Jensen Beach takes its name from John Laurence Jensen, a Danish immigrant who arrived in 1881 and established a pineapple plantation in the area. The location was originally called Santana in the late 1800s before being renamed in honor of Jensen, whose pineapple farming operations helped establish the community. By 1894, the Florida East Coast Railway arrived in Jensen Beach, transforming the area into a major agricultural center. Around 1895, Jensen earned the nickname "Pineapple Capital of the World," shipping over a million boxes of pineapples annually during the peak months of June and July. The town was incorporated as Jensen in 1926 during the Florida Land Boom but was dissolved by the State of Florida in 1933 following the Great Depression. Devastating freezes in the early 1900s destroyed the pineapple crops, leading to a shift toward citrus groves that flourished for several decades. In 1943, Martin County officially changed the name to Jensen Beach, distinguishing it from other Florida communities. The area developed into a coastal community known for its natural beauty along the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean.
The beach offers 20 miles of walkable sandy shoreline with opportunities for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing, with lifeguards on duty and volleyball courts available. The area is particularly renowned for fishing, especially for sailfish, with charter boats and fishing piers at Jensen Beach Causeway Park providing access to both ocean and lagoon waters. Bathtub Reef Beach features calm waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming in protected conditions. Sea turtle nesting occurs along the beach from May through October, with Jensen Beach also known as Sea Turtle Beach for its role in conservation efforts. Kayaking and paddleboarding through the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River allow exploration of mangrove forests and observation of diverse bird species. Indian Riverside Park, a 63-acre facility, offers waterfront access, boat ramps, and hosts the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast. Jammin' Jensen, a free Thursday evening festival, features local artists, music, and family entertainment in downtown Jensen Beach from 6:00 to 9:30 PM.
Dining in Jensen Beach reflects the area's fresh seafood heritage and Key West-inspired atmosphere. Siesta Key Oyster Bar serves fresh-shucked oysters and steamed clams in a casual waterfront setting. Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar offers stone crab claws and grouper sandwiches with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Spearfish Grille features hogfish, blue crabs, and local shrimp caught fresh from area waters. The Tides Waterfront Dining provides riverside views with dishes including blackened mahi-mahi and key lime pie. Conchy Joe's Seafood serves conch fritters and coconut shrimp in a tropical garden atmosphere. Anna's Deli, featured on Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate," is known for its Surfer Sandwich with fresh ingredients and generous portions.
