Trying to find an unconventionally romantic date night? Try a sunset tour of the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse (Lighthouse Park, 500 Captain Armour's Way, Jupiter). At dusk, small groups are led up a spiral staircase to the watchroom, that’s where the visual display begins. Due to the fickle Florida weather, you never know what spectacle you might encounter: a deep shot of blue blended with brilliant silver, or the red and purple of far off thunderheads. If you’re lucky you might even see some wildlife in the fading light, since stingrays and manatee have been spotted at high tide.
When the sun disappears you’ll catch a rare slice of Florida history as the eight-foot, beehive-shaped beacon grinds to life. The heavy machinery turns a first-class Fresnel lens, a beautiful work of industrial art purchased from France in the eighteen fifties. The beam it sends out can be seen for more than twenty miles and the red brick that holds it up was stuck together during the Third Seminole War. Culture and romance? Yes, but only with a reservation, so call 561.747.8380 ext. 110. Tickets cost $15.
