Jensen Beach was once known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World” before a combination of deadly freezes, blights and fires destroyed the industry at the turn of the 20th century. The prototype Old Florida beach town, it has a roundabout and a handful of good restaurants including Conchy Joe’s and 11 Maple Street. 

The town, which sits on the inland side of the Intracoastal Waterway, is home to many local restaurants. Just up Indian River Drive, the town’s most famous eatery is the Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House, a seafood house boasting a spectacular river view. Known for years as Frances Langford’s Outrigger Resort, it was owned by Langford, a 1940s and 50s-era movie star best known as Bob Hope’s sidekick.

Conservation-minded Langford lived in the town for more than 50 years before her death in 2005. Ask any local, and he or she will tell of Langford’s generosity and then send you to nearby Frances Langford Park, which has baseball diamonds, a playground and fitness trails. Not only does the restaurant have photographs from Langford’s Hollywood career, but patrons waiting for a table can have a look at her vintage fishing reels.

To visit Jensen Beach’s oceanside beauty, head out on the causeway to Hutchinson Island. Beach lovers frequent Sea Turtle Beach, a wide, sandy beach named for the loggerhead and green turtles that lay their eggs there in late spring. Heading south on Hutchinson Island, you’ll come across Bathtub Beach, which is popular with families because a coral reef protects the shore and keeps the waves to a minimum.

Jensen Beach hangs onto its history and uses it to its advantage. Even though the pineapple industry collapsed by 1920, the pineapple is a permanent part of the town’s identity. The annual Pineapple Festival (complete with the crowning of Miss Pineapple) is held each November and remains Jensen Beach’s defining community event.