We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Mike, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Mike is from the United States, and submitted the following report about Jupiter, Florida. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English
Jupiter Lighthouse. Climb the 125 steps to the top.
Reasons to Visit Jupiter
Jupiter is a unique mix of old Florida culture with the new Florida vibe. Literally within minutes apart you can see native wildlife at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and multi-million dollar homes on Jupiter Island. These homes are owned by some of the world’s wealthiest professionals, from golfers to singers and sports team owners to research institute CEO’s.
Jupiter is located on Florida’s Atlantic coast about an hour north of Miami where the “Gold Coast” of the south meets the “Treasure Coast” of the states mid-Atlantic region. Driving in and around Jupiter is easy as the major thoroughfares are multi-lane roads with adequately spaced and timed traffic signals.
While visiting Jupiter during the late fall to mid spring may bring higher traffic volume because of seasonal population growth, it also brings moderate temperatures with reduced humidity. Averaging 235 sunny days per year, temperatures range from lows in January around 55 (F) to summer highs frequently hitting 90 (F).
As a solo traveler I spent time hiking in some of the many free parks and relaxing on the beaches. On those days I had the urge to buy something I went shopping at The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, or along Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
For me, a part of traveling solo is sharing my experiences with others. As one way of doing this I joined tour groups as we visited places like the Jupiter Lighthouse Museum. For “water rides” I chose the Manatee Queen to cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and the Loxahatchee Everglades Tour – Airboat Tours.
The variety of eating establishments in and around the Jupiter area range from your typical sports bar to the elegant tie-required restaurants. Many of the locals prefer the casual waterside bar/restaurants where they can park their car in front or their boats at the docks out back.
While several of the restaurants are based around seafood I had no problem finding Mexican, Italian, and good ole US southern-style food. The prices averaged around $15 per meal and around $9 for a premium rum drink.
Where To Eat
Located on channel of the Intracoastal Waterway is Guanabanas Restaurant. It’s accessible by car or you can park your boat at the recently rebuilt dock. Seating includes a dockside garden or inside decorated in “tiki” style.
Rancho Chico has two locations in the Jupiter area; one on Indiantown Road and the other is on US Highway 1 in the Tequesta area.
What To Do
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum – see Jupiter from 125 stairs to the top of the lighthouse
Manatee Queen – Jupiter Island tour from the Intracoastal Waterway
Loxahatchee Everglades Tour – take a one hour airboat tour of the Florida Everglades
Jupiter’s parks and beaches – stroll in maintained parks or relax on Atlantic Ocean beaches
Busch Wildlife Santuary; One of the admission-free parks in Jupiter.
Jupiter Island. They call this the “Gingerbread House.”
The Tindall House. An example of Florida cracker-style architecture.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)