FL Beach Has Clearest Waters In South: Magazine

JUPITER, FL — A Florida beach was singled out for having the clearest waters of any Southern site by Southern Living magazine — and it isn't in the Keys.

The waters off Jupiter on the state’s southeastern coast, 30 minutes north of West Palm Beach, are the clearest of any in the South, writers said. The water clarity is due to Jupiter’s location in the Gulf Stream, which means there’s a constant flow of tropical water that improves the ocean’s visibility by carrying away algae, flotsam, or runoff, the magazine said.

"The coast in Palm Beach County (which includes Jupiter!) gets a further boost due to its shape that juts out a little farther east and the fact that the continental shelf is quite narrow here. The result is … the tropical waters pass closer to shore here than anywhere else in North America," Southern Living said. "Jupiter gets you as close to Caribbean waters as you’re going to get without a passport!"

The city is located at the confluence of the Loxahatchee River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean, creating the Jupiter Inlet, a popular area for boating activity. The magazine noted the city's Riverwalk has plenty of with retail shops, waterfront restaurants, and places to head out for a sunset cruise.

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Here's what the town of Jupiter says for visitors who want to come enjoy the beautiful waters:

Jupiter has about 3.4 miles of beaches along its coastline known for their warm, clear waters and shores that are enveloped by the natural features of the area, such as dunes, mangroves, and sea grape trees.

View Jupiter Area Beaches Map

Each area of Jupiter's beachfront has a different feel, whether you're looking to have a picnic, catch a wave, search for shells, or run with your pup. Here is some information to help residents and visitors plan their visit to local beaches, as well as some tips to keep the beach enjoyable for everyone:

• The Jupiter area beaches map shows crossovers #22 north to #72. Of these crossovers, some are operated by the Town of Jupiter, some by Palm Beach County, and some are private.
• Town of Jupiter crossovers: #23, #25-31, #37, #39-41, #45-53 and #65
• Palm Beach County crossovers: #22, #24, #32-36, #38, #42-44, #55, #57-64, and #66-72
• Private crossovers: #31-35, #54 and #56
• There are ADA accessible beach access points at crossovers #24, #31, #45, and #48.
• The guarded areas of Jupiter’s beaches are guarded by Palm Beach County’s Ocean Rescue. Guarded areas include parts of DuBois Park, Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park, Ocean Cay Park and Juno Beach Park. View the Jupiter area beaches map to see guarded areas or visit the County's webpage for more information.
• Jupiter has dog-friendly beach areas. There is a 2.5 mile stretch of beach from beach marker #26 (Marcinski Road) north to beach marker #57 (Carlin Park property line). More information about our dog-friendly beaches can be found here. Please note that dogs are not allowed on County beaches.
• All pavilions located at beaches and beach parks are maintained by Palm Beach County, and rentals should be made through their website.
• Free parking lots are available at DuBois Park, Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park, Ocean Cay Park, Juno Beach Park, and a lot between crossover #27 & #28. Street parking is also available along the A1A corridor.
• Sea turtle nesting season along our beaches run from March 1-October 31. During nesting season, stay away from any nesting turtles, leave nests and hatchlings alone, fill in all holes, and knock over sand castles before leaving the beach