Vero Beach is one of Florida’s lesser-known treasures, situated on the east coast, it is a thriving city that houses around 15,000 people according to the 2010 census. The great thing about Vero Beach is that there is always something to do there.
If you like walking tours, surfing, beach relaxation, art, or museums, there is something for everyone at Vero Beach.
It even has a treasure museum that features rare artifacts and treasures that were salvaged from Spanish shipwrecks.
So, what are some amazing things to do in Vero Beach that are worth splashing money on (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Siesta“)? What activities can you do there with your whole family? How much will it cost to get into some of these venues?
Well, why not look at our list of some of the best things to do when you are at Vero Beach (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Miami Beach“)?
Why Go To Vero Beach?
Like a lot of the scenic beach spots in Florida, people flock here every year for surfing. There are around 26 miles of shorefront in Indian River County, with plenty of access trails that you can use to get to places like Riomar Beach, Sea Cove, and Sexton Plaza.
This is also a great place to go golfing, as the city is home to around 14 golf clubs. It also has a Disney Resort, which is amazing if you want to bring young children. This can be found in Wabasso Beach, which is a town slightly North of Vero Beach.
This place is also steeped in history, featuring a US Naval Airbase that was called Historic Dodgertown that was built during World War Two. This was later repurposed as a training area for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the LA Dodgers.
Have we piqued your interest? Well, let’s get stuck into some of the top-rated activities that you can partake in while you are at Vero Beach. We have something for intensive sports fans as well as the culture vultures.
This first place is a great place to go if you enjoy lush green surroundings and a relaxing atmosphere.
There is plenty to do and learn about at the McKee Botanical Gardens, with educational programs and exhibitions for adults and children that run all year round.
It also has a children’s garden where the little ones can run around and experience the wonders of the natural world.
This has seasonal exhibits such as the glass exhibition by the resident master glass sculptor and the annual waterlily showcase.
What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than lying by the water? Well, if you prefer still waters to crashing sea waves, then get yourself down to Round Island Beach Park.
This comes with a footbridge to an island where you can fish or sit in the observation tower to look at the many manatees that live here.
You can also take a canoe out on the water, which is a great activity that you and your kids can do.
This place is teeming with nature, so if you are a wildlife spotter, then take some binoculars to spy on some of the most exotic birds, reptiles and mammals in the country.
Next, we have a museum that you might not find anywhere else in the world, let alone the country. That’s right, the title is not misleading, this is a treasure museum.
Salvaged from a fleet full of Spanish treasure that was sunk in 1715, this gallery houses a literal treasure trove of gold and silver.
But there is also a lot of history to be learned here, with a 45-minute film that details the full story of how the 1715 fleet sank and how the cleanup operation was conducted. You can also view the weapons and artillery that were used at the time.
Sometimes you’ll want to visit a specific part of the country in order to observe their unique wildlife.
This is why so many people make the journey to Pelican Island National Refuge Park. But this isn’t just the home to the Pelican, it has thousands of species of animals.
This place is teeming with reptiles like the gopher tortoise, birds such as the rare red egret and tricolor heron as well as bobcats and manatees.
The team at Pelican Island is dedicated to preserving the unique flora and fauna of this unique island as well as encouraging education about the various species that live here.
Now if you prefer man-made wonders to the wonders of nature, then Vero Beach Museum Of Art is a great place for you to start. It is home to collections of national and local art that you can’t see anywhere else in the world.
But that’s not all, this museum usually hosts something for all the family. There is the annual children’s art festival, where youngsters can go and really express their creativity.
They also have an art summer camp and a café where you can unwind after a long day of browsing.
Next up, we have a combination of a museum and a wildlife park, with 64-acre indoor space that is dedicated to preserving wildlife and promoting education about the natural world.
This place is bursting with activities, from kayaking, camping trips, speaking tours and nature trails.
The ELC is situated in the center of a mangrove forest, so you can be certain of many spectacular views and a diverse range of animals, plants and birds. This place also has a touch tank and plenty of daily exhibits and guides for children and adults alike.
If you like to shop for unique items, then the Wildwood Antique Mall will appeal to you. It boasts and incredible (and quite frankly daunting) 35,000 acres of vintage collectibles and antiques.
From one-of-a-kind ceramics to kitschy grandfather clocks to Elvis-themed toasters, the only limit is your imagination.
You can easily get lost in this place, so make sure that you reserve a few hours of your time to browse every square inch of this place.
They have old-school movie posters and even antique weapons… just make sure you’ll be able to get them back through customs if you are flying!
Now if you have exhausted yourself walking around all day in the sun, then you might be keen to sit back, relax and enjoy some theatre. Well, the Riverside Theatre has all the live entertainment that you need.
This theatre has musicals, theatre shows, children’s theatre events and stand-up comedy. There are also classes that both adults and children can take, so if you fancy learning how to dance or act, then head on down to the Riverside Theatre.
Now, if you are interested in craft brewing, then you can be sure Vero Beach has a venue to cater to your boozy needs. The Walking Tree Brewery has 25 craft ales you can sample, some of which have won numerous awards.
The environment of this brewery is warm and welcoming and they have lots of events running on a weekly basis.
They have yoga, live music, and quiz nights, so if you like to mix your drinks with some fun and relaxation, this is a great place to visit during the evening.
What does Vero Beach have in common with the humble orange fruit? Well, quite simply because Indian River Citrus was once one of the region’s most famous exports. This museum houses artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and even crate labels from the period.
This comes with guided tours that will detail the complete history of the Indian River Citrus. This is a section of local history that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. You can also treat yourself to the colorful and florescent merchandise from the gift shop.
This is one for the horse-lovers, allowing you to travel along the Treasure Coast in style. This club caters to all experience levels of horse riding, whether you have been riding for years or you have literally never sat in the saddle before.
This usually takes anywhere between 2 and 3 hours to ride, so make sure you have blocked off a section of your morning or afternoon to really enjoy it.
This club comes with specialist training programs and grooming tips that will help you maintain your four-legged friend to the highest standard.
Conclusion
We hope that our guide to the best activities and venues in the Vero Beach area has helped give you some inspiration.
There is so much to do here that you might find it difficult to get it all done in one day, so take a few days off to hit a few different locations.
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
