The $16 million shoreline project at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is in its last phase, adding a boardwalk, beaches and snorkel reefs. Opening is set for Dec. 3.

The $16 million project to save the eroding shoreline around the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is in its final phase. The Bureau of Land Management plans a grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 3.

The federal agency manages the 120-acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. Its project page says crews are finishing the last breakwaters and the boardwalk this fall.

The shoreline has been losing about 7 feet a year to erosion, the agency said. It said that threatened the lighthouse itself, the habitat around it and boats on the Intracoastal Waterway.

What visitors will get

The work covers about 5 acres along the Loxahatchee River and the Indian River Lagoon. The BLM lists these new public features:

  • a boardwalk of about 700 feet along the Loxahatchee River
  • a terraced wall of about 800 feet with nine stairways down to the shoreline
  • snorkeling and marine education areas, with artificial reefs
  • a new dock for ferries and water taxis
  • accessible paths, a dock that meets federal disability standards and new access points to the water
Graded sand and a black plastic ground grid laid for a path, with a plate compactor, leading toward the wooden boardwalk railings at the water's edge at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse natural area.
Ground grid laid for the accessible path that leads to the boardwalk and native plant trail. Photo: Bureau of Land Management (public domain)

By winter, the agency said, the public will be able to explore new beaches, hike more trail and snorkel over the new reef structures.

It also plans 10,000 new mangroves and a 2-acre salt marsh.

Where the work stands

The BLM broke ground on March 24, 2025. Its milestone log shows the heavy work is done:

  • Sept. 16, 2025: the steel sheet pile retaining wall was finished
  • Dec. 19, 2025: the upper block retaining wall was finished
  • Jan. 23: the first limestone breakwater went in along the Indian River Lagoon
  • June 4-6: sand was barged in to rebuild the beach, and the chickee huts were finished
  • Aug. 20: the north-end boardwalk entered the final stretch of construction
  • Sept. 9: the first experimental reef structure was placed on the Loxahatchee River side

Volunteers have done part of the planting. A Memorial Day workday on May 27 put in 147 native plants and 135 mangroves, according to a BLM blog post.

The project page lists two finish dates, August 2026 and October 2026. Its latest update puts the grand opening on Dec. 3.

Who is paying

Bar chart of funding for the $16 million Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse shoreline project: Great American Outdoors Act $8.3 million, Florida Inland Navigation District $7 million, other sources $0.7 million.
Funding for the shoreline project. Chart by Jupiter News Now
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The BLM lists three sources for the $16 million:

  • $8.3 million from the federal Great American Outdoors Act
  • $7 million from the Florida Inland Navigation District
  • $0.7 million from other sources

The agency says the lighthouse draws more than 150,000 visitors a year. It says the site brings about $14.7 million a year to Palm Beach County.

What it means for you

  • Boaters: the BLM says beaching spots are reduced while work goes on. Work on a floating dock for permit holders is due to begin this fall. The project will add navigation aids on the Intracoastal.
  • Visitors: during construction, parts of the grounds close from time to time, and about 500 feet of trail is rerouted. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum, run by the Loxahatchee River Historical Society, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, according to its website.
  • Volunteers: the BLM says planting days will continue through the winter. The natural area’s office is at 561-295-5953.

For more places to get outside, see our parks and trails guide and things to do this weekend.