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Writer's pictureGrace Miller

Jupiter Beach Surf Guide: Where to Surf & Where to Park

Updated: Sep 24

With over three miles of postcard worthy, white sand beaches and rolling waves that are clear blue as far as the eye can see, Jupiter is quick to steal the heart’s of beachgoers and surfers alike.


Jupiter stands as one of Florida’s top spots, where tropical vibes intersect with relaxation, class, and, above all, good surf.  


Jupiter Surf Guide


When Does Jupiter See Waves?

Florida’s hurricane season rolls in around June and is here to stay until November.


While the threat of storms does lurk for these long months, surfers are sure to rejoice, because fall hurricane season doesn’t just mean a possibility for bad weather—it means waves. Thrilling waves.


And by the time winter comes to Florida, in its 70℉ glory, pressure systems are dropping, the wind is kicking up, and the waves are churning.

The swells from hurricanes can provide even the seasoned surfer with an attractive wave. 



Gear Needed to Surf in Jupiter

Due to hot summer temperatures, often nearing or above 100℉ each day, board shorts and a board are all the gear one needs for summer surfing.


Lather on some sunscreen, and you’re ready to hit the warm waves!

For those colder winter months when temperatures begin to drop, a wetsuit and/or wetsuit top is recommended, as the ocean cools down a few degrees, usually hovering around the 76℉ mark. 



Where to Surf in Jupiter


Jupiter Inlet 

Are you looking for the perfect spot to catch some of Jupiter’s renowned waves?


Try the Inlet. With free parking all around, you can park in the Jupiter Beach Park lot right near Dubois Park, or on Ocean Trail Way off Highway A1A.


If you want to stick to the North side of the Inlet, where the coast is a little rockier, but the surf is better, park in Coral Cove Park.


You can paddle straight out from this parking lot.

If you park on the Inlet’s South side, in Dubois Park, paddle out by the pier-like stretch of rocks.


The waves at the Inlet are clean and have a great swell due to a sandbar resting roughly 100 yards out from shore. Surfing is not as congested at the Inlet, which also makes it a prime spot for any beginners just starting out. 


Juno Pier 

Another spot surfers can try is the Juno Pier. Parking is in the Juno Beach Pier parking lot located on Ocean Drive. Surfers can paddle out to catch waves on either side of the pier.


If going on the South side, stay close to the pier, as the current flows South and will take you if you’re not careful.


Juno Pier is the busiest of the Jupiter surf locations, but there’s something about the ease of access, bigger swells, and allure of having a front row seat out on the pier to view the action that continues to draw surfers in. 


Jupiter Civic Center

Perhaps the lesser-known surf spot of the three, Jupiter’s Civic Center isn’t a location to be missed. You can park directly at Carlin Park off A1A, walk through the Center, and paddle straight out.


The beach’s relaxed, local focused atmosphere is perfect for a more secluded surf, but it is tougher to catch a wave, so this particular spot is recommended for the more skilled surfer. 

Coral Cove 

As the final spot on the list, Coral Cove can be an unpredictable spot to surf for consistent good waves, but it is uncrowded, and the waves are sure to not disappoint during hurricane and winter season with a Western wind and Northeast swell.


You can park for free at Coral Cove Park on Beach Road and the lot opens right up to the beach, so after a short walk down the shore, the waves are already lapping at your feet.


When the waves do come at Coral Cove, they’re fast—much faster and shallower than those at the Inlet, which offers better learning waves. 




What To Do in Jupiter When the Waves are Flat 

If there’s no waves in Jupiter, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. If you’re at the Inlet, have a barbeque and picnic instead!


There are picnic tables, grills, and space for the whole family to recline in the sun and watch the kids swim in the lagoon, where the lack of current and enclosed space makes swimming safe.


Watch out for manatees here!

Try out paddle boarding, where you can have a relaxing float over clear waters and see fish, turtles, starfish, and more.


You can rent a board at Blueline Surf & Paddle Shop and paddle out from their dock to have a great view of Jupiter’s lighthouse, zigzag through patches of mangroves, traverse through the twists and turns of channels, and swim and recline on sandy islands.


Built in 1860, the lighthouse is another great spot to hit in and of itself, as you can climb its winding iron staircase of 105 steps to have the perfect sunset view overlooking the Inlet.


Cato’s Bridge is another prime paddle board and snorkeling spot. This is one of Jupiter’s ideal spots for wildlife viewing and the parking lots located on either side of South Beach Road make accessing the crystal clear “swimming hole” at the bottom of the bridge easy. 





The Bottom Line: Jupiter Beach Surf Guide


Jupiter can be a fun place to surf — if you know where to go.


Use this guide to help you score fun waves the next time you visit this laid-back surf town.


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