The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has illuminated the Jupiter skyline and has served as a maritime Atlantic Ocean beacon since the 1860s. Most of us like to have the lighthouse as a backdrop as we take selfies with our friends while dining at the Love Street restaurants; never thinking about its origins.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Fun Facts
- It sits atop of a 120-acre Natural Area
- 4 bodies of water can be seen from the lighthouse (Atlantic Ocean, Indian River, Loxahatchee River, and the Jupiter Inlet)
- It was first lit on July 10, 1860s
- The tower is 108 feet tall
- It sits on a 48 foot natural dune for a total of 156 feet
- There are 105 cast iron stairs
- There are 3 landings
- The lens is reputed to be the oldest existing first order Fresnel lens in Florida
- There is a smaller than expected bulb that posers the lighthouse and a second bulb rotates into position as a backup
- The lighthouse is the oldest building in Palm Beach County
- You can hike the nature trails around the lighthouse
- Tours are available year round and the schedule changes during the busy season
- You can launch your kayak or paddle board from the shore
- Great viewing area to see manatees, dolphins, and fish
- The lighthouse’s historians are in charge of keeping track of history for Jupiter and Tequesta