2-hour tour.
A professional guide will take you paddling through the crystal clear Jupiter Intracoastal Waterway and point out any manatee, starfish, or turtles that pass your way!
Enjoy Seafood at Jetty’s
Whether you are stopping off on a Florida road trip or planning a day out with the family, Jetty’s Waterfront Restaurant (1075 N Hwy A1A) offers food with a view of the lighthouse.
The menu consists of lobster, yellow tail, salmon, chicken, steak, and other delicious dishes.
Watching the day slip into the night with the ever-changing landscape of the inlet in front of you is one of the most romantic things to do in Jupiter.
Dig Into Tacos
Although it is not located by the ocean, PapiChulo Tacos (1556 US-1) offers a real coastal vibe with its outdoor seating, palm trees and plants, and cute decor.
If you prefer to dine in, there are seats by the bar and tables, too.
Things to Do Near Jupiter, FL
Once you’ve exhausted all of the things to do in Jupiter above, hop in the car and head to neighboring Hobe Sound, Jupiter Island, and then a little farther afield for fun day trip ideas in nature and the city.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Another natural area in the region can be found less than a 15-minute drive from Jupiter.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located at Hobe Sound, with 11,500 acres of land and river offering lots of ground and water-based activities for all of the family.
You can rent canoes, kayaks, motorboats, and bikes in the park, looking out for alligators as you travel on your preferred mode of transport.
This is one of the best things to do in Jupiter for kids, especially those with an adventurous streak.
Explore the scrubs, swamps, and mangroves, then settle for a picnic by the Loxahatchee River.
Find out more about the Wildman of the Loxahatchee, Trapper Nelson, a loner who lived in the area and hunted to survive.
He also built log cabins and a Seminole Indian Chickee shelter, which visitors can see today.
Jupiter Island
Like many coastal towns and cities in Florida, there is a barrier reef island close to Jupiter called Jupiter Island.
Visitors can spend the day at the public beaches, such as Hobe Sound Beach, or more experienced kayakers and boat owners can sail to St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.
Like Jupiter, the first people to populate the Island were the Ais and Seminole Indians.
The Banyan Tree Tunnel
You’d think you’d turned into a scene of Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings when you come upon the town of Stuart’s Banyan Tree Tunnel (1 – 2644 SE St Lucie Blvd)!
The tree tunnel is a canopy over a two-way road, popular with cars and cyclists, so be cautious of traffic as you explore this fairytale attraction near Jupiter.
It takes 30 minutes to drive between Stuart and Jupiter.
West Palm Beach
If you’re craving some city life, Jupiter is only a 30-minute drive from the lively West Palm Beach.
Here, you can be impressed by the street art, dine on any kind of food, see a show at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and be envious of the mansions along South Ocean Boulevard at Palm Beach!
Find out more about things to do in West Palm Beach.
Lake Okeechobee
One of the most unique things to do near Jupiter is see Florida’s Inland Sea, Lake Okeechobee.
This lake is the state’s largest freshwater lake and the country’s second-largest, and it is packed full of largemouth bass.
Anglers launch their boats from Slim’s Fish Camp (215 Marina Dr, South Bay) and lose a day trying to catch bass.
Canal Point can be reached by car in just over an hour from Jupiter, and Slim’s is around 1 hour and 30 minutes away.
Where to Stay in Jupiter
Hotels in Jupiter
Open your hotel door and step right onto the green at PGA National Resort! This luxury resort is ideal for those looking to take a golfing vacation and has tennis courts, a spa, a fitness center, and a tropical pool for those waiting for the game to end! Check rates and dates at Expedia and Booking.
Take advantage of the private beach at Jupiter Beach Hotel, where guests also like to relax by the poolside bar, terrace, and fire pit at night. Check rates and dates at Expedia.
Condos in Jupiter
This 2-bed townhouse has direct views of the ocean and is just a few minutes walk from Juno Beach!
If visiting Jupiter with a group, check out this 3-bed that has access to a private pool.
Jupiter Travel Information
The closest airport is West Palm Beach/Palm Beach (PBI) Airport, which is 21 miles away.
Final Words
Our guide reveals the most popular Jupiter attractions, as well as lesser-known points of interest, which means even locals may just discover something new about this scenic beach town surrounded by nature.
We also included ideas for sports and arts enthusiasts and tips for foodies.
Which activities will you do? Tell us in the comments.
