Juno Beach, Florida: Things to Do and Where to Eat, Drink & Stay

Want to experience the island lifestyle during your South Florida getaway? Jog over to Juno Beach, FL, and you’ll get the experience you’re looking for! Set on a captivating barrier island between Jupiter and West Palm Beach, this quaint seaside community is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Palm Beach County.

With its unspoiled coastline and laid-back vibe, Juno Beach is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Get your feet wet and swim, snorkel, fish, or paddleboard in crystal-clear water. Alternatively, stay ashore and explore pristine stretches of golden sand, stunning parks, and tempting oceanside eateries.

Ready to chill? Plan the perfect jaunt to Juno Beach with this complete travel guide and get yourself on island time!

Things to do in Juno Beach, FL

Juno Beach Pier

Looking for a great way to start or end your day at Juno Beach? Pop on your flip-flops and head over to Juno Beach Pier. Stretching 990 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, this South Florida icon is a magnet for fishers, sightseers, and nature enthusiasts.

Stroll to the pier’s end and take in fantastic ocean views.  Get amazing glimpses of local marine life. After you’ve sampled the view, check out the Pier House for snacks, gifts, and bait and tackle rental. Once you’re kitted out, cast a fishing line and see what you can reel in.  

Operated by the Loggerhead Marine Life Center, the Pier offers encounters with the local favorites: Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Naturalists of all ages can get in on the fun and enjoy educational experiences including fishing basics and the Junior Sea Turtle Rescuer program. Here, kids can learn how to save turtles that have been hooked or entangled.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Want to see world-class conservation efforts in action? Head to the Loggerhead MarineLife Center, one of the most-visited nonprofit scientific destinations in Florida. Set in Juno Beach’s Loggerhead Park, the Center is devoted to ecosystem preservation and sea turtle conservation.

The star attraction is a fascinating species that has existed for over 100 million years. Get a rare glimpse into their world and the work of marine life rescuers or drop into the onsite hospital to visit the Center’s treasured “patients”. Time it right, and you’ll see hatchlings being released!

Join the center’s biologists to learn about the coastal flora and fauna and explore the diverse local ecosystems. Inside, you can check out the center’s Rescue to Release Virtual Reality Theater, where you’re transported to live-action scenes taking you from a beach rescue, through the hospital treatment, to the final release.

Juno Beach Park

Let’s face it, Florida is all about the beaches, and you’ll find the best at Juno Beach. If you’re looking for a great mix of natural beauty and ample amenities, head for the soft sands of Juno Beach Park. Set on the beautiful turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, this popular Palm Beach County beach has plenty to satisfy any beachcomber’s taste.

Settle back in your beach chair and take in the awesome ocean vistas. Brought Fido? Check out the pup-friendly playground. Got your fishing gear? Wander over to the iconic Juno Beach Pier and try your luck. Plunge into the lifeguarded water at the beautiful beach to swim, snorkel, boogie board, or kitesurf.

Ready to refuel? Hit the outdoor showers, stake out a spot at a sheltered picnic table, and dig in!

Juno Dunes Natural Area

Are wide open spaces your thing? Then you’re going to love the Juno Dunes Natural Area! Yes, it’s got plenty of lush vegetation, but there’s something unique about this 578-acre nature preserve—most of its flora stands just waist-high. This means you’re treated to remarkable sweeping views of the amazing landscape.

Spectacular ancient sand dunes line the area’s two main trails. Hike to the top to take in awesome vistas from the highest natural point in Palm Beach County. These dunes are home to a variety of vibrant flora that brings vivid color to the landscape.

Ready for a change of scene? Explore the area’s other diverse environments, including its maritime hammock and mangrove swamps. These wetlands are havens for many of Florida’s most beautiful birds, earning it a spot on the Great Florida Bird and Wildlife Trail. Birders: keep those binoculars handy!

Loggerhead Park

Turtle fans will want to put Loggerhead Park on their South Florida bucket list. Home to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, this 17-acre site features 900 feet of sandy beach, a coastal hammock, and a generous array of nature trails. It also plays host to the center’s fun and educational wildlife programs.

Trek the trails or hit the bike path and explore the park’s lush tropical hammock. Let the kiddos loose on the playground. After all that exertion, treat yourself to an outdoor shower or take a break and enjoy a snack in a covered pavilion.

Be sure to check out the star attraction: a guided “Turtle Walk”. Learn about these fascinating creatures and spot them nesting on the beach. Later in the year, you can witness the real-time results of nesting season with the center’s Hatchling Release Program. Watch these babies instinctively scuttle to their new ocean home. Unforgettable!

Pelican Lake

If you’re craving serenity, Pelican Lake will hit the spot. This lovely 12-acre site is a hidden gem a mile away from town on Ocean Drive. Once a natural marsh and now a sparkling freshwater landmark, this secluded setting is the perfect place to enjoy some low-key R & R.

No swimming here, but there’s plenty to do on the shore. Got the kids in tow? Let them loose on the playground in Kagan Park on the lake’s southwestern edge. Hit the mini-court to shoot some hoops, or try your hand at bocce.

Alternatively, you can savor the natural beauty. Stroll the paved path that encircles the lake and you’ll likely get glimpses of elegant water birds like the white ibis and blue heron. Stop off at one of the lakeside gazebos and relax with a picnic. Stay after sunset to enjoy the enchanting sight of lit lanterns shimmering on the water. Now that’s serenity.

Jupiter Beach

Looking for an aquatic wonderland with loads of options? Swing down to Jupiter Beach, where you can go from laid-back to full-throttle in a single visit. Set at the juncture of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, Jupiter Beach is a water lover’s paradise.

The clear, warm water makes this one of the hottest water sport destinations in the Palm Beaches. So you can make a splash, go for a snorkel, or ride the surf. If you want to explore the area, hop in a canoe and delve into the wild and scenic mangrove swamps of the Loxahatchee River.

There’s also plenty to make landlubbers smile. Stroll the 3.5 miles of pristine beachfront or take in stunning natural features ranging from sand dunes to sea grape trees. Go shelling, cast a fishing line, or run with Fido. Hit the park for some grillin’. There’s tons of options.

RELATED: What to Do in Jupiter, FL

Feeling ambitious? Climb to the top of the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for an unforgettable view. Afterwards, wind down at one of the chill local tiki bars.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

Yearning to get away from it all? John D. MacArthur Beach State Park is the place to go. Set on a barrier island off North Palm Beach, this is the only state park in Palm Beach County. A haven for protected plant and animal habitats, this slice of paradise brims with natural beauty.

You can stroll the 1.6 miles of beautiful beachfront. Plunge in for a swim or a snorkel or take to water and paddle or kayak along the estuary to discover the diverse array of plants and animals. Hike the nature trails, and drop into the park’s Nature Center to learn more about this unique local ecosystem and its inhabitants.

Into birdwatching? Paddle down to Munyon Island to get thrilling up-close glimpses of great blue herons. Ready for a change of pace? Coast along to Singer Island, a nearby oceanfront neighborhood that offers an intriguing blend of natural beauty, pristine beaches, and upscale shopping and resorts.

Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area

Want to indulge your inner naturalist in an urban setting? Do it in Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area. Just three miles southwest of Juno Beach in Palm Beach Gardens, this lush spot boasts seven distinct ecosystems, and is home to 500 animal and 200 plant species. Basically, keep your eyes peeled and your camera handy!

Part of the Great Florida Bird and Wildlife Trail, this green oasis features vegetation ranging from mangrove-lined waterways to saw palmetto palms. Hit the trail to explore its rich variety of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for a wildlife menagerie, including great horned owls, tortoises, hawks, fish, wading birds, and manatees.

If you’re a birder, trek the Saw Palmetto Hiking Trail. Plant enthusiast? Check out the Blazing Star Nature Trail. Want to hunt down wild coffee plants? Find them on the Staggerbush Trail.

All this, and you didn’t even have to leave town!

Manatee Lagoon

Fancy going (nearly) nose-to-nose with a manatee? You can! Just zip down to the Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach for an up-close encounter with these gentle giants of the ocean.

A quick 20-minute drive from Juno Beach gets you to this unique educational center, combining fantastic viewing with fun, hands-on experiences. Visit the dedicated observation deck to view these elusive creatures as they bask in a warm-water inflow.

RELATED: What to Do in West Palm Beach, FL

Book a Manatee Lagoon Tour to learn more about manatees and the ongoing efforts to protect them. Check out featured exhibits and exploration programs to dive deeper into the Lake Worth Lagoon environment and its inhabitants. Listen to a Manatee Master Storyteller share their expert knowledge. Fun and educational adventures for kids of any age!

Phil Foster Park

Up for a scenic dive? Get an underwater eyeful at Phil Foster Park, an island in the Lake Worth Lagoon at the center of the Blue Heron Bridge. A quick jaunt from Riviera Beach, this site ranks as one of the best shore dives in America.

Plunge in and get awesome views of an incredible variety of aquatic life. Just offshore, explore the snorkel trail’s 800-foot-long man-made reef, home to a population of fascinating creatures you won’t see from the beach.

You don’t have to be a diver to swim here. This destination is packed with amenities! Dock or launch your boat, or slip into your canoe or kayak. Cast a fishing line and see what bites. Let the kiddos loose on the playground. When it’s time to refuel, fire up the grill, stake out a picnic shelter, and dig in!

Where to eat & drink

Award-winning Ke’e Grill is the place to go for an island vibe. Decorated with bamboo and umbrellas, this welcoming eatery exudes a tropical atmosphere.  Relax and enjoy classic favorites like grilled lamb chops (a house specialty), hand-cut steaks, pork chops, and fresh local fish.

Just a block away from the Atlantic Ocean, Juno Beach Fish House specializes in fresh, local seafood with a “Floribbean” flair (Think South Florida classic meets island zest). Lobster is a specialty, but they also serve up traditional chicken, steak, pasta, and pork dishes.

The award-winning Hurricane Cafe has something for everyone: salads, wraps, flatbreads, sandwiches, and even comfort food like pot roasts. Get cozy indoors – or dine al fresco. Popular for breakfast and brunch, the cafe also offers healthier options like veggie burgers.

Linger over a classic South Florida meal at Captain Charlie’s Reef Grill. The rustic interior was hand-built by the owner, who’ll be there to greet you! The menu highlights seafood, with crab cakes being a specialty, but Charlies’s also offers traditional steak, pork, and chicken dinners.

Want to relax and put your feet up? Duck into the Thirsty Turtle Seagrill, a popular watering hole featuring craft beer and freshly caught fish. You can even bring your own catch and have it cooked for you! While you’re there, catch the game on a massive 110” screen.

Hankering after a taste of New England? Kirby Sports Grille will satisfy. Dig into their award-winning Boston Crabcakes. Their special Maryland recipe features jumbo lump crabmeat. If seafood isn’t your thing, check out American classics like prime rib, burgers, tacos, or pizza.

Where to stay