18 Fantastic Things to Love About Vero Beach, Florida

Vero Beach sits at the intersection of green and glamorous, a gem on Florida’s Treasure Coast. This cool, fresh, and low-key coastal town with an upscale feel is a haven for beach lovers, a mecca for treasure hunters and a perfect recipe for adventurers. Take a stroll down Ocean Drive, and make your way to South Beach. Sink your toes in the sugar sand beach, as you gaze out over aquamarine water as you begin your getaway.

Just a short 70 miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, Vero boasts 100,000 acres of conservation land and 26 miles of pristine beaches – perfect for an early morning or late evening stroll. Escape the chaos of life and find your bliss in Vero Beach for a weekend getaway or longer.

Vero Beach is one of America’s Top 10 Beaches as named by Travel + Leisure magazine, offering many attractions for visitors, including museums, parks, golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants, and beaches. Daytrips to some of Vero Beach’s neighboring coastal towns and many of Florida’s state parks and national parks, is super easy, making it a prime Florida getaway destination

18 Best Things To Do In Vero Beach

McKee Botanical Garden

The McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach may not be the largest botanical garden in the state, but it packs a lot of natural experiences  into its expansive18 acres. 

The history of the McKee Garden goes back to 1932 when Arthur G. McKee and Waldo E. Sexton opened McKee Jungle Gardens. The extensive water lily collection – the largest in the state – is due in part to this duo, who began collecting water lilies and orchids. Now, this 18-acre tropical paradise is filled with native plants, exotic botanicals, and Old Florida charm. Trees, waterfalls, and historic structures are found throughout, each with a story, and just waiting for you. McKee Garden hosts cultural programs, art exhibits, educational programs, and special events throughout the year.

The garden is actually comprised of a number of separate cultivated regions that each have their own individual themes. They are all linked to one another by clearly indicated pathways that are simple to navigate and have plenty of plaques with interesting information, which means that in addition to appreciating the lovely flora, you will also have the opportunity to learn more about them. In addition to providing community enrichment events, the grounds provide tranquil seating spaces, water features such as waterfalls and ponds, and other water features. 

Blue Cypress Lake

The Blue Cypress Lake  is part of the Blue Cypress Conservation Area in Fellsmere. Here you’ll find the perfect high speed adventure – as you whiz through the marsh, swamp, and lake while spotting wildlife like alligators and osprey in their natural habitat. Blue Cypress Lake is home to some fabulous fishing and is one of the top osprey nesting sites in Florida. For a more peaceful trip, kayak out on the lake and view osprey nests and towering cypress trees up close.

Sea Grape Trail Beach

Sea Grape Trail Beach features a wreck that is so close to shore that you may find your own treasure. Shards of pottery and small coins wash up on the coast just waiting for a treasure hunter to see them. This beach has a paved parking lot and a boardwalk leading to the beach. This special Vero Beach gem is the perfect place to visit when you are looking for a secluded piece of paradise.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

The trouble with being at Vero Beach for any length of time is that when it comes time to pack up and go back home, it can be a little bit disheartening. This is especially true if you’ve been there for a while. 

Another one of the region’s easily reachable natural beauties is Sebastian Inlet State Park, which can be found about six miles to the south of the town. It is an especially popular site for surf fishermen, who come to try their luck at catching bluefish, mackerel, and other game fish that live in the waterways of the inlet. The area is filled with beautiful beaches. 

There is also a museum in the park that is devoted to the catastrophic sinking of a large portion of the Spanish Fleet that occurred in this nearby location in the year 1715.

The McLarty Treasure Museum & Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum

In spite of the fact that the majority of tourists identify the coast of Florida with warm water and ideal waves, the Atlantic Ocean is capable of transforming into a terrifying hit during storms that occur out in the open sea. This phenomenon has been around since the beginning of history and has destroyed boats and ships. One of those terrifying storms hit the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet off the coast between Stuart, Florida and Sebastian Inlet. And on the site of the salvage camp for the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet is the McLarty Treasure Museum which features artifacts from the fleet.

The Back Story of How the Hunt for The Treasure of the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet Began

Back in the 190s Kip Wagner was walking the beach and happened to see a gold coin washed up on the beach. That finding set off treasure fever right here on the Treasure Coast. Just down the street is Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum, featuring artifacts and finds from Fisher. Mel Fisher found the first big treasure find from the 1715 fleet while working with Kip Wagner and the Real Eight team. The treasure was found by Fisher on the 364th day of searching, and in Fisher’s words he found a “carpet of gold on the seafloor.”

There is no better location to soak everything in than the McLarty Treasure Museum. The history that goes along with treasure hunters seeking to uncover and reclaim those precious metals is lengthy, convoluted, and almost bizarre, and there is no better place to soak in all of that history.

Visit the Museum of Art In Vero Beach

What a surprising find! This museum is located right in the heart of Vero Beach. Two outdoor sculpture parks, with stunning metal statues, beckon you to explore the exhibits that wait inside. There are five art galleries, an art library, the museum store, and café.The Museum of Art is located at 7500 Main Street. It houses more than 30,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, drawings, ceramics, glassware, textiles, and decorative arts.

Vero Beach Museum of Art is one of the best art museums along the central Atlantic coast. It has five separate galleries that are spread out over more than 50,000 square feet of floor space, making it one of the largest art museums in the region. Art enthusiasts who find themselves in the area should put this museum high on their list of must-see attractions. 

The museum primarily showcases the work of nationally and regionally renowned artists, and while the majority of the works on display are more recent, it also contains a selection of older works. In addition, there is a wing of the museum that is devoted to educational and community outreach programs that are quite popular with the neighborhood residents.

Vero Beach Downtown Arts District

We love the downtown arts district in Vero Beach! There are so many eclectic restaurants, boutiques, and of course, art galleries that feature the works of our local artists. Stroll the streets on the first Friday of every month when the Downtown Arts District opens its doors and runs a trolley.

Don’t miss out on the beautiful art murals all over downtown Vero Beach. New murals are popping up everyday and there’s even a mural trail you can follow! Under the guidance of the mural trail you can see beautiful art and explore the city at the same time.

Skydive Sebastian

For real adventure junkies, skydiving at Skydive Sebastian is a must! A tandem skydive over the Florida coastline is an unforgettable experience as you have a birds eye view of the Sebastian Inlet and the Atlantic ocean.

Explore Downtown Vero Beach Shops

If you love shopping, then you will enjoy the downtown shops in Vero Beach, especially during the summer months. These stores offer unique items that you won’t find anywhere else.

During hurricane season, when storms come in from the Atlantic, or when the sun is just too hot to be outside, indulging in some retail therapy at the Vero Beach Outlets on 94th Drive would be a great way to spend a few afternoon hours out of the elements. The Vero Beach Outlets are located at the intersection of 94th Drive and Vero Beach Boulevard. 

There are dozens of well-known brand retailers included within the outlet area, such as Williams-Sonoma, Bass, and Nike. Typically, they provide substantial price reductions on the identical goods that can be purchased at conventional retail establishments just a short distance away. 

If you want to obtain the best bargains, look up the specific sales and promotions that are being offered online; there are also a lot of dining options in the area.

Take A Trip To Pelican Island 

In addition to its namesake pelicans, the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of different species of birds. It is one of the oldest refuges in the country that is dedicated to protecting wildlife in this manner. 

Pelican Island is a popular destination for people who enjoy nature and bird watching. However, many of the island’s residents are only present during certain times of the year. As a result, observant bird watchers try to time their trips to coincide with the presence of the birds they are most interested in seeing. 

The entrance to the wildlife refuge is located on Wildlife Way in Vero Beach. There are several staff-led programs that are provided at various times throughout the year; visit the refuge’s website for more information.

Explore The Indian River At The Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

The Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area, also known as ORCA, is located in the southern part of Indian River County and consists of more than 400 pristine acres. 

Lagoons and Palmetto scrub are just two of the many types of natural habitats that are included in the protected area. There are various routes that, when combined, provide tourists with pretty comprehensive access; yet, because of the sheer immensity of the area, it is not unusual to find large segments of path that are devoid of any people. 

The employees of the park provide seasonal guided tours, and the park has various gates that are easy to get to from a variety of locations. You may also check out some of their other programs, such as the perennially well-attended Coastal Wetlands Walk, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month.

Family Fun At The Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center can be found near Vero Beach on Live Oak Drive. It is situated on a location that is more than 60 acres in size and features both indoor space and natural habitats that are in pristine condition. 

The interactive displays at the center include live animals, a visitor’s center and gift shop, as well as numerous spaces that are dedicated to the educational and instructional programs that are provided by the staff. 

In addition, there is a picture-perfect lagoon on the premises, which may be explored via pontoon boat on a regular basis. 

The majority of visitors decide to explore the center in a combination of independent exploration and participation in one of the center’s regularly organized tours. You should plan to spend a few hours at the location.

Visit The Hallstrom House & Farmstead

The Hallstrom Farmstead was a pineapple farm that was cultivated by Scandinavian immigrants in the 1890s; it is now one of the area’s most well-preserved examples of a pioneer-era home and farm, giving visitors interesting insights into the lives and occupations of those hardy folks who settled the area when it was still wild and dangerous. The Hallstrom Farmstead is one of the most well-preserved examples of a pioneer-era home and farm in the area. The Indian River County Historical Society is responsible for maintaining the property, which spans around five acres. 

In addition to photographs, personal souvenirs, and pieces of furniture and houseware, the collection also contains first-hand stories written by members of the family that managed the plot. 

The majority of visitors stay for between one and two hours at the location, which can be found on Old Dixie Highway SW.

Enjoy Vero Beach Entertainment At The Riverside Theatre

The Riverside Theatre is a community center for the performing arts that can accommodate hundreds of patrons at any given time. It can be found on Riverside Park Drive. The theater plays host to a number of Broadway and off-Broadway productions and also produces its own shows throughout the year. In addition to that, they provide stand-up comedy, live entertainment, and up to eight performances per year that are designed especially for children. 

In contrast to the majority of movie theaters, this one features an on-site bar and restaurant that is well-known for serving robust meals and refreshing beverages. There is a popular guest lecturer series that is held four times each year and includes a wide variety of local, national, and international concerns.

Vero Beach Downtown Arts District

We love the downtown arts district in Vero Beach! There are so many eclectic restaurants, boutiques, and of course, art galleries that feature the works of our local artists. Stroll the streets on the first Friday of every month when the Downtown Arts District opens its doors and runs a trolley.

Don’t miss out on the beautiful art murals all over downtown Vero Beach. New murals are popping up everyday and there’s even a mural trail you can follow! Under the guidance of the mural trail you can see beautiful art and explore the city at the same time.

Visit Vero Beach Wine And Film Festival 

It doesn’t matter where you are, sun, wine, and movies always makes for a perfect combination. However, those who find themselves at Vero Beach around the beginning of June will find this to be especially true. 
The festival is one of the most well-known places of artistic and cultural interest in the surrounding area. It showcases wines from all around the country as well as films from both independent and major studios. 

There is always a large selection of live entertainment available, in addition to the extensive selection of cuisine that is provided by local restaurants and caterers. 

The activities of the festival feature dances, discussions, sit-down lunches, and, to cap it all off, a large sunset beach blowout and live performance.

Visit Piper Aircraft Company In Vero

The creator of the Piper Aircraft Company had the idea for the iconic Piper Cub airplane around the middle of the 1930s, and he started sketching it out. 

In many respects, his goal was comparable to that of Henry Ford’s, in that he desired for flying machines to be accessible to a sizable percentage of the people at a price that was not prohibitively expensive. 

Over 120,000 airplanes have been manufactured at the Vero Beach plant since that time. The site offers tours that are both entertaining and economical ways to learn about the region’s illustrious aviation and industry past. 

Tourists of most ages are welcome on factory tours; however, trips must be scheduled in advance and visitors are encouraged to check online before embarking on a detour.

Where to Eat in Vero Beach Florida

Mulligans Beach House Bar & Grill

Mulligan’s offers a variety of daily drink and meal discounts to its patrons every day that will delight any palate and help you save money. Children 12 and younger dine free on Thursdays at Mulligan’s with the purchase of an adult meal and a child beverage.

Ocean Grill

This bright and airy restaurant, which used to be an officers’ club, offers ocean vistas in addition to its seafood and steaks. The Ocean Grill is renowned for both the consistency of its cuisine and the precarious perch it has above the Atlantic Ocean.

Crab Stop Of Vero Beach

You have to come here if you have a passion for seafood and you want to experience some of the greatest service in the city. Crab lovers and seafood enthusiasts will find something to like at this modest seafood restaurant that is owned and run in the community.

Waldo’s Restaurant

Seaside cuisine is served at poolside tables at this laid-back landmark, which also features a distinctive, rustic bar. At Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, the focus is squarely on the restaurant’s delicious chicken, which is offered in two preparation styles: southern fried and fire-roasted.

This Vero Beach landmark, which was constructed in 1935 out of driftwood by the first settler in Vero, Waldo Sexton, is a restaurant that welcomes customers of all ages.

Cobalt

Cobalt in the Kimpton Vero Beach is one of our favorite places to dine. We love dining overlooking the beach, and the food presentation is stellar. The wine list is extensive, which makes choosing a bottle of wine fun! One of our favorite items is Oysters of the Day; coupled with a chilled glass of wine or cocktail, it is the ideal beginning. We both adore their Caesar salad, and their prosciutto-encrusted diver scallops are divine!

Southern Social

Are you looking for  Southern classics with a modern twist? Then Southern Social in downtown Vero is just the place. This rustic chic eatery features handcrafted cocktails that pay homage to Hollywood’s golden era – imagine a place that Bogey and Bacall would be, drinking cocktails as conversation swirls around like an olive in a martini. Southern Social is big city culture with a cocktail selection to rival those seen in New York City.

Riverside Café

Overlooking the Indian River Lagoon, Riverside is THE place to view stunning sunsets. Riverside is a favorite hangout of Jake Owen, Vero’s hometown kid, who got his start right here. For boaters, Riverside offers a dock, so come on by boat, tie up and grab a delicious meal – we love the tuna tacos at Riverside – they are amazing! And don’t miss their Sunday brunch, it features a carving station, made to order omelet bar, and a vast selection of hot and cold dishes.

Kilted Mermaid

The only way to describe the Kilted Mermaid is quirky and eclectic. Boasting one of the largest selections of craft beer and wine we’ve found in the area, it has quickly become one of our favorite eateries.
The specialty of the house is fondue – including both appetizer and dessert fondues. The Kilted Mermaid is an ideal choice for a casual night out in a neighborhood pub.

Vero Beach Hotels

When you visit Vero Beach, you have so many hotel choices! Here are a few of our favorites.

Costa D’este | Vero Beach Resort

Costa D’Este Resort offers direct access to the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean may be gained from the resort’s exquisite beachfront location in Vero Beach, which is situated along Florida’s Treasure Coast. Enjoy the epitome of relaxed luxury with individualized service, exquisite cuisine, magnificent rooms and suites, and a spa that offers a full range of services.

The 94 guest rooms and suites at Costa d’Este are all tastefully designed, providing the ideal location for rest and relaxation. After a day of enjoying Costa d’Este and Vero Beach, you may retreat to your own personal hideaway in one of these accommodations. In addition, the Florida accommodations that they offer provide guests with breathtaking panoramas of the sun setting over the ocean. 

Make plans to visit the Treasure Coast, and while you’re there, stay at a resort that embodies the spirit of Vero Beach.

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

When you choose a stay at the Kimpton, a boutique hotel in Vero Beach, both elegance and relaxation have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy themselves. Discover a tropical West Indies aesthetic that calms the soul with dark mahogany woods, soothing neutrals, plush bedding, and luxurious baths in addition to exceptionally spacious guest rooms and suites. 

The majority have their own private balconies. There are four different types of suites: studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom, and some of them include kitchens. Don’t forget Your view! Choose either the Garden or the Terrace. Because there are so many different options, you will be able to select the room that is ideal for your getaway to Vero Beach.

Finding the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is similar to coming across an exquisite and dazzling jewel by accident. This oceanfront oasis, which is part of a Kimpton hotel and is situated on the Treasure Coast in Central Florida, provides you with very few reasons to leave the hotel’s grounds. 

Relax in a beach chair or try your hand at one of the many water sports available. Get some rest and relaxation at their oceanfront pool, which is heated and surrounded by two restaurants and countless palm trees. 

A spa that is on par with the best in the world and accommodations that are generous in size make it impossible not to relax. This boutique haven is the best option for discerning travelers and brides looking for an exquisite wedding location among the hotels and resorts in Vero Beach and Florida.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

At Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, guests can enjoy lounging on the warm sand and playing in the clear, azure waters. This elegant old-fashioned hideaway is just two hours’ drive southeast of Walt Disney World Resort. 

Relax and rejuvenate with a trip to their calming spa, where you can choose from a comprehensive selection of therapeutic massages and other services. Treat yourself to some relaxing adult time by getting a massage at the spa or going on a romantic walk along the beach at night.

Get away from it all in roomy accommodations that offer all the conveniences of home, and at the same time, have an idyllic beach almost right outside your door.

Whether you choose to go down a slide into a pool shaped like Mickey Mouse or explore pristine beaches, you will have a good time in the warm weather. Activities for the whole family can be found in abundance at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and they range from making crafts and singing around a campfire to going on kayaking expeditions. 

Holiday Inn & Suites : Vero Beach-Oceanside

Appreciate the affordability and comfort of this Vero Beach hotel room that comes with free wireless and high-speed Internet access each and every night you stay here. A television measuring between 32 and 43 inches can provide entertainment, and a mini refrigerator makes it easy to store any leftover food. Unwind on the bed outfitted with three sets of sheets, or choose to put your mind to work at the oversized desk.

Free high-speed, wireless Internet access is provided to guests of this hotel’s spacious suites. Each suite also features a large activity table with chairs, which is ideal for arranging paperwork or playing board games with the family. A sleeper sofa offers additional space for guests to relax, and a bed with three sheets ensures that guests will awaken feeling refreshed each morning.

The oceanfront location of the hotel in Vero Beach, Florida, affords guests breathtaking panoramas as well as private, direct access to the beach. The Kids Eat Free program and the Thursday night Kid’s night at the on-site restaurant, Mulligan’s Beach House, are both very popular among families staying at the resort.

The Caribbean Court Boutique Resort

At the most charming Florida resort and the most romantic hotel in Vero Beach, you can bask in tropical old-fashioned hospitality while relaxing in comfortable tranquility. Orchid Island is home to the Caribbean Court Vero Beach resort, which can be found in Vero Beach. Additionally, it is known as “The Jewel of the Treasure Coast,” another one of its nicknames. Among the beach resorts in Florida, the Caribbean court is one of a kind.

If you are looking for a hotel in Vero Beach that is perfect for a romantic getaway for two, consider booking a room at this gem of a property. In addition to this, it is an excellent choice if you are looking for places to hold events such as weddings or events, small conference rooms, or retreat centers.

The Caribbean Court is widely regarded as one of the most cozy hotels in Vero Beach. The Caribbean Court Vero Boutique Resort  has 18 charming studio efficiencies that can accommodate two people each. These efficiencies are decorated with hand-painted tiles, antique furniture, and original works of art. Each of our 18 guest rooms is refined, cozy, and appointed with the kinds of amenities one would anticipate finding in a high-end boutique hotel.

You have so many choices when you choose a Vero Beach getaway, you might have to plan a second vacation to this fantastic destination!

Vero Beach is a hub of adventure, relaxation and the arts. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to find enjoyment and excitement in this lovely town. This coastal town’s vibe is exactly what couples, singles or families, alike need to unwind and refresh.

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We love Vero Beach and highly recommend taking a trip here on your next vacation! Have you been to Vero Beach? What is your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments below!