Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Florida Lighthouse Trail // Along the Buccaneer Trail
There’s much to do here, especially if you enjoy water-related adventures and excursions.
Jupiter was one of six Florida lighthouse projects assigned to Lieutenant George Gordon Meade of the U.S. Army Corps of Topographic Engineers. Construction began in 1859, and the lighthouse was first illuminated on July 10, 1860.
As for Meade, he famously defeated Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg as a Major General in the Union Army in 1863.
The lighthouse was painted red around 1910 after the humidity and sea air discolored the brick. In 2008, they Congressionally designated the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse an Outstanding Natural Area to preserve and protect the site.
Of course, that’s not the only hook to draw you toward Jupiter Inlet. It’s a natural fit: Jupiter sits on the 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway that runs from Boston to Florida to the southern tip of Texas.
We’ll start with Jupiter Park Beach, great for swimming and snorkeling or just relaxing while you see boats pass by the inlet. There is also a picnic and a pavilion area.
If you are feeling a tad more adventurous, hop into a clear kayak and discover the diverse wildlife of Jupiter. A guide will help you navigate through mangroves and scenic waterways. You are likely to see manatees, dolphins, and a variety of fish.
Or let someone else do the navigating. Check out the Jupiter Island Lunch Cruise, which takes you along the Indian River on a 4.5-hour cruise from Stuart. You will pass the Jupiter Lighthouse and several celebrity homes belonging to the late Burt Reynolds, Tiger Woods, and others.
If you prefer land-based activities, try the Shinrin Yoku immersive nature experience. Take a deep breath and enjoy the wildlife and wildflowers as your eco guide takes you on a private tour of Riverbend Park, where you will learn about this Japanese art. A relaxing one-mile hike through trails is filled with stories and a tea ceremony.
One of the more tropical locations, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse offers many ideal photo spots. Photos by Shutterstock
You could end your day at Guanabanas, a waterfront restaurant and tiki bar with live music and potent drinks. Feel the ocean breeze as your favorite libation is under a woven tiki hut with banyan trees overhead. Guanabanas have several docks that allow boaters to pull right up to the restaurant
STAY OVER
Hotels can get pricey in this area, especially during the tourist season. If you want to splurge, check out the 4-star Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, one of the top Florida Beach resorts, just the right fit for all age groups, singles and families. The resort offers access to several pools for both kids and adults | opalcollection.com
DINE OUT
For the complete Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse experience, we suggest Jetty’s Waterfront restaurant a family-friendly restaurant with magnificent views of the lighthouse. The menu includes fresh-caught seafood | jettysjupiter.com
INSIDER TIP
Jupiter is home to many of the rich and famous, as well as celebrities. So, be warned that if you stop or park along the road for a bit of star searching, you may find yourself explaining why to a local police officer within minutes.
