Best Fishing Charter: Black Dog Fishing Charters
Captain Bill Taylor has been putting anglers on fish since 1997. A fixture on Jupiter’s waterfront, he’s known for his local knowledge, laid-back style, and commitment to keeping rods bent and coolers full.
Runners Up: Blue Heron Fishing Charters, Time Flies Fishing Charters
Best Paddle Tours: Blueline Surf & Paddle
Mangrove tunnels, island trails, and lighthouse views await on a Blueline Surf & Paddle adventure. Launching from Guanabanas, the guided tours showcase some of Jupiter’s most scenic waterways while introducing paddlers to the wildlife and natural beauty that make the area special.
Runners Up: Get Up and Go Kayaking, Jupiter Outdoor Center
Best Live Music Venue: Square Grouper Tiki Bar
Jimmy Buffett tributes, reggae bands, rock acts, and local favorites keep the stage busy at Square Grouper Tiki Bar. The waterfront hotspot has become a must-play venue for regional musicians and a go-to gathering place for live music fans.
Runners Up: Double Roads Tavern & Live Music, Maxi’s Lineup
Best Outdoor Recreation Spot: Riverbend Park
With more than 15 miles of trails winding through forests, wetlands, and waterways, Riverbend Park invites visitors to get outside and explore. Popular for hiking, biking, paddling, and wildlife viewing, it’s a natural playground that showcases Old Florida at its best.
Runners Up: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, DuBois Park
Best Local Resort/Hotel: Jupiter Beach Resort
A stay at Jupiter Beach Resort feels like a true getaway without ever leaving town. The oceanfront property pairs private beach access with tennis, a full-service spa, waterfront dining, and the relaxed coastal luxury that has made it a longtime favorite among visitors and locals alike.
Runners Up: Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place
Best Bike Trail: Ocean-to-Lake Trail at Riverbend Park
Twisting through pine forests, oak hammocks, and along the Loxahatchee River, the Ocean-to-Lake Trail’s Riverbend Park section offers some of the area’s best riding. Cyclists can choose from beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails that showcase the natural beauty of Old Florida.
Runners Up: Cypress Creek Natural Area, Bluegill Trail
Best Hiking Trail: Juno Dunes Natural Area
Florida isn’t exactly known for its elevation, but Juno Dunes Natural Area offers a rare climb to one of Palm Beach County’s highest natural points. The winding trails pass through scrub, wetlands, and pine flatwoods before rewarding hikers with sweeping views of the ocean and Intracoastal.
Runners Up: Jupiter Ridge Natural Area, Limestone Creek Natural Area
Best Family Fun Spot: Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers far more than exhibits. Families can watch sea turtles recover in the outdoor hospital, attend rehabilitated turtle releases, join guided beach walks during sea turtle nesting season, and witness conservation in action. It’s equal parts adventure, education, and inspiration.
Runners Up: Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf, Juno Beach Pier
Q&A with Dr. Heather Barron
Chief Science Officer & Veterinarian, Loggerhead Marinelife center
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about sea turtles?
Many people are surprised to learn that sea turtles can live for decades and often return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs years later.
Do your patients have personalities? Who’s been the biggest diva?
Every sea turtle has its own unique personality. Green sea turtles tend to be the most curious and laid-back, while Kemp’s ridleys are incredibly spirited—a little “spicy,” if you will . Terry the turtle is currently the biggest diva because she is such a picky eater. Most of our turtles eat greens, squid, or fish. Terry is only tempted by lobster or crab (and that’s on a good day).
What’s your favorite part of release day?
Seeing the community come together to celebrate a sea turtle’s recovery. Watching a rehabilitated turtle make its way back into the ocean is a true, full-circle moment and a reminder of why our work is so important.
Best Beach: Jupiter Dog Beach
Few beaches offer the simple joy of watching dogs and their owners race through the surf together. Stretching nearly 2.5 miles along the Atlantic, Jupiter Dog Beach is one of the few leash-free dog beaches in the country, making it a favorite for both two-legged and four-legged visitors.
Runners Up: Coral Cove, Civic Center/Carlin Park
Best Public Golf Course: North Palm Beach Country Club
Designed by golf legend (and local resident) Jack Nicklaus, North Palm Beach Country Club delivers championship-caliber play without the private-club barrier. The recently renovated course pairs pristine conditions with scenic fairways, making it a favorite among golfers of all skill levels.
Runners Up: Abacoa Golf Club, Tequesta Country Club
Best Public Park & Playground: Constitution Park
From playground adventures and pickup basketball games to family picnics and community events, Constitution Park serves as Tequesta’s backyard. The recently updated park continues to be a favorite spot for families to gather, play, and connect.
Runners Up: Burns Road Park, Ocean Cay Park
Best Annual Event/Festival: Loggerhead Marinelife Center TurtleFest
For one day each spring, Loggerhead Marinelife Center transforms into a sea turtle celebration with marine-life exhibits, conservation education, family activities, live entertainment, and hands-on experiences. TurtleFest inspires the next generation of ocean stewards while raising awareness for sea turtle conservation.
Runners Up: ArtiGras, Friends of Jupiter Beach Food & Wine Festival
Editor’s Pick: Trivia Night
Brains and brews are always on tap at Tiki 52, where Think & Drink Trivia turns every other Wednesday into a friendly battle of wits. Grab your smartest friends, order a round, and compete for prizes while enjoying beer bucket deals, food specials, and waterfront views. Wrong answers are quickly forgotten—especially after another drink.
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