The 20 Best Things to do in Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach is known for its gorgeous beaches and enjoys four distinct seasons. The area has abundant wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, and bald eagles. This stunning setting provides an excellent backdrop for Vero Beach’s many parks and outdoor activities. From biking to fishing to kayaking and bird watching, visitors to Vero Beach will never run out of things to do.

This historic beach town is vibrant with art, eclectic cuisine, and unusual shops. The downtown area is known for its balmy breezes, palm-lined streets, and colorful buildings.

Visitors can stroll through the town in one afternoon and enjoy shopping, dining, and dancing in many quaint bars and pubs in Vero Beach’s historic downtown district. Not only does Vero Beach have gorgeous beaches, but it also has acres of lush green space and excellent bird watching opportunities.

Vero Beach is close to Orlando which also makes it a great place to enjoy the Florida sun and fun while also being able to enjoy a quick trip to Orlando for theme park excitement. With so much to see and do here, you won’t want to miss out on our list of the 20 best things to do in Vero Beach. Read on and check out these fun things to do anytime you are in Vero Beach.

20. Visit the Indian River County Historical Society

This society provides a glimpse into Vero Beach’s rich history. The area has been inhabited by the Ais Indians, who were influential in creating what is now Vero Beach. The Indian River County Historical Museum offers memorabilia from this time and exhibits related to the town’s early settlers and wildlife population. The museum has a research library, which includes detailed records of the Ais Indians.

19. Don’t Forget the Indian River Citrus Museum

An essential stop for any visitor to Vero Beach, this museum is a great place to learn more about the history of Indian River County. The museum has offered exhibits related to citrus production and life in Vero Beach from its earliest recorded history. Visitors can also see artifacts from American Indian tribes who lived here before the settlers arrived. In addition, visitors can learn about the town’s involvement in World War II and how its economy moved away from citrus production. Also, the harvesting tools are displayed in a building next door, with demonstrations offered on special occasions. You can also watch outdoor movies here during the summer.

18. Experience the rich flora and fauna at Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a lush, green oasis that offers visitors a glimpse into Florida’s natural past. Along with plenty of trails for hiking and biking, the park has swimming areas in addition to kayaking opportunities – making it an excellent place to enjoy outdoor fun in Vero Beach. The wildlife is spectacular, including alligators, bears, bobcats, foxes, panthers, and deer. If these animals are sighted, visitors can report them to the park office.

17. Visit Mckee Botanical Garden

Mckee Botanical Garden is an 18-acre garden that has unique themes throughout its various cultivated areas. The paths have several informative plaques that direct visitors to different plants and flowers native to the site. The garden has gorgeous exfoliate, excellently manicured artwork that makes for lovely photographs. The children can enjoy themselves at the children’s garden, where they can explore a treehouse and various themed play areas. The exceptional artwork in this garden, some by Seward Johnson, makes it a must-see for art lovers.

16. Experience the historic downtown area of Vero Beach

The historic downtown area of Vero Beach is filled with shops, bars, and restaurants that capture the unique essence of this gorgeous beach town. There are many diverse options for shopping here, from outdoor markets to antique stores to clothing boutiques and more. Visitors who enjoy a glass of wine or refreshing beer should check out one of Vero Beach’s many pubs. You can also check out the Satchel Paige Cafe & Theatre which is a popular joint that frequently hosts live music and other events.

15. Visit the Seagrape trail

Seagrape Trail is a popular walking path that has gorgeous views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Several beaches in the trail lie between North Beach and Wabasso. Most of them are turtle hatching grounds and are visited by people who wish to see the eggs hatch at specific dates and times. Hence, you should book in advance and make sure to check with the local ranger station beforehand.

14. Take a fascinating ride to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

This is a 5,376 acres piece of land that became America’s first national wildlife refuge. The serene sanctuary is a home for alligators, birds, and manta rays. It offers excellent bird watching opportunities, especially during the winter season. Visitors can kayak, hike, or bike to get a closer look at Florida’s native wildlife. This refuge is also part of three different trail systems managed by the National Park Service, including the Indian River Lagoon Greenway system. It’s a haven for various mammals, including dolphins, manatees, otters, and deer.

13. Don’t forget to have some beer at the Walking Tree Brewery

Walking Tree Brewery is a local brewery that has been serving up delicious craft beers to Vero Beach for years. The tap room offers tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process before enjoying a cold one or two with their friends. Visitors who enjoy good food with their beer will want to order some of the Indian River Pizza Company’s wood-fired pies and pair it with a Walking Tree beer.

12. Take a trip to McLarty Treasure Museum

The McLarty Treasure Museum is a unique museum that houses an impressive collection of artifacts and other exciting items discovered near Vero Beach. Guests will find coins, weapons, and other objects that date back to pre-colonial times. There’s also a theater room where visitors can watch movies and documentaries about the history of Vero Beach and its surrounding areas. The museum carries the artifacts and relics that were found in the 1715 plate fleet shipwreck, which was associated with the controversial story of Pedro Mendez. The possessions and treasures that were found help tell a significant part of Vero Beach’s history.

11. Take a trip to Riverside Theatre

This is a historic theater that has concerts, plays and musical performances by local groups throughout the year. Visitors can also attend special movie screenings, popular comedians shows or take their children to see kid-friendly productions. With comfortable seating and excellent acoustics, this is an excellent place to spend an evening catching up with old friends or enjoying quality time with family.

10. Visit the Vero Beach Museum of Art

This is an art museum that features various impressive exhibits and galleries. There are several permanent displays of works by famous artists, including Geoffrey Laurence and Hank Pitcher. The Vero Beach Museum of Art also hosts regular events such as live music shows and theater performances. It regularly invites exciting new artists to display their work here, making this a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the arts. Visitors can see the paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs in the museum. It also holds exciting events frequently, like the community cultural celebrations, children and youth events, classical music concerts, performances, seminars, and more.

9. Take a Trip to Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

This is an excellent area for picnicking and bird watching. There’s also a wooden pier located here, making for a perfect fishing spot in Vero Beach. Visitors will find Oslo Riverfront Coffee Shop close by that offers hot food and beverages. You can hire kayaks and canoes or sign up for various boating activities in the area. Both public and locals frequently visit the place to see flora and fauna like butterflies and birds which live in and around the area. There’s also a beachfront, boardwalk, and picnic area in this park, which makes it an ideal place for taking a break from exploring Vero Beach.

8. Visit Royal Palm Pointe Park

Royal Palm Pointe Park is a popular destination for locals to go jogging, biking, picnicking, and other activities. The park has several nature trails that lead down to the lagoon, where visitors can take gorgeous photos of the sunset on the horizon. Multiple picnic areas around the shore are perfect for family gatherings or small work gatherings.

7. Stop by Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sebastian Inlet State Park is a popular destination for kayakers and other water enthusiasts to do crabbing, fishing, and dolphin watching. The state park has boat rentals available – including tubing options – making it easy for visitors to make the most of their day on the water. The park also has places to hike, swim and camp for guests interested in spending the night outside. The spots holes, including the monster hole and first peak, are a great way to spend the afternoon. The unspoiled beaches make it a great place to collect sea turtle nests, seashells, and other treasures.

6. Visit Round Island Ocean Park and Round Island Riverside Park

The Round Island Ocean Park and the Round Island Riverside Park are excellent destinations for visitors to spend a day outdoors. A large recreational area at the Round Island Ocean Park includes a picnic pavilion, playground equipment, and numerous sports courts. The two parks also have an observation deck where guests can watch dolphins play in the water below. What sets it apart is its proximity to the Indian River lagoon. You can change your scenery from a few feet to many miles depending on where you are on the island. The park also has a fire pit and grill that makes it easy for visitors to have Beach parties.

5. Bike along Vero’s Riverwalk

The beautiful scenery of the Indian River Lagoon is steps away from the paths that run along the lagoon itself. The courses are open to pedestrians and bikers alike, so guests can choose which mode of transportation they’re most comfortable with. Bike rentals are also available in the area for those who do not have one of their own or who want to explore further than what their bikes can cover. If biking isn’t your thing, you can always walk or drive along the path and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

4. Explore the Beaches along Vero’s Oceanfront Boardwalk

Vero Beach is a popular destination for water enthusiasts who want to swim, kayaking, and fish. The oceanfront boardwalk overlooks the ocean and has several places where visitors can rent boats or purchase bait and tackle. Several restaurants along the path offer outdoor seating where visitors can enjoy their food as they relax and watch the waves roll in.

3. Go Horseback Riding at Central Florida’s premier equestrian facility

Vero Beach Stables is a beautiful and expansive property that houses multiple horses and offers riding lessons, guided trail rides, and personalized experiences with their horses for those who want to go deeper into exploring the equine world. This facility is one of the best of its kind in the country, giving guests an experience they won’t forget.

2. Look in on Vero Beach Fitness Trail

This park is full of green grass and oak trees that provide shade for guests who want to go on a jog, bike ride, or relaxing stroll. There are also multiple fitness stations along the path that can give visitors a workout without requiring them to leave the comfort of the park itself.

1. Take a trip to Vero Beach Outlets

The Vero Beach Outlets is a shopping destination with all of the most popular brands and designers represented. There is even an ice rink and Christmas tree shop inside the outlets, making it easy to get into the holiday spirit while also getting some exercise walking around the complex. Vero Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Central Florida.

The area offers a plethora of activities for guests ranging from relaxing to extreme, making it easy to find something that anyone can enjoy. There are also many opportunities for locals who want to get outside and explore their city, with multiple unique restaurants, parks, and even an ice rink within the city limits. The beach is a great place to get away, relax and enjoy some vacation time with friends and family. It’s also a fantastic spot for locals of Orlando who want to escape the hustle and bustle of their hometown and do something fun for a change.

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