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Van Lifers Guide to Jupiter, Florida

 

Get your bucket lists out folks, because Jupiter, in my eyes is South Florida’s paradise on earth. Whether you’re enjoying retirement or towing younglings around, this vacation town is your ideal spot for summer adventure in your van. Jupiter beaches are lusted after around the world and will have you booked with all types of activities.

Founded in 1925, Jupiter’s population today is over 65,000 and continues to grow significantly each year. It is home to many notable celebrities including one of The Bachelorette contestants, Tyler Cameron. While heading down to Palm Beach County’s northernmost town, stop to say hello at Rec Van/La Mesa in Port St. Lucie, Florida!

Guest Post by Brianna Walsh-Earp

Reserve Your Stay At These Local Campgrounds

• Juno Ocean Walk RV Resort

Within walking distance from one of South Florida’s finest beaches. This RV resort features about 246 RV sites, which includes RV’s, rental sites, and park models. Whether you are just in town for a short vacation or planning to stay a while, Juno Ocean Walk offers plenty to keep you busy. The grounds come equipped with its own volleyball, pickleball, and petanque courts, plus a billiards table, tiki hut area, and a playground for your kiddos. Stop by the clubhouse after a couple games of pickleball and treat yourself to a Piña Colada while soaking your sore spots in the heated pool and spa. If you happen to have your furry four-legged friend with you, do not worry because there are two areas dedicated for walking your dog, though they are required have a leash on at all times while on resort grounds. For more freedom, bring your best friend on an adventure to Jupiter’s only off-leash dog beach less than a mile away.

• Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Named after a Quaker merchant who wrecked his vessel nearby in 1696, this 10,500-acre land makes up the largest state park in Southeast Florida. Featuring two options of lodging, The River Campground and Pine Grove Campground, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is much more than just a site to park your RV. Brimming with family fun activities, you and your loved ones will never run out of things to do during your stay. Go hiking on one or all the six designated nature trails within the premises, while keeping a lookout for all the species native to Florida. Rent a kayak and spend the day paddling through The Loxahatchee River which is home to a multitude of Florida alligators and other brilliant wildlife. As the sun sets, roast smores and tell scary stories around the local campfire circles. Pro-tip: You will want to remember insect repellent.

Get Up Close With Wildlife

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and later releases Florida’s native animal and plant species back into their natural habitat. The sanctuary cares for over 5,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals every year, providing free medical and rehabilitative care for them. This spot is especially popular amongst the locals, because it draws animal-lovers of all age groups by providing an up-close learning opportunity of Florida’s magnificent wildlife. Bring a packed lunch for you and your family to enjoy at the designated picnic area, where you might be within throwing distance of the parks free roaming Peacocks.

Catch A Baseball at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

Catching a live baseball game is an opportunity everyone must have at least once in their lifetime. There is absolutely nothing better than biting down on a Nathan’s hotdog and drinking overly sweet ice-cold lemonade while hearing the crowd cheer as a player hits a home run. As a little girl, my father would take my brothers and I to baseball games quite often at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. While I did not care much for who was playing, I absolutely loved the overall experience and hope to do the same with my kids one day. The stadium annually hosts two Major League Baseball teams for spring training, which is a favored event for the snowbirds that migrate down to Jupiter every year. Training starts in March, so if you are in the area, being available for a baseball game might be something your children will never forget.

Explore History

Located on the north side of the Jupiter Inlet is the county’s oldest structure, The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Standing at a total height of 156 feet tall and built in 1860, the lighthouse serves as a vital form of communication for the U.S Military today. They offer a plethora of tours throughout the grounds that encourage you to climb the 105-count steep winding staircase to the top to catch an amazing view of the town. Make sure to stop into the adjoining museum and gift shop to get yourself a tiny replica of Jupiter’s proudest lady.

Lay Back In Luxury

If you know anything about The Sunshine State, you’re more than likely familiar with its gorgeous but unpredictably bipolar weather. Unfortunately, your long-awaited planned beach day could quickly turn to a day spent indoors, which calls for a movie day. Grab your family and head on over to Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, where you will feel right at home watching Hollywood’s latest releases. You have a choice of the standard “Cinépolis” theatre option, or you can upgrade to the “Cinépolis Luxury Cinema” experience where guests have access to fully reclining plush leather seats. This feature also includes a full bar and kitchen all by the touch of your fingertip. Make sure you press the handy dandy button located next to your seat and your own personal waiter will arrive shortly to take your order.

Jupiter’s Main Attraction

While the town of Jupiter is filled with endless activities for you and your family to keep busy, there is nothing wrong with packing a cooler and picking up some Publix subs, then heading to the open water. Beach day for my family always consisted of sandcastles, throwing the football, seashell scouting, and surfing the waves on a giant blow up floaty. Tourists come from all over The United States to see what Jupiter beaches have to offer. You will not be disappointed when you witness those voluptuous waves and the transparent turquoise waters laden with marine life.

Best Food In Town

Cuisine is always a crucial part of your experience wherever you travel to. Whether you’ve dolled yourself up with your most expensive cologne or you’re wearing your bathing suit under your clothes, these local restaurants will have you feeling full and satisfied by the end of your meal. Start off your day at Center Street Nook or Jim’s Place, two family-owned spots that offer a variety of breakfast options that are sure to have your tastebuds bouncing. Stop in at Dune Dog Café for a quick bite after the beach. Then fancy up for one of Jupiter’s many waterfront restaurants where the specials include the fresh “catch of the day” that is brought in daily by local commercial fishermen. If you think you have run out of places to eat, pull out your smartphone and search away to find an overabundance of good eats waiting for your patronage.

Jupiter, Florida just has so much to offer that I find it difficult to summarize this wonderful beach town in so many words. As someone who has lived there for over 20 years, no matter where I go, it will always be my home. I hope this guide has inspired you to add Jupiter to your family’s travel bucket list, and I am confident you all will enjoy it as much as I have since I was a kid.

Brianna and her husband, Damon, both live with their two dogs on Yokota AB located in Fussa, Tokyo. While touring as much of Japan as possible, their hobbies include indoor houseplants, video games, and the base’s dog park. They dream of one day owning their own RV and traveling full-time across the United States.