Juno Beach, located in Palm Beach County, Florida, is a charming beach-town known for its beautiful pier and abundant Loggerhead Turtle mating sites. Despite being underrated in the realm of South Florida tourism, Juno Beach offers an idyllic and fantastic place to call home, with a kind and tight-knit community. Its pristine, crystal-clear turquoise water can rival that of Miami and the Keys, making it a snorkeling paradise and an excellent spot to observe various sea creatures, including sea turtles, sharks, and a variety of fish species.
If you're considering spending a weekend in this humble beach town, allow us to share a few things to do in Juno Beach, Florida, for the perfect South Florida Day.
1. Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach at sunrise
Start your perfect day at the Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach, a beautiful and serene spot regardless of whether you have a furry companion or not. You can choose to walk, bike, or rollerblade along the wide sidewalk on the side of US Highway A1A or opt for a calming stroll along the sandy shores. To the east, the sun will begin to rise behind the Juno Beach Pier, casting its reflections on the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. During your walk, you'll encounter numerous well-behaved dogs accompanied by friendly owners. If you're fortunate, you might even witness the heartwarming sight of baby sea turtles making their journey to the ocean during the early morning hours.
Conclude your walk by purchasing an affordable all-day ticket to the Juno Beach Pier (in the case you don't have a furry friend with you). While walking along the pier, you can enjoy watching the sun continue its journey across the sky or observe local fishermen catching unique fish. The pier admission fees are $2 per spectator and $5 per fisher, and the pass grants you access for the entire day.
2. Papa Kwans for Coffee and an Acai Bowl
Once you’ve worked up an appetite at the Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach, make your way to Papa Kwans, a coffee shop and café located just a few minutes west of the beach on US Highway 1. The best part is you can bring your pup along to chill with you on their dog-friendly outdoor patio! Papa Kwans offers a delightful assortment of hot and cold coffees and teas, pastries, acai bowls, smoothies, kombucha, as well as scrumptious Breakfast and Lunch options, perfect for grab-and-go food or on-site dining. Whatever you are craving, Papa Kwans is sure to have it! Take a look at their menu before you go.
When you arrive, be sure to order a refreshing cold brew and their famous acai bowl. You can then choose to relax in their comfortable indoor seating area or enjoy the sunshine on their outdoor patio.
3. Temarsch Groves for Souvenirs
Before embarking off on your next adventure, make a stop at Temarsch Groves, located just a few doors down from Papa Kwans – if you haven’t already been enticed there by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pies. This delightful shop is an excellent destination for all your souvenir or personal shopping needs. With fresh fruits and citrus juices, candy, post cards, a large assortment of beach knickknacks, and local art, you will find something for everyone on your list! Sadly, Temarsch Groves is closed during the summer season, so you will have to make sure your trip is during the Winter season if you want to visit this eclectic shop.
4. Learn about Sea Turtles at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center
After satisfying your appetite with delicious foods and collecting eclectic trinkets and souvenirs, the next must-see destination on our list is the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. If you have limited time in Juno Beach, this spot should be at the top of your list! The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is one of the most visited non-profit scientific locations in Florida, with a primary focus on ocean and sea turtle conservation. It offers an enriching experience for both adults and kids.
At the center, you can learn about sea turtles, observe how they are cared for and rehabilitated, and participate in fun and educational interactive activities. While entry is free, they kindly request a donation if you are able to contribute. Moreover, you might even have the opportunity to meet some of their sea turtle patients. If you're particularly lucky, you might witness the heartwarming moment of a sea turtle being released back into the ocean!
5. Snorkeling at Phil Foster Park on Blue Heron Bridge
Just a short drive from Juno Beach, in Riviera Beach, FL, lies another must-see destination: Phil Foster Park on the Blue Heron Bridge, perfect for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure! Selected as the “Best Dive Site in the World” by Sport Diver Magazine in 2013, Blue Heron Bridge is an extraordinary snorkeling location, for both beginners and experienced divers. Just a few fascinating sea creatures you’ll have the chance to encounter on your trip such as seahorses, pipefish, Octopus (Atlantic long arm/mimic octopus), and the occasional manatee, sea turtle, or dolphin.
No snorkel gear of your own? No worries! There are plenty of snorkel shops where you can easily rent the equipment for the day. If you are unsure about the best spots to snorkel at the Blue Heron Bridge, you can refer to this informative article by Pura Vida Divers that outlines the top snorkeling locations.
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There you have it, the perfect day in Juno Beach, Florida! After spending a day in one of the most beautiful cities on Florida’s East Coast, you might want to stick around longer and explore everything they have to offer. To stay updated on all things Juno Beach, or to see some fantastic beach content, follow @junobeachliving on Instagram!
