Jupiter

Jupiter is a coastal town in Palm Beach County along the Atlantic shore of Florida, located about 84 miles north of Miami. The community sits close to the waterline and spreads along the ocean, with beaches and access points to the sea.

The lighthouse at the inlet was built in 1860 and continues to serve as a navigation marker for ships entering the waters off the coast. In the late 19th century the community grew slowly and developed into a permanent settlement with fishing and maritime activity.

The name comes from a misunderstanding of the word Hobe, used by native tribes and transformed by early cartographers into Jupiter. Today the name links a Roman deity to a Florida coastal community, a connection that often surprises visitors.

Visitors can walk through the town center and beach areas, with many options within reach along the main roads. The municipality offers online services for information about public facilities and events through the government website.

The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience maintains a research facility here, an unexpected presence in a small coastal community. The institute draws scientists from around the world and connects international research with local everyday life.

Location: Palm Beach County

Elevation above the sea: 2 m

Shares border with: Juno Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Jupiter Inlet Colony

Website: https://jupiter.fl.us

GPS coordinates: 26.92611,-80.10500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:58