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Drive a little farther south to avoid crowded shores.

When you think of spring break in Florida, you probably picture crowded sands teeming with vacationers. That’s the modus operandi of many destinations once spring break arrives, but there are certain pockets of shoreline in the Sunshine State where you can find less-crowded beaches and lots of fun. One of these places is Jupiter, Florida, a laid-back destination with a classic old-beach-town atmosphere. There is as much fun to be had here as there is in spring-break standbys like Daytona Beach and Panama City, so let us introduce you.

Spring breakers flock to hubs on the coast when the weather warms up, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you’ll have to drive a little farther south. Jupiter is located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, sandwiched between Daytona Beach and The Palm Beaches, and it’s a less-frequented spot during spring’s busy season. You’re in for a relaxed trip here, where accommodations include the newly renovated Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa, which comes with sea views and easy access to the sands; the Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place, which is situated on the picturesque bank of Jupiter’s Intracoastal Waterway; and The Pointe Hotel, a breezy new boutique hotel with a private beach.

You can find public-access white sand beaches in many locations along the shore, including at Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park, and Dubois Park. Nearby, Juno Beach Pier at Juno Beach Park is a popular spot for soaking up the sun as well as casting a line. However, if you’re bringing canine companions along on the trip, Jupiter Off-Leash Dog Beach is the place for you. No matter where you stay in Jupiter, you're always only a short drive away from the water.

There’s outdoor adventure to be had beyond the sands too. You can usually find an easily-bookable boat tour available; popular ones take to the water along the Loxahatchee River to see local wildlife in their coastal habitats. Just across Jupiter Sound is The Nature Conservancy Blowing Rocks Preserve, where you can embark on meanders along the boardwalks and hiking trails to glimpse rare and endangered plant, animal, and bird species or swim and snorkel along the beach. Nearby Jupiter Ridge Natural Area and Cypress Creek Natural Area are also popular places to explore in the outdoors.

As for entertainment, one of Jupiter’s most recognizable sights is the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, a historic lighthouse that you can visit, tour, and climb (it’s a strenuous journey). The connected museum has rotating exhibits exploring the town’s maritime history. If you’d like to spend a day on the links, there are several golf clubs and courses in the area (it’s a favorite town pastime). Or, if you’d like to take in a show, you can catch the museums in town or browse the events happening at the Seabreeze Amphitheater or the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. For fresh seafood (and what is spring break without some fresh seafood?), check out Little Moir’s, 1000 North, The Parisian Restaurant and Wine Bar, Casa Cana, and The Bistro.

When it comes to spring break, you might have to drive a little farther south to avoid crowded shores, but once you reach Jupiter, Florida, the extra miles will have been worth it. Beat the crowds and try a trip to an old-school beach town with a relaxed vibe...it just might have you planning a return trip for future spring breaks.

JUPITER, Fla. —

A busy bridge in Jupiter is expected to remain closed for about 20 months as Florida Department of Transportation crews construct an improved, more structurally-sound bridge.

The closure began at midnight on Monday.

The closure of the US-1 bridge over the Loxahatchee River and Intracoastal waterway is expected to last until sometime between July 2024 and November 2024. Transportation crews say so far, the project is ahead of schedule.

Click here for more information about the construction project.

Related: FDOT unveils new renderings of US-1 bridge project in Jupiter to include bike, pedestrian lanes and observation deck

During the closure, traffic on US-1 will be detoured to Alternate A1A and diverted either eastbound or westbound on Indiantown Road while the structurally unsound bridge is replaced.

Even with the detour, drivers can expect traffic delays when driving in this area throughout the construction.

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Related: Residents and businesses brace for US-1 bridge closure in Jupiter expected to last 20 months

The bridge will have wider travel lanes, bike lanes, more room for pedestrians and a higher clearance for boats underneath, which will allow more vessels to pass through without the improved drawbridge having to open. There will also be improvements to the traffic flow on the bridge through adjustments to traffic signal timing.

To help with traffic flow, the nearby Indiantown Bridge will be limited to fewer openings until September, as more vehicles will be using that bridge moving forward.

There also will be more channel restrictions for vessels during the construction project.

Related: FDOT to discuss public concerns before U.S. Highway 1 bridge project closure

Some drivers tell WPBF 25 News even though the closure will add time to their commutes, they know it’s necessary.

"It's going to be a little bit annoying that you’re going to have to find a detour,” said Vinnie Martin, of Jupiter. "But, I think if you just take the extra time to get to work and get to where you need to go, I think everybody will be fine. It’s for the better for all of us that this bridge gets redone. It’s pretty old."

With many drivers being forced to take new routes, some businesses along US-1 like Lynora’s in Jupiter, say they’re still optimistic their sales won’t take a hit.

"I have no concern at all about our business at all and I think we’re going to have a really good traffic flow, and I think that our locals are going to come out. Our regulars are going to come out and support us,” said Mikayla Justice, a manager at Lynora's Jupiter.

JUPITER, Fla. — Florida's governor on Wednesday visited Jupiter and signed legislation that he said will reform "problematic practices" in the pharmaceutical industry.

Speaking at Florida Atlantic University's MacArthur campus, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Prescription Drug Reform Act into law, which puts restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, which are third-party administrators that negotiate discounts with drug makers and contracts with pharmacies.

"We think that health care is too expensive. Prescription drugs are too expensive," DeSantis said. "What I think you see in our health care system is you see a lot of bureaucracy, red tape. And people are making money off this system that aren't really providing value to the system."

WATCH: Florida's governor announces prescription drug reform

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DeSantis said PBMs control 80% of the prescription drug market.

The legislation reforms several practices used by PBMs including spread pricing — when they charge health care plans and consumers more for prescriptions drugs than what they actually reimburse to the pharmacy, according to DeSantis — along with drug "steering."

"They will try to say, OK, you have to get your drugs though a mail order pharmacy that they control," DeSantis said. "PBMs can't steer you to their vertically integrated mail. If you want to go to your local pharmacy and get it, then you should have a right to be able to do that."

The new law also adds additional transparency to the prescription drug process by revealing specific explanations about why certain drug prices are increasing.

According to DeSantis, drug makers raised prices on more than 1,400 drugs in 2022, the most since 2015.

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

JUPITER, Fla. — The Jupiter Town Council voted Tuesday night to allow a developer to partially dig on Suni Sands property at A1A, which town documents consider a Native American archeological site.

The vote, a 3-2 decision, reverses a decision from the town’s Historic Resources Board to not allow any digging at the location. According to town documents, developers planned to build a 125-room hotel, 72 apartments, 6,439 square feet of retail space and 5,650 square feet of restaurant space.

The Town of Jupiter voted to allow a developer to partially dig at a location, which town documents consider a Native American archeological site.Here's the map showing where the developers could and couldn't dig if the developer continued with the project. pic.twitter.com/QVlMRkIyPV

— Ethan Stein (@EthanSteinTV) July 26, 2023

Suni Sands, which is a 9.8-acre parcel with waterfront estuary, contains the “Suni Sands Shell Midden,” which is listed on the Florida Master Site File survey as an archaeological site that is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Jupiter Inlet Foundation.

Suni Sands is located on top of a pre-historic Indian Village site, the foundation said.

Town Councilwoman Malise Sundstrom, who voted for the partial digging plan, said staff gave her the impression a total denial broke town ordinances. She said she believed the decision would get reversed if the developer sued the town.

"It doesn’t have a legal or factual basis and would be overturned," Sundstrom said. "The denial of a certificate to dig doesn’t have a legal basis.”

However, the town could face legal action from Native American advocacy groups like the Floridia Indigenous Alliance or the American Indian Movement.

Robert Rosa, who is a member of both groups, said they plan on taking legal options. Video, which WPTV reviewed, shows people against the application to dig and at least one council member spouting at each other after the meeting.

The Town of Jupiter said Tuesday's vote only sets conditions to protect resources unearthed, if or when development occurs in the future. It says developers will still have to get approval for their plans for the property north of Indiantown Road.

The Town of Jupiter also said if human remains are found, then all activities on the property must stop and developers must notify the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State Division of Historical Resources among other public groups.

It also says artifacts recovered from the property must get documented and a copy of the findings must be provided to the Town, which will become donated or loaned to the Loxahatchee River Historical Society or another recognized historical organization.

Discover all the things to do this weekend in Palm Beach County (August 18-20)

Enjoy a free concert on the West Palm Beach waterfront, join a cacao ceremony at Mounts Botanical Garden, or join an adventurous scavenger hunt! Here we have rounded up the best things to do this weekend in The Palm Beaches.

Events for Friday, August 18

Each Friday night from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach organizes Art After Dark—a fun mix of art and entertainment featuring a docent-led tour, an open studio, live music, and more! Click here for more details.

Location: Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Nostaljah is known to put on an energy-driven performance with an emphasis on crowd participation and engagement! Nostaljah is a dynamic reggae band that brings an authentic and soulful sound to the stage. The band is steeped in the rich tradition of reggae music, with a modern twist that reflects their diverse influences.

Time: 8 pm

Cost: $20-$25. Get tickets.

Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.

Promise Fund of Florida partners with The Square to bring the Kathryn Krickstein Pressel MammoVan Pop Up to West Palm Beach. Women are invited to attend a mobile mammography screening day in honor of World Breast Cancer Research Day.

The MamoVan will be located on Rosemary Ave outside of Starbucks from 9AM – 2PM.

Call (877) 427-7664 and press 1 to make your appointment. Space is limited and an appointment is required.

Time: 9 am – 2 pm.

Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Events for Saturday, August 19

Get ready for Bamboozle, West Palm Beach’s first and only adventure-style scavenger hunt!

Each team of four is given a list of clues, tasks, challenges, and obstacles with different levels of difficulty and point values. Beginning at 4 p.m., teams must stay on the event footprint, which runs along the downtown waterfront on Clematis Street, and return by 6 p.m. with proof of each completed item. The team with the most points wins. Bonus points will be given to teams who dress on the theme. The theme for 2023 is “Hippy, Trippy, Tie-Dye!”

Time: 4 – 6 pm

Click Here for more information.

Location: Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, 33401 FL>

Join the American German Club of The Palm Beaches for their German fest under the Stars with a summer concert, beer and brats!

Entertainment by Shane Duncan Band (SDB)! SDB is a high energy variety party band based out of South Florida. With an extensive playlist from genres such as Top 40, Dance, Disco, Pop, Rock, Country and a little Latin the dance floor is always packed.

For just $40, you’re “all-in!” Includes all you can drink German beer, domestic wine, soda, plus a heaping plate of German and American fare.

Get tickets.

Location: American German Club of The Palm Beaches 5111 Lantana Rd., Lake Worth, FL 33463.

While telling the amazing story of Whitney Houston, Nina Skyy uniquely combines her own personal story that you can’t help but invest in. It was through Whitney’s mesmerizing talent that Nina discovered herself as a singer/performer and that love and respect exudes with every note. She promises you a high energy, fun filled, inspirational and heart-felt show that leaves audiences of every age and form all around the world speechless. The dialogue, theatrical staging, choreography and stunning video projections will have you at the edge of your seat. This is not your typical tribute.

Time: 8 pm – 10 pm.

Cost: $40 – $45. Get tickets.

Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.

August 19 is World Honeybee Day! Kids ages 4-12 are invited to participate in a storytime session dedicated to honeybees at Mounts Botanical Garden.

In this reading of Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner “Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera,” kids will discover the honey bees incredible lifecycle and learn the importance of honey bees to all life on earth. Special Project’s Manager April Krebs will read the book and then lead an art project.

Cost is $5 and includes garden admission.

Time: 9:30 am – 10:15 am

Location: Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.

Kick off your Saturday with The Seagate’s sunrise beach yoga! The class is open to all ages and levels. Bring a mat, a towel, and water.

Time: 8:00 am – 9:00 am.

Sign up here.

Location: The Seagate Beach Club 401 South Ocean Boulevard Delray Beach, FL 33483.

Bring your loved ones to the Meyer Amphitheater and enjoy free classes, workshops, healing services, retail vendors, interactive activities, and more. You can even bring your pets! Coco Market is FREE to attend.

Time: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Join a naturalist at the Green Cay Nature Center and learn about the Butterflies found in South Florida. Then take a guided tour of our butterfly garden and wetlands. All ages, $3/participant (Reservations required, limit 20).

Time: 9:30 am

Location: Green Cay Nature Center, 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd, Boynton Beach, FL 33437.

Events for Sunday, August 20

This concert series provides an ideal setting for good times and great entertainment. Listen to the hottest acts around against our spectacular waterfront backdrop. This is a perfect weekend outing and a fantastic way to relax and unwind with friends and family on a Sunday afternoon.

Featured band: At The Hop (50’s Tribute Band).

Time: 4 pm – 7 pm

Location: Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.

Join 1 Fitness instructors for 45 minutes of high-intensity functional movements using various resistance training techniques combined with cardio intervals to improve strength, help build lean muscle and maximize calorie burn. These classes are perfect for all levels.

Hours: from 9-9:45 am.

Sign up and view the class schedule here.

Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Room to Blum is a one-hour, one-woman musical journey of growth and returning to one’s roots. Join New York actress and Florida native Allyson Rosenblum as she takes you from Florida to New York City and back again, pre and post the COVID 19 pandemic. And how in a time of so much unknown, she was able to find and thrive in a new career path, and still make her way back to her true passion, performing.

From recalling the crazy pace of New York City, knowing someone striving to “make it” as an actor, relating to the struggles of today’s dating culture, and the importance of pursuing one’s passion, there is something for everyone to relate to in Room to Blum.

Time: 7:30 pm

Cost: $15. Get tickets.

Location: Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444.

Time: 10 am – 11:30 am

Join a relaxing cacao ceremony at Mounts Botanical Garden. Upon arrival you will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from your day-to-day life. Then you will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. Finally, you’ll relax with Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which you will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls and other high-frequency instruments. Register here.

Location: Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.

More Things to Do

This weekend, catch these live acts on the lawn at The Square.

Location: The Square, 700 South Rosemary Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Date & Time: Saturdays and Sundays, 12 am – 4 pm

This weekend head up to Topside and enjoy bottomless Mimosas ($20 for Four Flavors:

Passion Fruit, Orange Juice, Lychee, Frozen Champagne) for 1.5 hours maximum.

Location: 1116 Love Street, Jupiter, FL 33477.

Join a yoga class on the rooftop of The Ben, Autograph Collection every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 am for a magical sunrise vinyasa flow. The class is FREE to hotel guests and open to the public for a suggested $15 donation to your instructor. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, call (561) 655-4001.

Location: The Ben Autograph Collection Hotel, 251 N. Narcissus Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Calaveras Cantina brings you nights filled with salsa, merengue and bachata!

Dance the Night away at Calaveras Cantina on Friday and Saturday Nights with live DJs from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am.

Location: Calaveras Cantina 409 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL 33432.