Located on the north shore of the Jupiter Inlet in Jupiter, Florida, off of the scenic Highway A1A, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum offers tours of the restored 1860 lighthouse, World War II and pioneer homestead buildings, and recreated structures from the Seminole Chickee and other early Native Americans. Additionally, the lighthouse stands among 120 acres of federally protected land designated as the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.
The admission fee includes access to the museum containing exhibits on early Native American cultures in the area, European shipwrecks discovered near the mouth of the Jupiter inlet, and the early history of Florida. Currently the museum is housed in a historic WWII building once known as Station J.
During the war, Station J served to locate and intercept communications from German U-boats near the coastline of the United States in order to protect merchant ships carrying war supplies and fuel. After exploring the museum, a guided tour will lead you up the 105 steps to the top of the lighthouse, where you will experience unparalleled views of the surrounding area and a close look at the operational first-order Fresnel lens still used as a navigational aid today.
In addition to the regular tours, moonlight or sunset tours may be available with advanced reservations. Additionally, free sunset yoga classes, appropriate for all levels, are offered Mondays under the canopies of large banyan trees located at the base of the lighthouse. Donations are appreciated; bring a flashlight and a yoga mat.
The Jupiter Inlet Outstanding Natural Area, located at the confluence of the Indian and Loxahatchee Rivers, offers an easy, paved 1-mile hiking trail through Florida scrub, tropical hammock, and mangrove swamp habitats leading to an observation deck overlooking a West Indian manatee refuge area. Behind the museum, a designated water-based activities area provides safe access to the Jupiter Inlet.
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