Ft. Pierce to Jupiter
With its sister beach towns, Tequesta and Juno, Jupiter, strung out along Highway 1, has good beach access and public facilities; parking is free but hard to come by at busy vacation times. Surfers work to keep the beaches healthy with Surfrider, an advocacy group. More power to the locals for wanting to preserve these wonderful parts of north Palm County, much of it an unspoiled beach lover’s paradise. Juno has the only dog beach, and is one of our favorites. Set up next to the Juno Beach Pier and people watch.
From May to September is the turtle nesting season on this coast, and a wonderful way to see the most common species, the loggerhead, crawl ashore to deposit upwards of a hundred eggs, is to join one of the many local watch groups. It all happens at night, both the egg laying and the baby crawl to the ocean. The local chambers of commerce publish times.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse makes a pleasant side trip. Sprint up its 106 steps for a great view.
Restaurants:
Mary’s Gourmet Kitchen: Long time local favorite with good breakfasts and hearty sandwiches for lunch.
3310 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, (772) 334-9488
Dena’s Cafe: Good diner with real good breakfasts and lunches. Outside seating with a good view.
3825 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, (772) 334-2550
Conchy Joe’s Seafood Restaurant: Good view of the river in a big, fun place with pretty good seafood at pretty good prices.
3945 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, (772) 334-1130
Bluewater Beach Grill: Good oyster bar and seafood restaurant in a heck of a good location.
2025 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, (772) 466-0023
Shrimpers Grill & Raw Bar: Big, fun outdoor bar and grill with a lot happening on a weekend night.
4903 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, (772) 220-3287
Prawnbroker Grill: Good seafood. Good waterfront location. Good prices.
3754 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, (772) 288-1222
Bare Bones Grill & Brewery: Good ribs and crab cakes and a heck of a happy hour.
4817 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, (772) 286-3535
Carmelas Brick Oven Pizza: Excellent pizza!
311 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, (772) 286-0877
Presutti’s Italian Subs: Subs, subs, subs and none better anywhere!
3600 Okeechobee Rd, Fort Pierce, (772) 465-7767
Watercolor by Peter Bailey