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If you are like me, you like lists and there is nothing better than vacation lists! Vero Beach is a bit of a hidden gem that sits on the Treasure Coast on the Atlantic Ocean. You will find there are numerous fun places to visit and great restaurants to try. Use this ultimate bucket list for Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast to plan your trip and create the perfect checklist for your vacation.
Whether you are a lay on the beach person or someone who likes to wander through museums, you will find plenty to do on the Treasure Coast. Let’s take a look at what you need to add to your bucket list.
Outdoor Activities
Since it’s Florida, we are going to start with the outdoors. By far one of the greatest assets of this area is the awesome opportunities to enjoy being outside, especially near the water.
Let’s Go to the Beach
What better way to start than at the beach. The Treasure Coast has a whopping 70 miles of shoreline just waiting for you to enjoy. Add to that the vast number of public beaches and you have ample opportunity to put your toes in the sand. It’s easy to see why this is part of the ultimate bucket list for Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast.
If you enjoy activity on the beach, head to Central Beach in Vero. Here you will find the highest concentration of resorts and restaurants. If a bit of solitude is more to your liking, I highly recommend Ambersand or Golden Sands Beach. Here you will find a little more privacy while still having the benefit of public amenities such as bathrooms and public parking. Either way, grab your beach bag and relax in the sun.
Tip– Read here for everything you need to pack in your beach bag for a day at the beach.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pelican Island is America’s very first national wildlife refuge. Tucked away along the coast in Vero Beach you will find this lush haven. For walkers, there are two 3-mile loop trails to wander at your leisure. Not surprising, this is an excellent spot for birdwatchers. If spotting pelicans is your main objective, including the migratory white pelican, fall to spring is the best time to visit. Make sure to stop and read the informational signs along the way. You will gain an insight to what makes this such a unique space.
4505 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Keeping with the state park theme, the Sebastian Inlet is another outdoor spot to add to your ultimate bucket list for Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast.
This state park offers the perfect protected beach area for little ones to play in the water away from the rougher currents of the Atlantic Ocean. However, it is probably best known for its long jetty reaching out to the ocean. Fishermen from all over come here to fish, particularly sport fishing.
In addition to fishing, you can bike, walk the 1-mile Hammock Trail or get out on the water with a kayak rental from Bayside Marina. Whatever you choose, it is easy to spend the day at the Sebastian Inlet.
9700 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
Kayaking
Speaking of kayaking, there is no better way to enjoy the Indian River Lagoon than by kayak. The relatively peaceful waterway is perfect for beginner kayakers due to light boat traffic. Experienced kayakers will enjoy the mangroves and hidden areas to explore in search of the vast bird population here on the Treasure Coast. When you aren’t looking in the air for birds, be on the lookout for dolphins and manatees who call the lagoon home.
If you are needing to rent a kayak, check out Vero Tackle & Watersports. Not only do they have rentals, but they also offer free lessons and guided tours, perfect for first time kayakers.
Rent a Boat
Boating on the Indian River Lagoon is another popular way to spend the day outdoors. You can choose to captain your own boat or book one of the many charters in the area. We have done both, if we are fishing, we charter a boat. We have also had friends and family who own their own boats visit and, in that case, we rent a boat for the day or half day.
Vero Tackle & Watersports offers boat rentals for half day or full day rental. For fishing charters, one we have used in the past is Just Bumminit. I particularly like that they will filet the fish you catch. I’m not a fan of fish bones when I’m eating!
Watch for Gators
Is there anything more Florida than a gator ride? Even better is being able to watch for gators while gliding across the water on an airboat. Seriously, these are so much fun and great for all ages! You also get the added benefit of knowledgeable guides who share information about the ecosystem and everything you are seeing.
You will quickly find there is no shortage of airboat ride companies to choose from. We have taken friends and family at least 6 times and the two we use are Airboat Wilderness Rides and Gator Bait. Both tours operate in the Blue Cypress Conservation Area.
Go On a Turtle Walk
Did you know that the Treasure Coast is one of the top turtle nesting regions in the world? Both Loggerhead and Green turtles call these beaches home, at least for a brief time. There is also a smaller number of Leatherback turtles who also nest in this region. Sea turtles are just one of the unique features of Vero Beach and luckily, you have the opportunity to see one. Make sure to add this bucket list item to your itinerary.
During the summer months, the Sebastian Inlet offers ranger led turtle walks. These walks occur at night, usually around 9:00pm and give people the chance to observe a turtle laying her eggs on the beach and then going back out to the ocean. Due to the unpredictability of wildlife, you aren’t guaranteed to see a turtle, but the chances are very high. We have gone twice, and we saw a turtle both times.
We reserved our spot on this website. Reservations are required and this year the cost is $15. As this is a donation to the Sebastian Inlet State Park, there are no refunds. After you arrive, you will watch a presentation about the life of sea turtles and their nesting habits on the Treasure Coast. This is a brief but informative talk and well worth the time.
13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
If you are a fan of state parks, you are in luck! There are two in close proximity to Vero Beach. After visiting the Sebastian Inlet, you can try out the Fort Pierce Inlet. As with many inlets, you will find biking, water sports, swimming with a beach and walking trails. The Coastal Hammock Trail is a popular leisurely walk through the park.
905 Shorewinds Drive, Fort Pierce, FL
Walk, Drive or Bike the Historic Jungle Trail
One of my favorite things about living in Vero Beach is being able to ride bikes on the Jungle Trail. For me, it is one of the top ultimate bucket list items for Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast. We are fortunate to have direct access to the trail, making it easy to bike or walk. I realize that biking may not be practical for everyone, so at the very least, take a drive on this scenic path.
If you are entering the Jungle Trail from Old Winter Beach Road, head north until you reach Jones Pier. Here you can park and get out and walk a bit of the trail. If you are coming from SR 510, you will head south until Jones Pier. Take a moment to see the Pier as it was a critical part in the Indian River County citrus trade. Boats of grapefruit and oranges moved up and down the Indian River Lagoon utilizing the pier. Fortunately, this entire area is now part of a conservation area and is protected.
Watch a Rocket Launch
Just north of the Treasure Coast is the Space Coast, where Kennedy Space Center is located. On a side note, if you haven’t been to Kennedy Space Center, I highly recommend spending a day there. For your time on Vero Beach, if there happens to be a rocket launch during your stay, head to the beach. You may not be up close and personal, but you will have an unobstructed view of the launch.
If the launch is during the day, we take appetizers and drinks down and make a party of it. If it’s after dark, we tend to arrive at the beach just before the launch. Truthfully, the night launches are beautiful, but any launch is a site to behold. Keep in mind, if it is at night, you will probably need to head to the central beach area as the other county parks close at sunset. You can check here for the launch schedule.
Watch a Sunrise
While this may seem very basic, there is something special about watching the sun come up over the ocean. Most likely, you will have the beach to yourself, and you can enjoy some quiet time as you watch the horizon start to glow and the world around you wake up.
If you are an early riser and watching the sun come up, consider staying at one of the resorts on the beach. It makes it so much easier to just pop outside with your coffee in hand.
Food & Drink
Eat By the Water
One of the best things about the Vero Beach are the outdoor restaurants that sit on the water, and it is one of my top recommendations of the ultimate bucket list for Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast. Whether you want to be on the lagoon or ocean, you will have plenty of options to choose from.
You will also find that many of the beach bars and restaurants have a regular lineup of live music. Local bands make the rounds through the Treasure Coast, but you will also find open mic night and karaoke at many of the restaurants. Whichever happens to be playing, just sit back and enjoy, or sign up to join the fun!
Visit a Farmers Market
Saturday mornings are made for farmers markets and luckily Fort Pierce has the best on Treasure Coast. Sitting right alongside the water, you can stroll through the vendors carefully selecting your favorite food items. There is an enormous variety of produce, cheese, salsa, ready to eat options and breads/pastries. My absolute “must have” whenever we go are the freshly baked apple cider donuts. It’s a cone full of deliciousness!
Not only does the Fort Pierce farmers market have an incredible variety of foods, but it also has row after row of handmade crafts and gifts, many with a coastal flair. Make sure to spend some time browsing through the artisan area of the market. It’s also a good way to walk off some of the donuts.
Cool Off with Some Ice Cream
Is there anything better than ice cream on a hot day? I don’t think so and as luck would have it, Vero Beach has some great choices for ice cream. Ironically, my favorite place to go for ice cream is a citrus grove. Countryside Citrus is a locally owned grove that also serves up some of the best ice cream. They have seasonal flavors that change often, but my preferred flavor is the orange and vanilla swirl. The orange is made from their oranges grown on property. So good!
If traditional ice cream is more your thing, stop in Cravings on Ocean Drive for hand dipped ice cream cones. Downtown Dipper, a relative newcomer to Vero Beach is another fun ice cream shop worthy of a visit. It’s also a good excuse to check out the historic district of Vero Beach.
Have Lunch at Casey’s
What is Casey’s? Only the best place on the island to have a burger. It is the closest thing to In N Out I have found in Vero Beach. This fun outside eatery is perfect for lunch outside. Just walk up to the counter, place your order and wait for burger perfection. Not a fan of burgers? No problem! Casey’s has a full menu of other sandwiches and salads to please any non-hamburger fans is your group.
917 Azalea Lane, Vero Beach
Tasty O’s Donuts
Serving up tasty donuts since 1971. Tasty O’s is the first donut shop in Vero Beach and there is a good reason they are still around. Routinely voted as one of the top donut shops on the Treasure Coast, Tasty O’s has a case full of donuts to pick from. Choose from freshly made cake and yeast donuts or try the apple fritter. Either way, you can’t go wrong. You can eat in the diner or take them with you.
1700 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
Chelsea’s on Cardinal
In the mood for something a little healthier after the burgers and donuts? Chelsea’s on Cardinal may be the perfect stop for you for breakfast or lunch. Serving up fresh, organic options including fresh pressed juices, Chelsea’s has an extensive menu to choose from. Make sure to check out their smart smoothies and smoothie bowls filled with healthy food choices.
Not looking to go the healthy route? I can highly recommend the chocolate croissant and a cappuccino. Breakfast here is a great way to start your day before heading to the beach or shopping on Ocean Drive.
3201 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach
Visit a Local Brewery
The craft beer scene has exploded on the Treasure Coast in the last 10 years. Local breweries have been popping up all along the coast. Vero Beach and nearby Sebastian are lucky enough to have a handful of excellent breweries. In fact, a pub crawl would be very easy to do one evening-just have your driver lined up. If you can only try a couple, Paredolia and American Icon Brewery are two of our favorites.
Both breweries have a well-rounded selection of beer, and any beer drinker would be able to find something that appeals to them. At Paredolia, Chris’s favorite is their Zip Code beer or 32958 and at American Icon Brewery, he always gets the 1926 Hef. However, they both have multiple ones he enjoys.
If you are considering a pub crawl or at least trying several of the breweries, here is a list of the 5 best in Vero Beach and what sets each of the apart.
Have a Cocktail
Wanting to kick things up a notch? 21st Amendment Distillery in downtown Vero Beach is a throwback to the prohibition era and the best place to sip on a cocktail. A new addition to the downtown, 21st Amendment Distillery has classic cocktails as well as unique creations. Light bites round out this classy joint. It is a great way to start your evening or end the night after dinner. Cheers!
2055 13th Avenue, Vero Beach
Green Cabin Room
Did you know Disney is in Vero Beach? No, there aren’t rides or fireworks, but Disney does have a beach resort on the island, and it is worth a visit while you are there. In true Disney fashion, the resort is impeccably themed and a throwback to old Florida.
The Green Cabin Room is a cozy pub located right at the top of the stairs in the main inn. The pub gets its name from the 1715 shipwreck that is located a few hundred yards out in front of the Disney resort. If the weather is cooperating, try to get a seat outside overlooking the ocean. One of my favorite desserts is here, the key lime tart. So good!
9250 Island Grove Terrace, Vero Beach
Have Dinner at Square Grouper
Going along with the theme of eating and drinking by the water, Square Grouper in Fort Pierce is a tropical oasis that sits on the Fort Pierce jetty. The outdoor seating under palm trees and lights overlooks the ocean and just feels like you are on vacation.
It is first come, first serve, so grab an open table and relax. You need to go to the bar to place your food and drink order so don’t wait for waitstaff to come by your table. The fish n chips are excellent and one of my favorites in the area. Square Grouper also has live music most afternoons and evenings. It’s a fun place to have a casual lunch or dinner and watch the boats float by.
1920 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce
Cultural Activities
McKee Botanical Gardens
You don’t need to be a horticulturist to fully enjoy McKee Botanical Gardens. You only need to enjoy natural beauty, walking paths and quiet serenity. Originally developed in 1922, the gardens have undergone many changes through the years, including lying dormant for a brief time. Thankfully, a group of visionaries saw the importance of preserving this piece of Vero Beach.
Inside you will find more than 10,000 native and tropical plants. Among them are one of my favorite displays, the water lily collection. These vibrant floating flowers are a sight to behold. In addition to the permanent fauna, McKee has special temporary exhibits throughout the year. Be sure to check their website to find out what surprises await your visit.
350 US-1, Vero Beach
Visit a Citrus Grove
Indian River County is the citrus capital of North America and there is no better way to experience this than by going to a citrus grove. With over a century of history, the citrus trade is part of Vero Beach’s history. Favorable climate combined with the proper soil type makes for the best grapefruit and oranges anywhere.
Like many farms across America, family run citrus groves have come and gone over the years, but there are still a handful in Vero Beach for you to visit. You might be surprised to find there is more than just citrus at each farm. In an ever changing and challenging environment, the family farms have had to adapt to survive. You will find all types of fresh produce, locally grown flowers including stunning orchids and locally made food products. Some of my favorite jams and salsas are from the groves.
Countryside Citrus, the one mentioned earlier in this post, has a cute farm store in Vero Beach with a selection of fruits and vegetables and my favorite, ice cream! Their U-pick strawberry patch is a favorite among locals as well as their wildflower garden. You can pick your favorite flowers to make the perfect bouquet. Check their website before your visit to see if they have any special events happening at the farm when you are visiting.
6325 81st Street, Vero Beach
A visit to Peterson Groves is like stepping back in time, literally. Founded over 100 years ago, the farm has one of the oldest citrus packing houses in the country on its property. Like the other groves, Peterson’s has branched out to offer a variety of produce and gourmet dressings, dips, local honey and much more.
No matter which grove you visit, make sure you try the orange juice. It is sunshine in a cup! A true bucket list experience.
3375 66th Avenue, Vero Beach
Citrus Museum
If your interest in the citrus industry has been peaked, then you need to visit the Indian River citrus museum in downtown Vero Beach. Conveniently located in the Heritage Center, this small museum gives an in depth look at how the citrus trade changed the landscape of Vero Beach and Indian River County. One of my favorite things to look at is the vintage citrus labels that were on the packing crates. Each one is work of art. If you like them as much as I do, you can find replicas in the museum gift shop.
2140 14th Avenue, Vero Beach
Learn About Treasure
Another fun local museum is the Mclarty Treasure Museum. This small museum tells the big story of the ill-fated 1715 shipwreck that happened just off the coast of Vero Beach. Eleven Spanish ships met their demise in the summer of 1715 leaving behind a bounty of treasure strewn up and down the coast.
Unlike other treasure museums, Mclarty’s sole focus is on the 1715 fleet and how it impacted Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast. Exhibits and displays recount the history of this shipwreck and the aftermath that followed. Interestingly, the museum is located on part of the former site of the survivors and scavenger’s camp, which you will learn about in the museum.
13180 North A1A, Vero Beach
Riverside Theater
Vero Beach’s home for musicals, plays, concerts and comedy shows. The theater has a full lineup of performances throughout the year. During the summer, cover bands will perform outside creating a tailgate feel for the community. Chris and I attended a Jimmy Buffet cover band last summer and as expected, it was a fun time.
Once school is out for the summer, Riverside also offers theater for kids. For those children who are serious about theater, make sure to check out their classes and camps.
3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach
Admire Beautiful Art
Vero Beach has a thriving art community and one of the best places to see it in person is at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Local artists are highlighted here along with 900 works of art primarily from America’s early twentieth century. The permanent works of art are joined by temporary exhibits that rotate throughout the year.
The museum of art is committed to instilling a love of art in children. Their summer art camp is offered each year to help facilitate this goal. If you want to learn more about their art classes, camps or their featured exhibits, make sure to visit their website.
3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach
See Manatees
Take some time to get up close and personal with some manatees. The Manatee Education Center in Fort Pierce gives you the opportunity to learn more about these quiet sea creatures. Through interactive displays, a touch tank and an 800-gallon saltwater tank, the life of a manatee becomes very real. After spending some time with the displays, there is an observation tower you can climb giving you the opportunity to spot manatees in the wild. Keep in mind, you will often hear them before you see them. Listen for what sounds like a snorting sound and them wait for them to emerge.
480 North Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce
Navy Seal Museum
Take this opportunity to visit the only museum dedicated to the Navy SEALs. The museum is located on the original training grounds of the SEALs, which I think is pretty cool it’s on the Treasure Coast. Upon moving here, I had no idea of the SEAL history in the area.
There are exhibits and a memorial garden you can visit. See a Mark V special operations craft, Maersk Alabama lifeboat, Black Hawk helicopter, Desert Storm vehicles and more. Once you are finished with the exhibits, walk over to the memorial commemorating our fallen soldiers. I encourage you to spend some time here to learn a little more about our history. It’s why I have included it in the ultimate bucket list for Vero beach and the Treasure Coast.
3300 North Highway A1A, Fort Pierce
Do a Little Shopping on Ocean Drive
Okay, this may not be cultural, but it is fun and worth doing. Ocean Drive is the heart of Vero Beach’s barrier Island. You will find the highest concentration of shops, restaurants and boutique hotels located on this quaint street. Just on the other side of the street you will come to the beach, making this the perfect location to spend the day.
Even if you aren’t in the market to buy something, these amazingly cute and fun shops are great to stroll through. Who knows, you may find something you didn’t realize you needed. A few of my favorites are Pineapples for women’s clothing, Market Ocean Drive for home goods, cute gifts and champagne, Belle Cose for upscale home decor.
Spring Training
Imagine a sunny March day sitting outside enjoying the 70-degree weather. Well, that’s spring training in Port Saint Lucie. I’m not even a Mets fan-Cubs fan here- and I love going to the Mets spring training games each year.
Clover Park is small enough that you can’t have a bad seat and it is easy to get around the entire ballpark. You will also find adorable Grapefruit League merchandise in their team store. If you are visiting the Treasure Coast in February or March, make sure to add a spring training game to your bucket list.
31 Piazza Drive, Port Saint Lucie
Conclusion
Whew! You made it through the list. Believe it or not, I could add a part 2 to this list. There is so much to see and do in Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast and many of them are relatively unknown. It truly is a hidden gem.
I hope you will use this ultimate guide to Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast as a jumping off point for exploring the area. Make sure you add the Big 3 of the region to your list- turtles, treasure and citrus. Those are 3 things that make Vero Beach unique. I hope you enjoy all that the area has to offer as much as I do.
