15 Things You Need to Do in Vero Beach

Last updated on June 3rd, 2024 at 03:19 pm

A New Year means it is time to start planning fun, new activities. Fortunately, Vero Beach has plenty of fun things to do! Many are unique to the area. Whether you are visiting the Treasure Coast or you call the area home, here are 15 things you need to do in Vero Beach

Treasure, sea turtles and citrus. Vero Beach is known for these three things (among others). I have broken down the list into different categories and there is something for everyone in every budget and interest.

Budget Friendly

1. Sunrise on the Beach

We have all seen the beautiful sunrise photos over the beach posted on social media. As luck would have it, Vero Beach has miles of gorgeous beach to watch a sunrise. Take your coffee and camera and head to one of the many public beaches. Try Golden Sands public beach or the Seagrape beach access for a chance to start your day in beautiful, peaceful silence.

2. Biking on the Jungle Trail

Biking is the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine in Vero Beach and the Jungle Trail is a wonderful place to spend some time on two wheels. Almost 8 miles of limestone trail winds along the Indian River Lagoon and under canopies of large Oak trees. Haven’t ridden a bike in a while? No problem! The Jungle Trail is a quiet path with very little traffic. You can take your time enjoying the water views, looking for osprey and other wildlife. Need to rent a bike? Check out Orchid Outfitters. Happy Trails!

3. Visit a Treasure Museum

Vero Beach is called the Treasure Coast because of a fleet of Spanish ships that sunk off the shores of Vero in 1715. Eleven ships were lost here in July 1715 due to a hurricane. Each ship was loaded with gold, silver and gems. The artifacts are still being found today by avid divers and treasure hunters with metal detectors. To learn more about the history of Vero Beach and the Spanish fleet, visit the Mclarty Treasure Museum or the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum. Both museums are worth visiting as they focus on different perspectives of the wreck. Mclarty focuses on Vero Beach, the area and people of 1715, while Mel Fisher focuses on the recovery of the treasure.

*Bonus- This is also a great rainy-day activity.

4. Visit a Citrus Grove

Besides sunken treasure, Vero Beach has another treasure that is much easier to get-Citrus! Indian River County is one of the premier citrus regions in the world. Family-owned citrus groves are still scattered throughout Vero Beach. Each one sells in season oranges and grapefruits of different varieties. Additionally, many sell local produce, honey, jams, salsa and ice cream. Countryside Citrus is our “go to” spot for orange/vanilla swirl ice cream made with their oranges. Also, you can get seasonal specialties such as strawberry, peppermint and pumpkin. Make sure to check the website for fun, family friendly activities.

Food & Drink

5. Farmers Market

Strolling through a farmers’ market is the perfect way to spend Saturday morning. Whether you are on the hunt to find fresh produce, seafood or gourmet cheese, you will find it here. The market is located across from Humiston Beach, and it is a longstanding tradition offering an array of local specialties guaranteed to tempt you. Come early for the best selection.

*Bonus- You can browse the adorable boutiques on Ocean Drive after you have visited the market.

6. Visit a Beach Bar

What makes seafood even better? Enjoying it while looking out over the water. You won’t have trouble finding a place for lunch or dinner, but you might have a tough time deciding which one to try. For a beachfront option, try Waldo’s. Captain Hiriam’s and Tiki Bar & Grill are both great waterfront options with live music.

After extensive research, Chris and I came up with a list of 5 casual waterfront restaurants you need to try. It was a tough task, but we suffered through it!

7. Craft Breweries

Another good thing Vero Beach has is a good selection of local craft breweries. Each one has its own unique vibe offering their own beer as well as guest taps. Not all have a kitchen, but often have food trucks. American Icon Brewery is our favorite for food and beer. Two of Chris’s favorite beers are the 1926 Hef and the Factory Pilsner. Walking Tree Brewery and Mash Monkeys are two great options if you are wanting a drink, but not dinner. Try one of their flights, it’s a great way to sample what they currently have on tap.

Once again, we managed to try the local breweries to see which ones you need to visit on during your stay in Vero.

Outdoor Activities

8. Airboat Ride

Are you under the impression that airboat rides only happen in the Everglades? Think again! Airboat rides are a favorite activity in Vero Beach. You have the chance to see beautiful water plants, waterfowl, resident osprey and alligators. Speed is the main attraction for kids. Fortunately, this is a key part of any airboat ride. Though there are a handful of companies to choose from, we recommend Airboat Wilderness Rides and Gator Bait. Each one is easy to work with and have excellent guides.

9. Sebastian Inlet State Park

Florida is well known for its state parks and Sebastian Inlet is no exception. Whether you want to hike, bike, fish or swim, the inlet has something for you. Additionally, it is an excellent choice for birdwatching. It is a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. If you prefer being on the water, but not in the water, kayaking along the mangrove lined island is a peaceful way to spend the morning or afternoon. Rentals are available through Bayside Marina. Check out the state park’s website for everything it has to offer.

10. Spring Training

February and March mean one thing–baseball! Spring training games are a great way to spend a sunny afternoon on the Treasure Coast. While the game isn’t in Vero Beach, it is close by in Port St. Lucie. The New York Mets call Port St. Lucie home during early spring. As part of the Grapefruit League, they play a condensed schedule against other MLB teams in Florida. To purchase tickets or get more information, check here.

11. Sunset Cruise

A perfect way to end your day is to go on a sunset cruise on the Indian River Lagoon. The water is calm, and the sky is stunning. Pack a small cooler with your favorite beverages and snack to make it a memorable evening. Treasure Coast Cruises is a good choice and who we used for our cruise.

Nature

12. Round Island State Park

There is one main reason to visit this free state park-manatees! A long boardwalk borders a large portion of this lake, which makes for a perfect viewing area. The manatees are more active and prevalent in the winter months, but they are present year-round. The quiet lake is great for kayaking or paddleboarding. Especially, if you would like an up-close encounter with a manatee.

*Note-There aren’t kayak rentals at Round Island

13. Pelican Island

Visit America’s first National Wildlife Refuge established by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 to protect the brown pelican. Nature lovers will enjoy the hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Another fun offering is the ranger led wildlife tours. Jump aboard the tram and learn about all this wildlife refuge has to offer. Tours run November thru March.

14. Turtle Walk

Yet another unique experience to Vero Beach–nesting sea turtles. Loggerhead, Leatherback and green turtles all nest on the shores of Vero Beach. One of the highest concentrations of sea turtle nests is right along this stretch of the Treasure Coast. For the best chance of seeing a sea turtle, I recommend signing up for a turtle walk through Sebastian Inlet State Park. We have taken family on their turtle walk twice and had a wonderful experience both times. The knowledgeable guides give you information on the turtles while you are waiting to go out. Of course, there isn’t a guarantee you will see a sea turtle, but Sebastian Inlet has a good record of spotting nesting sea turtles.

15. McKee Botanical Garden

Beautiful gardens and plants are the star here. Over 10,000 native and tropical plants are spread throughout the 18-acre garden. It is also home to Florida’s largest water lily collection. Little ones will enjoy the interactive play area in the children’s garden. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the garden also has special exhibits throughout the year and their holiday lights festival is worth a visit. Check out the website for current and upcoming events.

Conclusion

Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast is a tropical haven with beautiful beaches and a to offer. It is the perfect place to get away from the crowds to enjoy nature and good food and drink. Make sure to add this hidden gem to your travel plans. If you live in the area, I hope this list of 15 things you need to do in Vero Beach gives you some inspiration on how to spend some of the sunny days here in Florida.

If you are looking to try a new area after exploring the Treasure Coast, check out Kennedy Space Center on the Space Coast. You can also check out this post for the ultimate bucket list for Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast.

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