Experience Old Florida At This Beachfront Park Popular For Snorkeling And Unique Geology

Coral Cove Park lies on the stunning Jupiter Island — which ranks among the top 10 islands in Florida — a nature lover's paradise in the heart of Palm Beach County. You'll find this park north of the beautiful town of Jupiter and just east of Tequesta, a village with a stunning waterway that nudges right up against Jupiter Island.

Although Coral Cove has some competition when it comes to other Florida shores, with Jupiter Beach and Juno Beach just a short drive away along the coast, there is something special about it. Coral Cove Park is highly rated among travelers for its outstanding natural beauty, great amenities, and relative calm when compared to other beaches in the area. More than anything, though, it is a remarkable spot for snorkeling.

And here's our hot tip: If you can, set your alarm and get there early — super early. According to many early risers, Coral Cove Beach offers some of the most spectacular sunrises in the state, with the morning sunbeams bursting through the waves as they crash over the rocks. Getting there early also allows you more time to enjoy the beauty of the park and the sea, as well as explore a wide range of nearby attractions.

For water and wildlife lovers, Coral Cove Park is a total dream. Its name is in reference to the incredible and intricate rock formations that line the beach, worn away by the waves over thousands of years. These formations lead the way to the rock pools, which are ideal for introducing little ones to marine life, particularly crustaceans, without taking to the water. The beach is also known for its abundance of shells and other marine treasures that you can seek out while mindfully tide pooling.

For swimmers, however, it goes without saying that Coral Cove Park is as beguiling beneath the waves as it is above it, with a wide range of fish species like parrotfish, rays, and the elusive manatee — even turtles — ready to be spotted by intrepid snorkelers. The waters here are clear, calm, and shallow (ranging from 2 to 6 feet in depth). The area is also known as an excellent spot for paddle boarding. While the guarded 600-foot beach frontage prohibits surfing in swimming areas, the unguarded 2,000-foot stretch offers space for both surfing and fishing. (Just be sure to pack the right fishing gear for your vacation).

Coral Cove Park is so perfect for a beach vacation that you'll likely be more than happy to relax on the shore or explore the reefs for the duration of your stay, however long you may make your Florida break. But once there, there is so much to see nearby that you'd be failing to make the most of your time in Palm Beach Country if you didn't explore at least a little.

Head north just a few minutes on Jupiter Island, and you will encounter Blowing Rocks Preserve, where the rock formations of this island get even wilder. Its name comes from the fact that on high tide, those formations can send water up to 50 feet in the air, making them look like volcanic geysers. Keep an eye out for fossils, which naturally become exposed in the rock due to erosion. 

Other nearby attractions include the Loggerhead Marine Life Center to the south, which focuses on sea turtle and ocean conservation, and the Loxahatchee River Center, which offers a stunning aquarium, garden, and calendar full of family-friendly events. Looking for more to explore? Check out this gorgeous island group in Florida that's away from the crowds and perfect for island hopping.