JUNO BEACH, FLORIDA

Juno Beach, Florida is in Palm Beach County about 6 miles south of Jupiter Inlet. Its population is about 4,000 and it was incorporated in 1953.  It is an upscale community with an interesting history.

Juno Beach Pier

The town is located on the barrier island along the Atlantic Coastal Ridge. The island was created when the Intracoastal Waterway was dredged through the wetlands on the west side of Juno Beach.

Before there was a Juno Beach, the community was named Juno. 

Its function in the late 1800s was to be a terminal between the Indian River and Jupiter Inlet to the north and the body of water known as Lake Worth a few miles to the South.

Docks Under Construction at Jupiter Inlet for Celestial Railway

There was no Intracoastal Waterway in those days, and freight and people from the north had to be transported to the head of Lake Worth near Juno.   

Jupiter and Lake Worth Railway, Florida State Archives

This was accomplished by a railroad that folks still refer to as the "Celestial Railway" because it linked Jupiter to Juno. The actual name of the railroad was the Jupiter and Lake Worth Railway.

In 1894 Henry Flagler's "Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Indian River Railroad was built about one and a half miles west of Juno.

It began to take traffic away from the Celestial Railway, and it was finally closed down in 1895 after having operated for about 6 years.

Seminole Golf Club, Juno Beach

Juno languished for many years after the railroad closed, but in 1929 the famous financier E. F. Hutton constructed the Seminole Golf Club. 

The club was designed by Donald Ross and is still active to this day.

The golf course spurred adjacent development and by the 1950s there were many residential developments in what was now known as Juno Beach, Florida.

I loved to drive through Juno Beach in the the 1960s.  When driving north on U.S. Highway 1, I would take the right hand fork in the road onto State Road A1A to Jupiter. 

To this day I have never seen more beautiful white sand dunes than along that road on both sides of the highway.

Path at Juno Dunes Natural Area

In the early 1970s I began to see condominiums popping up like weeds on both sides of the road. 

Today it is wall to wall homes and condominiums until you get what is known as the Juno Dunes Natural Area.

Observation Deck at Juno Dunes Natural Area

This is a 576 acre nature preserve and park operated by Palm Beach County.  I am very grateful that at least this much remains of the way it used to be.

Another wonderful feature on the north side of town is the Juno Beach Pier.

THINGS TO DO IN JUNO BEACH, FLORIDA

Juno Beach Park: 14775 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 966-6600. Juno Beach Park offers a picturesque beach with crystal clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. The park also features a shaded picnic area and playground, making it a great spot for a family outing. Check on current beach conditions at 561-624-0065.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center: 14200 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 627-8280. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and their ocean habitats. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, guided tours, and even observe sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation.

Juno Beach Pier: 14775 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 855-6185. The 990-foot pier is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It also features a bait shop, concessions, and restrooms for convenience.

Juno Dunes Natural Area: This 576-acre natural area features diverse ecosystems, including coastal dunes, scrub, and mangroves. Enjoy hiking or birdwatching along two miles of nature trails, including a boardwalk that leads to an observation tower. There are two loops:  the oceanfront tract and 14200 South US-1 and the west tract at 14501 South US-1.

Seminole Golf Club: 901 Seminole Blvd, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 626-0280. This exclusive, world-class golf club boasts a challenging course designed by legendary architect Donald Ross. Membership is required to play, but if you can secure an invitation, you'll be treated to pristine conditions and outstanding service.

Juno Beach Artfest by the Sea: 340 Ocean Dr, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 746-7111. This annual art festival held in early March features over 100 fine artists displaying a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and children's activities while supporting local artists. Event is held on SR-A1A between Donald Ross and Marcinski Roads.

Pelican Lake: 340 Ocean Drive, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 626-1122. Pelican Lake is a serene, 40-acre lake surrounded by beautiful landscaping and walking paths. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic.

Kagan Park: 10 Celestial Way, Juno Beach, FL 33408, (561) 626-1122. This quaint community park offers a playground, basketball court, and picnic area. The park is dog-friendly, making it a great place to spend time with your furry friend.

Ocean Cay Park: 2188 Marcinski Rd, Juno Beach, FL 33477, (561) 966-6600. This 13-acre park features a beautiful beach, picnic pavilions, a playground, and a sand volleyball court. Watch the boats go by at the nearby marina or catch a breathtaking sunrise over the ocean.