Jensen Beach, Florida, Travel Guide

Right across the river from Stuart, Florida, sits a tiny community that, for the most part, flies under the radar among East Coast beach destinations. Jensen Beach, with a population of about 12,500, is a riverfront and oceanfront town located on the Treasure Coast, between West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce. One of its claims to fame—along with being an excellent place for fishing, boating, and scuba diving—is its former title as the “Pineapple Capital of the World.” The nickname originated in the late 19th century, before cold spells, nematodes, and spider mites impacted the success of the area’s pineapple industry in the early 1900s.

Even though Jensen Beach is no longer known for pineapple growing (and its long-running Pineapple Festival was discontinued), you may still see some pineapple art in the downtown area. What’s also apparent is its “Old Florida” ambience. “It is truly the gem of Martin County,” says Tammy Calabria, the executive director of The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast.

“There’s something so special about its charm, the community, and the fun that can be had outdoors on the water, the beach, or a hiking trail,” adds Carly S. Batts, owner of B the Change Native Plants & Landscape Designs. “It’s a place where, at the end of the day, you can just kick back and genuinely relax at one of the many fantastic restaurants.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Jensen Beach, Florida.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

Calabria highly recommends this beachfront resort, which offers ocean views from many of its 178 airy rooms and suites. In addition to the spa, it has an on-site restaurant, Drift Kitchen + Bar, and a poolside bar serving up refreshing beverages and light bites. “For me, it is a true tie between Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa and the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina,” says Calabria. “When I am looking for a beachfront spa experience, then Hutchinson Shores is a top pick.”

The Driftwood Motel 

“The Driftwood Motel is a family-owned, nostalgic property right on Indian River Drive with expansive views of the river, with a living shoreline that was designed by local ecologists,” says Batts, who was born and raised in the area. “It’s affordable and within walking distance of Conchy Joe’s Seafood restaurant, where you will also find hermit crab racing two nights per week. Bring your boogie shoes for their live bands.”

River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp

“River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp is another favorite, also along Indian River Drive, with a beautiful pool surrounded by paradise,” says Batts. “It is pet-friendly with roomy efficiencies great for families, groups, and reunions who like to cook and hang out in paradise.” The cottages, while not luxury accommodations, are classic Florida and relatively cost-effective.

Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina

While the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina is technically in Stuart, it’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown Jensen Beach. “When I am looking for a golf stay with a boat dock, then the Marriott is my choice for a quick staycation getaway,’ says Calabria. The 200-acre property has something for everyone—from an 18-hole golf course to three different pools, direct beach access, and six pickleball courts.

Best Things to Do

Get on the water.

Your first order of business in Jensen Beach should be to spend some time on the water—you’re in Florida, after all. “You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the Indian River Lagoon,” says Batts. “Get up close to manatees, turtles, dolphins, and shorebirds.” Salty’s Water Sports offers a range of vessels, including kayaks and Jet Skis, and Feet Wet Adventures has single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddleboards.  

Visit Savannas Preserve State Park.

“I always recommend hiking in Savannas Preserve State Park in Jensen Beach. It has incredible wildlife, including eagles, scrub jays, sandhill cranes, and equally cool topography with hills and magnificent wetlands,” Batts explains. Martin County is known for its environmental beauty, activism, and ecotourism industry, and Jensen Beach is no exception. Savannas Preserve State Park is particularly amazing as it’s the “largest and most intact remnant of Florida’s east coast savannas,” according to Florida State Parks. 

Spend a day on the beach.

If you need a beach day, you have quite a few options.  “My favorite beach in Jensen is Bob Graham Beach. It connects to the neighboring beach with a maritime trail that is completely shaded and makes you feel miles away from civilization,” says Batts. Head to Jensen Sea Turtle Beach for pristine sand or Bathtub Beach for amazing snorkeling and swimming.

Go fishing.

“Do not forget to take your family fishing while you are in town. Snook Nook will point you in the right direction,” says Calabria. There’s a fishing pier at Indian Riverside Park and Jensen Beach Causeway Park, and you can also opt for a deep-sea fishing experience with companies like Lady Stuart and Snook Nook Charters.

Best Restaurants

The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House

“The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House … was originally started by actress Frances Langford. This Jensen Beach original is for those who love to dress up and celebrate life with fabulous drinks that come with umbrellas and dishes that’ll seduce even your most picky taste buds with recipes by land and by sea,” says Batts. For lunch, think shrimp salad sandwiches and turkey club wraps. For dinner, it’s all about the fresh catch of the day (served grilled, broiled, fried, or blackened) and Southern-style shrimp and grits.

Lures Riverfront Restaurant

“If you want to go where the locals go, this is the spot,” says Batts. “Right in downtown Jensen, manager Warren has created the friendliest atmosphere where bikers and families hang out together in harmony. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.” Her go-to order is a frozen Rum Runner with a floater and a fried shrimp dinner. “It never disappoints,” she says. 

Castaways Gastropub

According to Batts, Castaways Gastropub is for you “if you’re a brewery fan who loves to use his or her craft pint to wash down interesting culinary delights.” One such delight Batts recommends looking out for is a seasonal egg roll, which has come stuffed with everything from buffalo chicken to Thanksgiving-style turkey with all the trimmings.

Barbecue Beer Co.

Barbecue Beer Co. has all the barbecue classics—think brisket, coleslaw, mac and cheese, collard greens, potato salad—but also fun bar snacks like Wisconsin fried cheese curds, smoked gator dip, and mini corndogs. The locally loved, family-owned spot hosts live music and other events several evenings a week.

Best Time to Visit

While Calabria says Jensen Beach is a great year-round destination, she’s aligned with Batts, who explains that the warmer months are actually the best time to visit. “Honestly, I think the best-kept secret is summer, when fewer people are around. You’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself,” says Batts.

The holiday season, however, has its charms too. “Christmas also has a wonderful feel with plenty to do and see for the holidays, including an annual carol concert and tree lighting in Downtown Jensen Beach,” says Batts. December through May brings “light breezes and cooler weather,” according to Calabria.

No matter when you visit, Calabria does have one piece of advice: Do not forget your bug spray. “No-see-ums [are] the tiny insects you cannot see, but you will feel their invisible bites the next day, especially for children,” she says. 

How to Get There

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is the closest major airport to Jensen Beach. It’s about 47 miles away, so you’ll either need to rent a car to drive the final leg, schedule a pickup service, or call an Uber or Lyft. 

How to Get Around

Having your own car will make the trip to Jensen Beach significantly easier. Public transportation options are limited, and you’ll need your own form of transportation to reach other nearby towns, beaches, and points of interest. If you’d prefer to get around on two wheels, Bikes Plus has daily, weekly, and monthly rentals.