Jensen Beach Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay, and more in Jensen Beach, Florida.


Introduction to Jensen Beach

Nestled in Florida’s Treasure Coast, Jensen Beach is a charming seaside town with a laid-back atmosphere and a stunning natural backdrop. This quaint town boasts miles of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees. Jensen Beach is a popular vacation destination for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a relaxing beach getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Jensen Beach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history buff, Jensen Beach won’t disappoint. The town is home to several historical sites and museums:

  • Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge: This historical site and museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Florida’s maritime history. The museum displays artifacts and exhibits about shipwrecks, rescue operations, and local fishing culture.
  • Elliott Museum: This museum features a fantastic collection of vintage cars, antique bicycles, and other unique exhibits related to Florida history.
  • The Mansion at Tuckahoe: This historic home and museum offers a glimpse into Florida’s past. Visitors can marvel at the mansion’s exquisite architecture and learn about the state’s early pioneers and settlers.

Natural Attractions of Jensen Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Jensen Beach is a paradise for nature lovers. Here are some of the top natural attractions to add to your itinerary:

  • Hutchinson Island: This barrier island is home to miles of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled wilderness. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, fish, surf, or stroll along the beach.
  • Indian River Lagoon: This estuary is a thriving ecosystem that’s home to an array of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour or try their luck at fishing.
  • Jensen Beach Park: This park features a beautiful beach, picnic areas, a playground, and a fishing pier. Visitors can also enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach is surrounded by natural beauty, and there are several hiking and biking trails to explore:

  • Savannas Preserve State Park: This park features over 10 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the Indian River Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands.
  • Blowing Rocks Preserve: This nature preserve boasts a unique limestone shoreline and several trails that wind through the sand dunes and coastal hammocks.
  • Halpatiokee Regional Park: This park offers miles of well-maintained trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The trails wind through pristine forests, wetlands, and grasslands.

Best Things to Do in Jensen Beach: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly activities, Jensen Beach has an endless array of things to do:

  • Bathtub Reef Beach: This beach features a shallow coral reef that creates a natural bathtub-like pool perfect for children to swim in.
  • Treasure Coast Square: This shopping mall is home to a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Jensen Beach Bowl: This bowling center offers affordable family fun, complete with arcade games, pool tables, and a snack bar.
  • Jensen Beach Community Band: This community band offers free concerts during the winter season, showcasing a wide range of music genres.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jensen Beach

Day 1: Relax on the beach and soak up the sun at Jensen Beach Park. In the evening, sample some of the local seafood at Crawdaddy’s N’awlins Grill & Raw Bar.

Day 2: Explore the Hutchinson Island and try your hand at windsurfing or paddleboarding. In the evening, head to Elliott Museum for a dose of Florida history.

Day 3: Take a scenic boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon and spot some dolphins or manatees in their natural habitat. In the evening, catch a movie at Regency 8 Cinemas.

Day 4: Hike along the trails of Savannas Preserve State Park and experience the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes. In the evening, have dinner at Pietro’s on the Ocean.

Day 5: Visit the Mansion at Tuckahoe and learn about the state’s early pioneers and settlers. In the evening, head to Jensen Beach Bowl for a fun night of bowling and arcade games.

Day 6: Spend the day at Bathtub Reef Beach, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In the evening, have a romantic dinner at Jan’s Place Restaurant.

Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby Stuart, FL and visit the Stuart Heritage Museum. In the evening, head back to Jensen Beach and stop by the Jensen Beach Community Band concert.

Food and Drink Scene of Jensen Beach

Must-Try Dishes

Jensen Beach is known for its delectable seafood dishes, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from:

  • Crawdaddy’s N’awlins Grill & Raw Bar: This restaurant serves up some of the freshest seafood around, including the famous Cajun crawfish boil.
  • Pietro’s on the Ocean: This upscale Italian restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and serves up fresh seafood and house-made pasta.
  • Sauder’s Landing: This casual seafood joint offers some of the best fish tacos and fish sandwiches in town.

Local Beverages

While in Jensen Beach, be sure to try some of the local beverages:

  • Treasure Coast Wine & Ale Trail: This self-guided tour takes you to some of the best wineries and breweries in the area, including Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery and Sailfish Brewing Company.
  • Jensen Beach Brewing Company: This craft brewery offers a rotating selection of beers made with local ingredients.

Where to Stay in Jensen Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Jensen Beach offers a range of accommodations to suit any budget:

  • Vistana Beach Club: This Marriott resort offers spacious villas with full kitchens and private balconies overlooking the ocean.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Hutchinson Island: This hotel offers comfortable rooms with ocean views, a pool, and a fitness center.
  • Jensen Beach Inn: This bed and breakfast offers cozy rooms with antique furnishings and a complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in Jensen Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Jensen Beach is home to several unique shops and boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and local products:

  • Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic: This boutique offers a range of beach-inspired jewelry, clothing, and accessories.
  • Florida Oceanographic Society Coastal Center Gift Shop: This shop offers a selection of coastal-themed gifts and souvenirs, perfect for nature lovers.
  • Surfside Outfitters: This shop offers a range of surf gear and accessories that will help you blend in among the locals.

Local Culture and Customs of Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach is a laid-back town that values community, family, and nature. Locals are friendly and proud of their town’s heritage, which is rooted in maritime history and early Florida settlers. Visitors should take note of the town’s conservation efforts, including beach cleanups, sea turtle nesting programs, and eco-tours that promote responsible tourism.

Best Time to Visit Jensen Beach

The best time to visit Jensen Beach is from November to April when the weather is mild and dry. During this time, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from sunbathing to hiking and biking. Summer months are hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms, making outdoor activities less enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jensen Beach

Do:

  • Respect the local wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and migratory birds.
  • Support eco-friendly tourism practices, such as beach cleanups and eco-tours.
  • Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash on the beach.
  • Touch or disturb sea turtle nests or hatchlings.
  • Feed or approach wild animals, including alligators and snakes.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach is a safe town with low crime rates. Visitors should take precautions similar to those in any urban area, such as locking car doors and securing valuables.

Health in Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach has several medical clinics and urgent care centers. Visitors should bring any necessary prescription medications and take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as the Zika virus.

Getting to Jensen Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jensen Beach

The nearest airport to Jensen Beach is West Palm Beach International Airport, located 45 minutes north of Jensen Beach. Other airports in the region include Orlando International Airport and Miami International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Jensen Beach

Greyhound has a bus station in Stuart, FL, which is 10 minutes from Jensen Beach. Tri-Rail offers train service from West Palm Beach to Miami and stops at several stations in between.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or use ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, to get around Jensen Beach and the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Jensen Beach

The best way to get around Jensen Beach is by car. Visitors can also rent bicycles or take advantage of ride-sharing services.

Where to Go Next from Jensen Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Stuart, FL: This charming town is just a 10-minute drive from Jensen Beach and offers great shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.
  • West Palm Beach: This vibrant city is an hour north of Jensen Beach and offers plenty of cultural attractions, including the Norton Museum of Art and the Palm Beach Zoo.
  • Disney World: This world-renowned theme park is located 2 hours from Jensen Beach and is a must-visit for families with young children.

Conclusion

Jensen Beach is a gem of a town that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and relaxation. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just in search of a great beach vacation, Jensen Beach is sure to captivate you with its laid-back charm and hospitality.

Downtown Jensen Beach Downtown Jensen Beach Indian River Lagoon Indian River Lagoon Indian Riverside Park Indian Riverside Park