Jensen Beach

The beach at the end of the Jensen Beach causeway has two names. The county calls it Jensen Sea Turtle Beach, because the stretch of sand north and south of the lot is one of the densest loggerhead nesting beaches in the world; everyone else calls it Jensen Beach. From March to October the morning patrol marks the night’s nests with stakes and tape before the first swimmers arrive.

It is the easiest beach on the coast. The sand slopes gently, the surf is small most days, the boardwalk from the lot is flat and short, and there are lifeguards, outdoor showers, restrooms and picnic shelters. Families with small children and anyone who cannot manage stairs or soft sand come here first. The lifeguard stand at the south end marks the calmest water, and the shelters at the top of the boardwalk are the only shade on the beach. Bring an umbrella for the sand and a cooler for the day; the nearest shop is back across the causeway in the village.

The lot is free and fills by mid-morning on winter weekends. When it does, the causeway parks on the lagoon side have more parking, a calmer beach and the same sunset.

Good to know

• Nests are marked from March to October; walk below them and leave the tape alone.
• The surf is smallest at the south end near the lifeguard stand.
• Showers, restrooms and shade shelters are at the top of the boardwalk.
• Thursday evenings in season the village across the causeway closes its street for music.
• The causeway parks have the overflow parking and a lagoon beach.