A Local's Guide to Paddling Past the Crowds and Into Hidden Paradise
Article by Alex Cotleur
Summer is in full swing and our waterways are buzzing with activity in July. Water-based camps are thriving, tourism is booming and locals are out enjoying every drop of blue water and sunshine. The snowbirds may have flown north, but do not be fooled, the waterfront is anything but sleepy.
A trio of quiet access points along the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River offer peacefull paddling access for locals. But you'll need to use kayak wheels and paddleboard dollies to get there, making it 100% eco-friendly.
With its turquoise waters, epic fishing, scenic golf courses and inviting nightlife, Jupiter is the blueprint for both a dream summer getaway and a restful staycation. Post-pandemic, July is now a busy tourist season, a major shift from years past. Discover the Palm Beaches, our county’s official destination marketing association, boasts a steady annual increase in summer tourism. So what is a local to do when you want to enjoy the water without the crowds? The answer: explore the hidden gems.
Where to Paddle (Without the Pack)
We will start with a low-key favorite: the F.I.N.D. Park tucked inside The Bluffs’ Riversubdivision. “F.I.N.D.” stands for the Florida Inland Navigational District, a special taxing authority that has been maintaining the Intracoastal Waterway and building public waterfront parks like this one to increase access since 1927.
This spot has it all: a dog park, a quiet beach for lounging, and an easy launch point for kayaks and paddleboards. It is in an open wake zone, so be mindful of speeding boats. A one-mile paddle south will land you at one of the area’s most overlooked treasures: the Juno Dunes Natural Area.
Juno Dunes: Where Sand Meets Serenity
Getting to the water at Juno Dunes the old-fashioned way means trekking an approximately 1.8 mile-long sandy trail from the parking lot off US 1. Or, skip the sweat and paddle in like a local. There is a dock for motorized boats, but paddlers get the better deal, a peaceful half-mile loop past the docks into the mangroves and wetlands. Bring bug spray; no-see-ums love this place at dawn and dusk.
This unique preserve is a joint effort between Palm Beach County and F.I.N.D., managed by Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management. Now in its 14th year, the area has flourished, with 4.3 acres of fresh mangrove habitat created by volunteers and nature’s own regeneration.
Up North: Secret Launch Spots on the Loxahatchee
Now, we head up to the North Fork of the Loxahatchee River, where a trio of quiet access points are hiding in plain sight. Located along Riverside Drive between County Line Road and Tequesta Drive, these hidden gems are strictly off the radar, no signage or parking. They are a goldmine of peaceful paddling access for locals within walking distance who use kayak wheels and paddleboard dollies to get there, making for a 100% eco-friendly adventure. Start with Jackson Riverfront Pines, a rustic Palm Beach County Natural Area located at 19745 N. Riverside Drive, featuring a sandy trail that leads to the water. From there, it’s a scenic 1.5-mile paddle to the beloved Loxahatchee River Sandbar west of the railroad tracks; my absolute favorite place for a memorable sunset!
The North Fork of the Loxahatchee River offers a trio of quiet access points that are hiding in plain sight. These hidden gems are strictly off the radar, with no signage or parking, accessible only to those in the know..
Farther south on Riverside Drive, there are two more pedestrian access points turned mini neighborhood passive parks by the Town of Jupiter. Frazier Park, in the 200 block of Riverside Drive, offers a paved path to a bench, a trash can, and once in the water, you are a short .25-mile paddle to the sandbar. Continuing south is Sylvia Park, offering the same amenities and is my personal favorite. At low tide, you can walk right into the water, head east and in just a few steps, you arrive at the sandbar on the north side of the channel. The Loxahatchee River Sandbar is about 300 yards across the way.
Vacation Vibes Without Leaving Home
Living in Jupiter means waking up every day where others come to vacation year-round. But when you know the back ways to the water, it feels even more like your own personal paradise. From paddleboarding through mangroves to wading through tidal flats, there is no shortage of ways to escape the summer rush and find your slice of calm. So skip the crowds and the chaos – let’s paddle!
