Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Vero Beach, FL

Summary

The Vero Beach Museum of Art
The Environmental Learning Center
McKee Botanical Garden
Main Street Vero Beach
Round Island Beach Park
Seagrape Trail Beach Access
McLarty Treasure Museum
South Beach Park
The Hallstrom Farmstead
Vero Beach Farmers’ Market
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area
Riverside Theatre
Piper Aircraft Factory Tour
Vero Beach Outlets

Vero Beach, located on the Treasure Coast, is a city of significant personal importance. The sheer range of unique experiences available here is remarkable.

An excellent starting point would be the Indian River Lagoon, which offers a level of biodiversity unparalleled in North America.

Essentially, this environment should be experienced in whatever way possible, whether through eco-tours, kayaking excursions, or leisurely strolls along the boardwalks in various parks and preserves lining the lagoon’s shores.

Moreover, the Atlantic coastline beckons with its pristine white sandy beaches. These areas can range from vibrant and amenity-rich to more secluded, catering to diverse preferences.

I find myself almost out of space to discuss Vero Beach as a cultural epicenter. Notable institutions such as the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre are located here.

In addition to being prime attractions, they contribute significantly to the city’s vibrancy by hosting numerous public events.

1. The Vero Beach Museum of Art

In Vero Beach, one can visit the leading art museum of the Treasure Coast. Nestled among picturesque sculpture gardens, the galleries captivated my attention for several hours.

Aside from an extensive permanent collection, the Vero Beach Museum of Art also showcases significant traveling exhibitions.

For instance, during my visit, an exhibition featuring the renowned Dutch printmaker M.C. Escher was on display. Other recent exhibits have highlighted Art Deco industrial design and celebrated artists such as Jack Towrkov and Doris Lee.

The museum boasts an array of public programs, including lectures, live performances, gallery tours, and an engaging Art Zone for children. The institution also plays a pivotal role in organizing significant community events, such as the Concerts in the Park series and Fashion Meets Art in February.

2. The Environmental Learning Center

Located on the Indian River Lagoon, this non-profit establishment encourages individuals to become proactive stewards of the region’s remarkable biodiversity.

The Environmental Learning Center is situated on a 64-acre island, filled with diverse wildlife and is ideally positioned for eco-tours on the lagoon.

The visitor center features an array of exhibits, including aquariums, a touch tank, and a functioning bee hive.

Outdoors, there exists a butterfly garden and wooden walkways traversing the mangroves. Even if you opt for a self-guided tour, the friendly, roaming naturalists are always available to assist with inquiries.

What I find particularly appealing about the ELC are the guided experiences offered, ranging from pontoon boat tours to kayaking adventures.

3. McKee Botanical Garden

Spanning 18 acres, this enchanting botanical garden is rooted in the area’s history as a tourist attraction. Established in 1932, McKee Jungle Gardens operated for over four decades before its closure in the 1970s.

A new chapter began in the 1990s as McKee Botanical Garden transformed into a tropical paradise. It is now home to over 10,000 plants, including Florida’s largest collection of water lilies.

Several components from the original Jungle Gardens have been preserved, such as the restored Spanish Kitchen and Hall of Giants, nestled amid creeks, ponds, and waterfalls. I recommend bringing large spray bottles and swimsuits for kids, as there is an excellent splash pad available.

4. Main Street Vero Beach

Within several blocks surrounding the intersection of 20th Street and 14th Avenue, Vero Beach features a stylish and creative downtown area. For example, I observed five independent art galleries during my visit.

Visiting on the first Friday of the month is ideal for the First Friday Gallery Stroll. Along 14th Avenue, a collection of galleries and other local businesses open their doors to showcase new artwork.

Furthermore, the last Friday of each month brings Downtown Friday, a vibrant street party with food vendors, outdoor concerts, and live demonstrations.

Vero Beach’s artistic identity is also evident in a newly emerging mural trail, with numerous shopping and dining options available. The culinary offerings include tacos, sushi, bagels, New York-style pizza, burgers, exotic teas, and much more.

5. Round Island Beach Park

One aspect that particularly attracts me to Vero Beach is its extensive natural shoreline. Along the coast, there are beaches that typically feature only dunes and mangroves behind them.

In this regard, Round Island is one of the easiest destinations to access. This area is notable for having an Oceanside beach park on the Atlantic coastline, alongside a sprawling Riverside Park along the Indian River Lagoon.

At the beach, nearly 400 feet of supervised expanse is available, containing pristine white sands, an ADA-compliant crossover, a playground, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.

Across the street, Round Island Riverside Park offers yet another fantastic location to launch boats or kayaks/canoes into the lagoon. My preferred feature here is the 400-foot boardwalk, which often allows glimpses of manatees and dolphins.

6. Seagrape Trail Beach Access

While Vero Beach boasts numerous developed municipal beaches, there are also several more secluded and less-frequented options, ideal for those seeking tranquility and nature.

In keeping with the spirit of the Treasure Coast, Seagrape Trail Beach has been a longtime favorite of treasure seekers. Notably, silver coins from the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet have been unearthed here.

Similar to other nearby beaches, Seagrape serves as an essential sea turtle nesting site from April through October. A walkway guides you over the dune habitat to the unguarded beach, allowing you to enjoy the landscape with minimal crowds.

7. McLarty Treasure Museum

The event that bestowed the name “Treasure Coast” occurred in 1715 when a convoy of 11 Spanish ships laden with treasure was lost during a storm.

The McLarty Treasure Museum is located on part of the site where the survivors regrouped after the disaster, which later became the foundation for salvage operations.

The display cases feature numerous artifacts retrieved from local shores, including silver coins, bottles, fragments of pottery, tools from ships, medals, weapons, and more.

I found the Asian artifacts particularly fascinating, illustrating the extent of maritime trade over 300 years ago. Additional intriguing information about archaeological processes is presented, along with an observation deck offering views of the coastline.

8. South Beach Park

For straightforward beach enjoyment, South Beach Park at the eastern end of 17th Street is unparalleled.

This locale is beloved by both locals and visitors, particularly for its ADA-compliant access. Directly beyond the low dunes lies a welcoming expanse of immaculate sand.

Lifeguards are present daily, and various amenities include showers, covered pavilions, restrooms, and ample paved parking.

If you wish to witness a beautiful sunrise, this is a centrally located and convenient place to do so.

9. The Hallstrom Farmstead

The Indian River County Historical Society preserves this historic pineapple plantation, established and operated by Scandinavian immigrants in the early 20th century.

The Hallstrom Farmstead stands as one of the most well-preserved examples of pioneer-era homesteads in the region. While exploring this intimate living history museum, I found myself captivated by the many insights into a now unfamiliar way of life.

The farmstead encompasses a large collection, including furniture, housewares, photographs, personal memorabilia, and first-hand accounts from the family that worked the land.

During my visit, it was announced that Indian River County had recently acquired an additional 100 acres surrounding the property, with a conservation area set to open to the public.

10. Vero Beach Farmers’ Market

During my exploration of this vibrant farmers’ market, I learned it had recently been ranked 11th in the nation for green markets. Established in 2007, the Vero Beach Farmers’ Market occurs on Saturdays from 08:00 am to Noon.

In addition to seasonal Florida produce, vendors offer meat and dairy products, arts and crafts, health and beauty products, and prepared food items.

On the day of my visit, I spotted items such as kombucha, gourmet popcorn, artisanal bread, nut butters, custom woodworking, grass-fed meat, and even all-natural mosquito repellent.

Like most farmers markets, it serves not just as a shopping venue but as a social gathering, and it is also dog-friendly.

11. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

In 1903, an executive order by Theodore Roosevelt established this small island in the Indian River Lagoon as the nation’s first National Wildlife Refuge.

At that time, plume hunting was significantly impacting local bird populations, and this refuge was created to safeguard egrets and other avian species.

This includes pelicans, herons, egrets, anhingas, cormorants, and ibises, which can be observed along a number of trails on the adjacent barrier island, winding through mangroves and salt marshes.

If your time is limited, my recommendation is the light ¾-mile Centennial Trail. This path features a 500-foot ADA-accessible boardwalk and an accessible observation tower that provides views of the protected island.

12. Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

I am thoroughly enamored by the natural beauty of the Indian River Lagoon. Consequently, I am drawn to this undeveloped waterfront area equipped with a kayak launch situated in southern Vero Beach.

The conservation area features diverse habitats, including estuarine wetlands, mature coastal hammocks, and scrubby flatwoods.

Numerous trails provide visitors with substantial access, and due to its vastness, it is common to encounter long stretches of untrammeled trail.

My favorite aspect is the coastal hammock, home to majestic live oaks that have thrived for centuries. This environment serves as a habitat for various wildlife, from songbirds and hawks to squirrels, opossums, and the occasional armadillo.

13. Riverside Theatre

Located at Riverside Park adjacent to the Vero Beach Museum of Art, this facility is the only professional not-for-profit theater in the region.

Housing three stages, this continually evolving center accommodates as many as 300 performances annually, attracting over 100,000 attendees.

Stop by for musicals, comedies, dramas, live stand-up, lectures, concerts, and up to eight productions designed specifically for children each year.

At the core of Riverside Theatre is the Mainstage, which can seat 633 patrons and has been operational since 1973. This has been complemented by a more intimate second stage and the 300-seat Anne Morton Theatre, which exclusively hosts children’s productions.

If you are contemplating weekend plans, I would suggest attending the Live in the Loop outdoor concert series, featuring free shows every Friday and Saturday.

14. Piper Aircraft Factory Tour

Vero Beach boasts the largest private employer in Indian River County, Piper Aircraft, which operates from Vero Beach Regional Airport.

With roots dating back to 1927, this company has been manufacturing general aviation aircraft and established its presence in the city during the 1950s.

Since that time, the Vero Beach factory has produced over 120,000 airplanes, following its acquisition by the Government of Brunei in 2009.

Complimentary factory tours are offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, lasting about an hour and requiring a release form to be signed in advance.

During my tour, I found the narrative surrounding the Henry Ford-like founder, William T. Piper (1881-1970), quite intriguing and had the opportunity to observe M-Class aircraft in various stages of assembly.

15. Vero Beach Outlets

For a change of pace from the beaches and Indian River Lagoon, the Vero Beach Outlets is worth a visit. Positioned in the far western section of the city, this outlet mall features nearly 40 stores, predominantly offering premium brands.

During my last visit, I noted several brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Ann Taylor, Columbia, and Tommy Hilfiger.

To maximize savings, I suggest checking online for specific sales and promotions. Unlike many outlet malls, this location does not feature dining options; however, numerous restaurant chains can be found further east along SR 60.

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