Jensen Beach is a salty little coastal town on the east coast of FL. Sandwiched between glitzy West Palm Beach and Vero Beach, Jensen Beach boasts a population of 11,000 as of the 2010 census. You won’t find t-shirt shops and mega resorts here. Just a down home coastal kinda town.
Our 36 hours in Jensen was part work for my husband but all play for the kids, dog and I. Sarah, our 4-month-old, snow white Lhasa Poo came along. Her attendance on this trip completely dictated the hotel selection, a clean and comfortable, pet-friendly La Quinta Inn off I-95. It was not fancy, but it suited our needs and was priced right at $100/night.
The beach was a short 20-minute drive away. During the drive, the kids and I surveyed the local food scene. We love Italian food, so Fat Daddy’s Deli was tops on our list. Donut Circus with its weather-beaten sign and faded paint would surely be our breakfast spot the following morning.
It was a windy day in October when we visited, and the seas were wild. My kids loved it. We found plenty of parking at South Beach along with a large bathhouse and shower.
The Atlantic beaches are great for boogie boarding and wave jumping. Not one to pass up a good beach walk I found the shelling to be surprisingly plentiful for an east coast beach, as the better shells are usually found in and around Sanibel.
After you’re finished beach combing be sure to wander through Jetty Park, making your way out to the pier where the kiteboarders fly through the air. My 50-pound son was in awe of the wind’s raw power as the borders were pulled 30 feet into the air. He wanted to know if they had a kid’s league. I told him to forget it, one strong gust and we’d find him in the Bahamas.
Amazing Meatball Parmesan Sub!
Lunch at Fat Daddy’s did not disappoint. They have all the delicious goodies; meatball parm, pasta, and pizza served with a simply perfect marinara sauce. It was so good we went back the following day. My son still talks about their pasta.
Homemade donuts and breakfast sandwiches from Donut Circus hit the spot the following morning. I asked the owner how long she had been in business she just laughed and said, “oh, a long time” with a laugh and a sign. Archie’s was another great casual family-friendly find. Live music and cold brews, how can you go wrong. While not on the beach, it had quirky beach feel, with over the top fake sharks and kitschy beachy decor.
The morning of our second day we came across a large farmers market and craft show. Not gonna lie there were groans when I stopped the car but a few apple cider donuts later and everyone was happy. A few hours on the beach, another quick lunch stop at family favorite Fat Daddy’s and we were Miami bound. Treasured memories in hand.
Thank you for sharing this little treasure with us. Kid Allergy Travel is always looking for a good place away from the crowds where we can get some great shells.
You are most welcome! Thanks for the comment.