Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Back to Jupiter Outdoor Center Blog

RIVERBEND PARK – FUN AND ECO-TOURISM

a group of people swimming in a body of water

Kayaking, bicycling, diving, birding, exploring history, manatees and sea turtles — here’s a fun bucket list of outdoor watery  adventures in Jupiter.

 

DIVING

At Carlin Park, divers don’t have to go far offshore to find a reef full of blue angels, butterfly fish, rays and grunts. Don’t be surprised if you see a pod of dolphin.

Children will enjoy snorkeling at the kiddie swimming area at DuBois Park. The small lagoon overlooking Jupiter Inlet is only a couple feet deep, great for kids to grab a net and hunt for fish. There are grills and picnic tables, if you want to spend the day.

Calm waters and lots of tropical fish make Coral Cove Park a local favorite. The 15-acre beach, just south of Jupiter Island, is lifeguard protected and has a large picnic area with grills and tables.

a person swimming in a pool of water

 

HISTORY

The beam from the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse began to sweep the horizon in 1860. Climb the 105 steps and your reward is a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and Loxahatchee River.

Walk the trails and enjoy the historical buildings, such as the Tindall Pioneer House, the oldest house in Jupiter.

Check out the Lighthouse Keeper’s Museum and learn what is was like to be a family living in the wilderness with no direct communication to the outside world — except from passing ships.

Loxahatchee River

 

HIKING

It’s a wetland wonderland at the Pine Glades Natural Area. Colorful wading birds including roseate spoonbill, great blue heron and white ibis are common visitors. The 6,600-acre park is a favorite for nature photographers.

Look for gopher tortoise, West-Indian manatee, American redstart, little blue heron, yellow-crowned night-heron, osprey, and bald eagle at the Limestone Creek Natural Area. Enjoy the 150-foot fishing pier, an observation platform, a hiking trail from the fishing pier.

Wildness, beauty, history and adventure await visitors at Riverbend Park. Walk along the miles of hiking trails along the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, visit the Farmstead, and picnic in the shade under a Seminole chickee.

a bird that is standing in the grass next to a body of water

 

BICYCLING

Up close and personal views of deer, otters, birds, butterflies and more are the highlights when you pedal on the wide-open trails along the Loxahatchee River.

Jupiter Outdoor Center offers single, tandem, kids and electronic bicycles for rent. The trails are mostly shaded the crushed-shell surface makes easy pedaling. Ask about guided tours.

Club Scrub has regular bicycling activities at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

a bicycle parked on the side of the road

 

GET ON THE WATER

After five minutes paddling your kayak on the Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River, you’ll forget you are in Jupiter at Jupiter Outdoor Center. There’s lots of shade under the towering cypress trees, and several places to stop along your adventure.

Stand-up paddle boarding more your style?

Float your way on the sparkling clear waters around the Jupiter Inlet. Wide-winged blue herons, graceful sea turtles and maybe a meandering manatee could be your companions as you cruise past the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and under Cato’s Bridge.

Guided tours, full moon tours, mangrove tours – just ask. All are available at JOC.

JOC is open 365 days a year at Riverbend Park.

 

a small boat in a body of water