Ever since moving to Florida two years back, I’ve dreamed about frequent weekend escapes to explore cities outside of my Orlando hub, but still within Florida. This summer, I finally found the time to make this happen. It began with a trip to Key West, followed by a weekend in Marco Island, and I’m excited to say it doesn’t end there. Next weekend a girlfriend and I are heading to the Jupiter/Palm Beach area as part of the Marriott ‘Wish You Were Here – Florida!‘ campaign.
Jupiter is a town located in Palm Beach County, Florida. It is roughly a 2.5 hour drive south-east from downtown Orlando. In 2012, Jupiter was rated as the 9th Happiest Seaside Town in America by Coastal Living.
WHERE I’LL BE STAYING
A girlfriend and I will be spending two nights at the Courtyard Palm Beach Jupiter. The hotel only recently just opened and is one of the first Courtyard hotels in Florida to feature Marriott’s new Cynergy design. Cynergy incorporates sophisticated details into functional spaces.
I’m excited about staying at this hotel for a few reasons:
a) It’s brand, spankin’ new!
b) Complimentary wifi – the way to my heart ♥
c) Large fitness center overlooking the outdoor pool.
d) The hotel and the rooms feature ample electrical outlets – perfect for charging myMacBook, DSLR, iPhone and GoPro simultaneously!
I always get excited when a hotel room has a ton of electrical outlets; especially when there’s one built into the bed-side lamp, those are my favorite kind! Technology has definitely changed the way I travel, so it’s nice to see a hotel addressing the ‘next gen/millennial’ market.
WHAT I’LL BE DOING
I love looking through TripAdvisor to find activities and sights to tackle when exploring new territory. Lately I’ve been obsessed with anything and everything on the water; waverunning, snorkeling, parasailing, fishing… you get the gist of it. If the weather cooperates (and I’m praying it does), apart from relaxing pool-side at the hotel, we’ll be heading out on the water to enjoy the following:
Mangroves & Manatees tour with Jupiter Outdoor Center: This is a 90 minute tour that seeks out manatee sightings and explores the local mangrove-lined waterways of the lower Loxahatchee River and Indian River Lagoon. We’ve chosen the stand-up paddleboarding option for this, but you also have the option to kayak instead.
Peanut Island Adventure with Visit Palm Beach: We’ll be kayaking across the crystal clear waters of Lake Worth Lagoon to Peanut Island (image below) at our own leisure. Once there, we’ll have plenty of time to explore the man-made island, snorkel the incredible Snorkeling Lagoon, have a picnic lunch and soak up the sun!
What I’m most excited about though… playing with my new GoPro! I’m super keen to take it out on the water and get some wicked photos and videos while we kayak and paddleboard!
Stay tuned for a post-weekend getaway review on the blog when I return!
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Two questions for you:
1) Is there anything else in the Jupiter/Palm Beach area that I just can’t go without seeing/doing?
2) Where are you heading this summer?
Wish You Were Here – Florida
Wish You Were Here – Florida
Wish You Were Here – Florida
*Courtyard Marriott Palm Beach Jupiter is providing me with a complimentary two night stay, but all opinions are my own.
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I’m so excited to see your Go Pro photos! I’ve actually never been to Jupiter/Palm Beach so I don’t have too many recommendations, but I can’t wait to see your recap for future ideas!
Kate recently posted…Bumpdate: 28 Weeks
… if I ever figure out how to get the GoPro out of the packaging… Haha.
Sounds like a great itinerary. I would recommend visiting Blowing Rocks. It’s a beautiful place for photos. It’s a mile long trek of lime rock formed by the pounding ocean waves. Prepare to get splashed.
Bella Vida Letty recently posted…What to Pack in Your Carry On Bag
I do remember briefly reading about ‘Blowing Rocks’ while looking into where to go! If it’s a great photography place, I definitely need to check it out – and if we’re bound to get splashed, all the more fun for my new GoPro!!!
Jupiter isn’t far from my hometown! The lighthouse is beautiful, definitely would take some interesting GoPro pictures 🙂
Kate recently posted…4th Weekend
I did look up the lighthouse online – I think the SUP activity we’re going on paddles by it 🙂
Wow, only 2.5 hours away? That’s not bad at all for a quick weekend getaway! I’ll have to check it out 🙂
tiffany recently posted…4th of July Weekend
Yeah, short and easy road trip, the best kind 🙂
Oh how exciting!! I’m headed to Florida this summer, I’m so excited!! x
No way?! Where will you be? That’s so exciting – I can still remember my annual vacation to Florida <3
What I have seen of Florida I love, would love to do some coastal trips next time this looks nice 🙂
Yessss! If you guys come back to Florida we should skip the whole Disney tourist thing and road trip to a few of my fave spots along the coast, that would be so much fun… but Europe next year first! <3
Yes definately, I’m all Disneyed out, something different next time 🙂