New to Jupiter or a lifelong resident? These are the 10 best things for your to-do list

If you love fun in the sun the Jupiter area might just be your little slice of heaven.

Yes, there are some amazing indoor things to do as well, but this coastal town with great beach access, the Intracoastal Waterway, Riverbend Park, the Loxahatchee River and more is telling you, maybe even screaming at you "Go outside! Put down your phone and start living in the real world!"

Seriously, this area has got so much available outdoor fun it's practically bursting at the seams with ways to enjoy this big blue marble we're flying around on.

So, if you're looking to hike, bike, walk, run, kayak, surf, SUP or just be in Jupiter, here are 10 sure-fire ways to have fun:

1. Hit the trails at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Ok, so technically... this is a few miles north of Jupiter, but everyone goes and it's pretty impressive. This nine-mile network of trails has everything from loops rated for beginners all the way to "black diamond, experts only."

Information: 16450 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound. friendsofjdsp.org

2. Visit the Jupiter Lighthouse

Coming up on its 164th birthday on July 8, 2024, this iconic structure has definitely stood the test of time. This beautiful structure has been regularly maintained and is still a shining beacon to residents and mariners. Feeling brave? Climb the stairs to the top of this 108-foot-tall landmark and take a selfie, very carefully. Not ready to take that challenge? The lighthouse museum is just steps away and much lower to the ground.

Information: 500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter. jupiterlighthouse.org

3. Drift Fishing aboard the Black Dog

Though there are many talented and knowledgeable charters you could book, a trip aboard the Black Dog with Capt. Bill Taylor and crew is a pretty sure-fire way to land some fish and have a great time. They do morning and afternoon trips.

Information: Castaways Marina & Square Grouper Tiki Bar, 1111 Love St., Jupiter. blackdogfishing.com

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4. Kick back at the Square Grouper Tiki Bar

Featured in several music videos, this is one of the most idyllic spots in all of Jupiter and Palm Beach County for that matter. Perched along the Jupiter Inlet, it's the perfect spot to get your toes in the sand, have a beverage and some food while you relax and watch the boats go by. Oh, and there's a perfect view of the Jupiter Lighthouse.

Information: 1111 Love St., Jupiter. squaregrouper.net

More: Jupiter's most famous waterfront bar turned 20 in 2023. Here are 5 things to know about it

5. Visit the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

See native Florida animals up close and learn about their biology and habitats, as well as conservation efforts, during a "Wildlife Encounter." The non-profit organization is dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida's wildlife and natural resources. The sanctuary has a two-fold mission: wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education. In 2023, the center moved from its longtime home off Central Boulevard to property in Jupiter Farms.

Information: 17855 Rocky Pines Road, Jupiter. buschwildlife.org

More: More than a zoo: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary grows into its larger campus in Jupiter Farms

6. Play ball! See a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium

Both the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals call Roger Dean Stadium home for spring training. Also, you can venture there to see the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals, the minor league teams affiliated with those major league franchises, play at this stadium that opened in 1998 and seats nearly 7,000 people.

Information: 4751 Main St., Jupiter. rogerdeanchevroletstadium.com

7. Catch a performance at Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Yes, there are world-class indoor things to do in Jupiter as well. Catch a play, a musical, a concert and more at this fabulously-renovated theater. It now features a 216-screen LED wall that adds a new twist in theater production.

Information: 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. jupitertheatre.org

8. Visit Blowing Rocks Preserve

This environmental preserve features over 70 acres of restored native vegetation and the largest outcropping of Anastasia limestone on Florida's east coast. Watch as crashing waves send plumes of water, sometimes up to 50 feet in the air, through the rocks along the beach.

Information: 574 S. Beach Road, Hobe Sound. nature.org

9. Take that furry friend for a romp at 'Dog Beach'

From beach marker #26 north to #57, at the Carlin Park line, you can bring that playful pup to the beach. There are some rules that must be followed. Some of these include bringing only well-behaved, obedient, well-socialized dogs, supervising your dog at all times, cleaning up after them and a few others.

Information: A1A, along the beach from marker #26 north to #57, Jupiter. jupiter.fl.us

10. Hike, bike and more at Riverbend Park

Take a step back in time and enjoy walking, bicycling, kayaking, or canoeing through this beautiful and historic park. From the ancient Indian middens, through the Seminole War Battles, to present day restoration, see Florida as the first settlers did. There are nearly 10 miles of hiking/biking trails, seven miles of equestrian trails and five miles of canoeing/kayaking trails along the Loxahatchee River.

Information: 9060 Indiantown Road, Jupiter. discover.pbcgov.org

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: From beaches to baseball: Top 10 things to do in Jupiter