Jensen Beach: Love the Pineapples, Paradise, & Positive Vibes

Jensen Beach, the former Pineapple Capital of the World, is found in Martin County, Florida, on the Atlantic Coast. A combination of freezes and fires destroyed the pineapple industry at the turn of the 20th century. At this time, Jensen Beach has beautiful beaches, lagoons full of life, great restaurants, and a positive vibe that draws you right in.

Where to Stay:

Comparatively, you have several choices of accommodations in Jensen Beach. From luxury at the Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa to a fully renovated downtown hotel in the heart of the historic district, to a good old Florida Fish Camp on the Indian River Lagoon.

Jensen Beach Inn

Discover Downtown’s Hidden Treasure at the Jensen Beach Inn. In contrast to staying at chain hotels, the inn has character and is within walking distance of downtown restaurants, bars, gift shops, and art galleries. Located on the second floor this inn has seven uniquely decorated rooms themed on Florida’s wildlife, each with a private bathroom.

Jensen Beach Inn: 1899 NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach

River Palms Cottages & Fish Camp

Besides staying downtown, eight acres of paradise await you for relaxation, unwinding, sun, fun, and fishing at River Palms Cottages & Fish Camp. You will be greeted by soft breezes blowing through lush tropical trees and native plants surrounding twenty-five different cottages and bungalows. An authentic Seminole Indian thatched roof Tiki Hut complete with barbecue grills and a swimming pool awaits your next get-together. It is “Old Florida” at its best.

River Palms Cottages & Fish Camp: 2325 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach

Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

If you would rather have a bit more luxury, the rooms at Hutchinson Shores Resort are stylish and comfortable, with a few special features unique to this hotel brand, part of the Opal Collection. The nautical-themed designs and decor are lovely against the ocean and sand from the room’s balcony views.

Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa: 3793 NE Ocean Blvd., Jensen Beach

Where to Eat:

11 Maple Street

If fine dining in a casual, quant setting is what you are looking for, then you must try 11 Maple Street. I can’t think of a more romantic restaurant in Martin County. It is the perfect place for an Anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or Date night. The Menu at 11 Maple in Downtown has been described as “inventive” with plates presented as “works of art.” Regardless of how you describe your meal, there is little doubt that it will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. 

11 Maple Street: 3224 NE Maple Ave, Jensen Beach

Kyle G’s Prime Seafood

If you are looking for a restaurant on the beach, look no further than Kyle G’s Prime Seafood. Kyle G’s philosophy states that they blend the freshest daily catches from local fishermen with the highest-quality raw bar and shellfish selections, and premium cuts of meat, all thoughtfully prepared with locally sourced ingredients for you to enjoy inside or oceanside. Brenda and I celebrated our birthdays here. Brenda’s is on the 16th and mine is the next day in October. Kyle G’s pulled out all the stops. When we arrived at our seats, they saved us a table next to a window with an ocean view. Also, they had confetti all over the table with a Happy Birthday card. It was a nice touch to arrive at such a celebration.

Kyle G’s Prime Seafood: 10900 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach

Crawdaddy’s

Crawdaddy’s N’awlins Grill & Raw Bar is one of the best places in Jensen Beach. Crawdaddy’s delivers good food, drinks, and a great time at their N’Awlins-inspired grill and raw bar. Crawdaddy’s serves delicious Cajun and Creole favorites such as Shrimp Creole, Jambalaya, or a unique dish like the Cajun Gorgonzola Meatballs. There is a small dine-in area inside but the real party is outside for lunch or dinner (weather permitting) on Crawdaddy’s covered patio.

Crawdaddy’s is the place to go if you like Cajun Cookin’. Seafood, Jambalaya, Creole, Cajun Pastas. You will think you have gone to New Orleans. Afterward, Crawdaddy’s has live music (and dancing) from Thursday through Sunday in the courtyard with some of the best entertainers in Florida and around the country. Try one of Crawdaddy’s famous Hurricanes or Margaritas. Crawdaddy’s…..fine dining N’Awlins cuisine with a casual, yet cozy atmosphere. We took my son and his wife there because it is just a fun place. Make sure you get your selfie next to the famous crawdad.

Crawdaddy’s: 1949 NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach

Conchy Joe’s Seafood

Beautiful waterfront views await at Conchy Joe’s Seafood. Come and stay awhile at this laid-back hangout with quirky charm. They are dishing out Bahamian-style seafood, fresh fish, oak-grilled meats, and their famous clam chowder. The food is priced right and on a nice evening, you can sit outside by the water. Not only will you enjoy dinner but you can dance afterwards to reggae beats. You must try their “Hemingway Daiquiri.”

Conchy Joe’s Seafood: 3945 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach

Peter’s Steakhouse

If seafood isn’t your thing and you would rather have a nice juicy steak, head over to Peters Steakhouse. Choose from New York Strip, Porterhouse, and T-bone all prepared to order. Of course, you can enjoy a glass of wine with your steak from the select wine list. Peter has selected some of the finest wines to complement your meal. Save room for dessert, because, Peter bakes a homemade Apple Strudel (His Mom’s recipe) served with a big bowl of whipped cream.

Peter’s Steakhouse: 3200 NE Maple Ave, Jensen Beach

Jan’s Place

If you are hungry for breakfast, one of my favorite places is Jan’s Place in the downtown area. You can sit inside or outside. Omelets, Eggs Benedict, Pancakes, French Toast. The portions here are large. Get yourself one of their delicious muffins from the grill. Afterward, you can stop by their bakery on the way out and take home a bag of muffins, pastries, or bread.

Jan’s Place: 1990 NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach

Drift Kitchen & Bar

When hunger strikes, the Drift Kitchen & Bar inside the Hutchinson Island Resort offers fresh seafood and Italian specialties in a beautifully designed, contemporary space overlooking the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Try the fish tacos for lunch. They are the best I have had in the area.

Drift Kitchen & Bar: 3793 NE Ocean Blvd, Jensen Beach

Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House

The cool thing about The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House location is that it sits overhanging the river’s edge. This special touch came when it was built by the famous historic movie star and Martin County resident Frances Langford. With such an appropriate placement, it gives its customers the most spectacular panoramic views. The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House is a casual seafood restaurant with live entertainment. In addition to seafood, there’s a large menu of appetizers, soups, entrees, and a nice salad bar. Go for their Sunday Brunch Buffett from 10 am to 2 pm featuring custom-made chef specials, made-to-order omelets, and waffles with endless toppings.

Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House: 1401 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach

Lures Riverfront Restaurant

Another great place for seafood is just north on Indian River Drive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily at Lures Riverfront Restaurant. As you enter the restaurant, you will notice the nautical artwork and fixtures with fishing lures hanging from the ceiling, cozy pine and beadboard booths with colorful cushions, high-top tables, and an indoor bar. Lure’s offers fresh fish daily and happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. with drink and food specials.

Lures Riverfront Restaurant: 3330 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach

Where to Play:

Art Cottages & Studios

Once you get settled, it’s time to start exploring and a good place to start is the downtown area. There are many artist studios peppered throughout downtown Jensen. When I am in the area, I like to visit the Maple Street Art Cottages, a small community of tin-roofed structures that are now artists’ studios. Stroll around and browse through these colorful cottages. Watch them work, or purchase their art. Above all, take your time and look because there is no reason to be in a hurry here. Many artists make Jensen Beach their home and draw inspiration from the beauty of this small town. The Maple Ave Garden Center has taken care of the landscaping art at the cottages for many years. It is both beautiful and inviting to walk around this lush area.

Art Cottages & Studios: Downtown Jensen Beach

Bunkhouse Coffee Bar

If you need a break from all your shopping, Bunkhouse Coffee offers a unique place to unwind and get your favorite espresso, smoothie, baked goods, or Acai Bowls. This charming little cafe is a delightful place to spend your morning, lunch break, or early evening.

Bunkhouse Coffee Bar: 3181 NE W End Blvd, Jensen Beach

Lazy Dog Donuts

Another option for donuts and coffee is Lazy Dog Donuts on Indian River Drive. In addition to the most delicious donuts that have ever melted in your mouth, they offer pastries, stuffed croissants, and coffee and espresso drinks. Enjoy your delectables inside or out in the shaded courtyard. Bring your lazy dog for a tasty treat as well!

Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

If you have kids along for your visit, you will need entertainment options besides the beach. I can give you several options for instance, The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast has hands-on learning opportunities and exhibits. The pirate ship will make you want to be a kid again, let alone the super cool grocery store, railroad, and traditional Florida cracker house. There is even a fun learning opportunity to introduce recycling to the wee folks.

Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast: 1707 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach

Indian Riverside Park & The Mansion at Tuckahoe

Another option is the Indian Riverside Park. Along the Indian River Lagoon, Indian Riverside Park offers an interactive play fountain, a butterfly garden, a fishing pier, a walking path, and four picnic pavilions. This is also a great place to see incredible sunrises over the Indian River Lagoon.

Indian Riverside Park: 1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach

Fishing: Snook Nook Tackle & Bait

Many fishing charters will take you fishing. Stop by the Snook Nook and they will be able to aim you in the right direction and tell you the best places to cast your line. They can also give you tide reports, tell you what the weather will be like, and sell you all the gear you need to catch the big ones.

Snook Nook: 3595 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach Bowl

Come on now, when was the last time you went bowling? The Jensen Beach Bowl has been around in these parts since 1958 offering Senior Specials on Wednesday, Family Specials, and my favorite Glow in the Dark Blazer Bowling every Friday and Saturday. Don’t pass on the Strike & Spare Cafe for a delicious burger & fries. They take pride in having a clean, safe, family-oriented facility for all our bowlers to enjoy! Plus, they have a pretty cool game room.

Jensen Beach Bowl: 2303 NE Dixie Hwy, Jensen Beach

Jammin’ Jensen

Every Thursday from 6 – 9:30 PM in downtown Jensen Beach, Jammin Jensen offers a mini-festival of local artists’ displays, music, vendors, and family entertainment! It’s right on the main drag through downtown. Grab a bite to eat & stroll the streets to see vendors selling jewels, art, paintings, crafts, and more! The local shops stay open later making it a fun street festival.

Jammin’ Jensen: NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach Causeway Park

The Jensen Beach Causeway Park is a popular site under the bridge to the beach. The park is a popular destination for fishing, picnics, boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The park is a popular spot to see a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral when they shoot one up. The east side is for a sunset with the bridge in the background. Plus this area is the perfect spot to view seabirds like seagulls and white egrets.

Jensen Beach Causeway Park: 2004 NE Causeway Blvd, Jensen Beach

The Beaches of Hutchinson Island:

Oh, yeah! Did I tell you that there is a beach here? Jensen Beach is a wide and long beach that is quite popular. It has lots of convenient parking and some sheltered areas for picnicking or hanging out and is guarded in the main area. White-capped waves make it a great place for surfing or leaving footprints in the sand. There is also a snack bar restaurant with a patio that overlooks the beach.

Yes, Jensen Beach is a great place to visit. The beaches are just across the causeway from downtown. The town has great restaurants, and there is just a laid-back “Old Florida” atmosphere. With this in mind, you may want to stay for a while. Then you will see what I mean.

Have you been to Jensen Beach? What did you like best about your visit? Leave me a comment below!