Escape The Cold In This Lesser-Known Florida Beach Town Destination
Beat both winter and the Florida crowds by heading to the picture-perfect coastal destination of Jupiter. The American Association of Retired Persons describes Jupiter as a "great little-known winter escape," because the climate here is positively balmy in this season. According to Weather Spark, the average winter temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and it is rare for the daily high temperature to fall below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
This town is a hidden gem in Palm Beach County, located North of West Palm Beach in a quieter, yet equally beautiful location. It is positioned at the mouth of the Loxahatchee River and it has an Intracoastal Waterway so Jupiter is perfect for those who enjoy an aquatic way of life. If you're driving along the Florida coastline, be sure to make it one of your stops as there is so much to do here. There is something to appeal to everyone in this charming town, from paddleboarding to golfing or simply spotting manatees cruising along its waterways.
What to do in Jupiter
To get a sense of Jupiter's unique geography, climb up the Inlet Lighthouse and visit its museum to see where the rivers and waterways intersect before joining the ocean. Gentle water activities like boating and paddleboarding are popular as there are many tributaries to explore. Adrenaline lovers can surf near the Jupiter Inlet when the weather allows. This town is a golf lover's dream, as it is surrounded by excellent courses, with one of the most popular being the Abacoa Golf Course.
If you prefer to watch sports, during the spring training season you can catch a baseball game at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, where the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals play. To see some Florida wildlife, head to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center on the neighboring Juno Beach. There you can see rescued turtles and learn all about marine conservation. On the river, you can also spot otters, manatees, ospreys, and alligators. If you want an extended trip to keep away from the cold in your home state, then there are some fabulous places to stay in Jupiter.
Where to stay in Jupiter
There are some wonderful lodgings in Jupiter that line the beach as well as the waterways. Jupiter Reef Club is a three-star accommodation with 4.7 stars on its Google Reviews, which is ideally situated right on the oceanfront. It has a pool as well as lounge chairs and its chalets are all fully equipped with everything you need, including a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and an outdoor grill.
According to Tripadvisor, the Jupiter Waterfront Inn is the top-rated accommodation in the area, as well as a recipient of a 2023 Travellers' Choice award. This inn has an outdoor heated pool, a sundeck, and a pier for those who love to fish. It is located next to the Indian River where you can watch manatees pass by. The second-highest rated and also on the 2023 Travellers' Choice award list is the Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place which is situated overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. Tourists love it because it has big, clean rooms with balconies that look out over this aquatic paradise. If these reviews tell us anything, it's that the closer you stay to the water, the more you will love your lodgings!