Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jupiter & Jupiter Island
Jupiter is a largely ritzy residential area, and one of the wealthiest communities in Amer-
ica. For visitors, it's best seen as a jumping-off point for exploring the area's fantastic
parks, nature preserves and beaches. Unlike those of its southerly neighbors Palm Beach
and Boca Raton, the beaches around here are largely untouched by condo development.
Sights & Activities
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
LIGHTHOUSE
(
www.jupiterlighthouse.org
; US 1 & Beach Rd, intersection Capt Armour's Way; adult/child $9/5;
10am-5pm Tue-Sun)
Built in 1860, this historic lighthouse hasn't missed a night of work in more than 100 years
and is among the oldest lighthouses on the Atlantic coast. Visitors can climb the 108 steps
to view the surrounding area and ocean. Tours to the lighthouse depart every half-hour.
There's some interesting Seminole and pioneer Florida memorabilia in the small (and woe-
fully disorganized) museum.
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE RESERVE
(
www.fws.gov/hobesound
; US 1)
A 1035-acre federally protected nature sanctuary, Hobe Sound has two sections: a small
slice on the mainland, opposite the Jonathan Dickinson State Park; and the main refuge
grounds at the northern end of Jupiter Island. The Jupiter Island section has 3.5 miles of
beach (it's a favorite sea-turtle nesting ground), while the mainland section is a pine scrub
forest. In June and July, nighttime turtle-watching walks occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays
(reservations necessary), and birding trips can be arranged through the Hawley Education
Center at Blowing Rocks Preserve.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
NATURE RESERVE
(574 S Beach Rd; admission $2; 9am-4:30pm)
This preserve encompasses a mile-long limestone outcrop riddled with holes, cracks and
fissures. When the tide is high and there's a strong easterly wind (call for conditions), wa-
