It’s pretty clear why lots of older adults choose to enjoy their retirement in warm, sunny Juno Beach, FL.
This city of 3,700 people is situated on a beautiful barrier island on Florida’s southeast coast. It’s snuggled against a long stretch of oceanfront beach with its warm, blue waters to the east, and the mostly freshwater Lake Worth Creek to the west. And between Seminole Golf Club to the south and Juno Dunes Natural Area to the north, much of Juno Beach is actually large swaths of gorgeous green space.
But while Juno Beach is extraordinarily blessed by geography, that doesn’t fully explain its appeal. To understand why nearly 60% of the city’s population is 65 and older, you’ll want to learn what keeps older residents active and engaged here. It typically centers around the area’s three big “R” draws: restaurants, recreation and retirement fun.
Restaurants
Many residents love Juno Beach’s laid-back atmosphere, especially when it comes to dining. They can get dressed up for a fine experience if they want to or opt for more casual wear while in a nice restaurant. They also have a wide variety of menu price points from which to choose.
For a city that’s right on the ocean, local cuisine isn’t limited to just what can be caught from the waters (though seafood is always a popular option). Restaurants include waterfront grilles, Italian bistros, steak and chophouses, small plates, craft cocktails, and much more.
Ke’e Grille on U.S. 1 offers a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes, along with the house specialty, grilled lamb chops. The restaurant has held the Zagat title “World’s Top Restaurants” for three years running.
Thirsty Turtle Seagrill, with two locations on U.S. 1, boasts seafood, pasta, burgers and wings on its extensive menu, and considers itself a place where everybody’s treated like a local.
Nick & Johnny’s Osteria in Loggerhead Plaza, offers pastas, pizzas and salads, along with an impressive list of wines available by the glass or the bottle. Patrons may enjoy listening to live music inside or dining al fresco on the outdoor patio.
Cool’a Fishbar is actually in neighboring Palm Beach Gardens, just six miles southwest of Juno Beach. It’s worth the short drive, too. Described as a fresh, local, casual seafood restaurant, its menu includes conch fritters and blackened mahi.
Salute Market, also in Palm Beach Gardens, describes itself as “where Napa Valley meets Palm Beach.” Its menu is globally inspired and includes craft cocktails and martinis, tapas, naan breads, entrees and desserts. Its weekend brunch boasts bottomless bubbles and mimosas, along with banana rum French toast and short rib Oscar style.
Recreation
With an average annual temperature of 75 degrees, it probably comes as no surprise that most recreation in Juno Beach is done outdoors. The city’s 234 sunny days — a whopping one month more than the rest of the U.S. — mean residents can usually be found in the water or on the golf course. According to one website, there are 97 golf courses within 20 miles of Juno Beach!
With the Intracoastal Waterway to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Juno Beach and the surrounding area create a boaters’ paradise. There are numerous docks and marinas for boat owners, as well as companies that offer fleet rentals for more concierge boating. Juno Beach has its own saltwater boat ramp in Bert Winters Park (a permit is required); people are also able to rent and launch canoes and kayaks from Juno Park.
Many area residents spend their waking hours both in and on the water, whether that includes snorkeling, jet-skiing on Lake Worth Lagoon, kayaking Jupiter Sound or sailing to Peanut Island.
Juno Beach Park is a 5.24-acre park with 300 feet of lifeguarded beach and daily designated surfing areas. Juno Beach itself is considered one of Florida’s finest and cleanest beaches. Juno Beach Pier extends out from the beach 990 feet, offering saltwater fishing, a bait shop and snack bar and stunning sunrise and sunset views.
The pier is managed by Loggerhead Marinelife Center, one of Florida’s most visited nonprofit scientific destinations focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation. From May through October, Juno Beach is the densest sea turtle nesting ground in the world. So, naturally, the center focuses on educating visitors on threatened and endangered sea turtles, including loggerhead turtles.
Juno Dunes Natural Area is 576 acres of preserved ancient sand dunes, maritime hammocks and freshwater wetlands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Visitors can hike the loop trails, birdwatch or kayak the tidal channels.
John D. MacArthur State Park, 436 acres of subtropical coastal habitat nestled on an Atlantic Ocean barrier island, is the only state park in Palm Beach County. The park rents stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for visitors to explore and fish the park’s waters; the park also has an extensive network of hiking trails.
Pelican Lake is a 12-acre park not far from Juno Beach’s town hall that features picnic tables, park benches and two gazebos, and hosts the town’s annual Christmas parade, July Fourth and Octoberfest celebrations.
Retirement fun
Juno Beach activities aren’t limited to the sun and sand. Friends of the Arts supports shows each year, and ArtFest by the Sea has been celebrated for 33 years. And that’s far from all the fun older adults will discover here.
The Gardens Mall, a large shopping mall, is just south of town in Palm Beach Gardens. Anchor stores include Macy’s, Sears, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, and features more than 160 specialty shops and restaurants.
The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches is the spring training destination for both the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals. This 7,700-seat stadium is a great place to catch a game or outdoor concert.
If golf is your game, you may already know about Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach. It’s consistently ranked as one of the top 100 golf courses in the nation. However, it’s also one of the most exclusive. Your best bet is to visit the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, where you can golf, dine, enjoy spa treatments and shop.
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We’ve explained Juno Beach’s three Rs, but perhaps we should add a fourth: retirement living. You have many options in the Juno Beach area, yet how do you decide which one might be exactly what you want?
We can help. If you’re ready to learn more about The Waterford, or discuss how we can help you find the retirement lifestyle that best fits you,contact us today.
