Considered one of the best little beach towns in Florida, Vero Beach is a veritable jewel of Florida’s Treasure Coast. The city embodies all of the best South Florida has to offer its residents and visitors. From thriving culture to breathtaking natural beauty, recreation to suit every type of enthusiast and cuisine to match any palate, Vero Beach delivers with effortless grace and sophistication. Whether you’re planning a trip to this tiny beach town or you’re hosting visitors and need suggestions of things to do, here is your complete guide to visiting Vero Beach.
Where to Stay
First things first, you will need to make hotel arrangements. Either of these luxury resorts make an excellent home away from home during your visit to Vero Beach.
Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Nestled along the ocean, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is a rare and radiant gem. This resort gives you very little reason to stray from the premises, although it is centrally located, putting nearby attractions within reach. Lounge on the beach or by the heated oceanside pool, surrounded by two restaurants and a canopy of palm trees. The world-class spa and spacious accommodations at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa make relaxation inevitable.
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is a chic beachfront hotel offering direct access to the azure waters of the Atlantic. Whether you are sipping coffee on your balcony, stretching at a sunrise yoga class, dipping your toes in the ocean waves, lounging by the pool, or relaxing at the spa, you will experience the ultimate in relaxed luxury at Costa d’Este.
Where to Eat
One of the most important elements of any vacation is the food. Thankfully, there is no shortage of desirable dining destinations in Vero Beach. Some of our favorite hotspots include…
Cobalt – Oceanfront eatery serving local seafood and craft cocktails.
The Tides – Upscale seafood restaurant with award-winning wine list.
Osceola Bistro – Local gem with globally influenced + creative fare.
Citrus Grillhouse – Casual American bistro-style seaside restaurant.
Di Mare – French and Italian fine dining destination.
Looking for more ideas? Consult our list of the best date night restaurants in Vero Beach for more fine dining destinations in Vero Beach!
What to Do
Grab Coffee
Any good day starts with a cup of coffee. And there’s nothing quite like unwinding at the end of a full day with a glass of wine. You can do both at Grind & Grape, a unique coffee-shop-meets-wine-bar located just steps from the ocean. Stop by Grind & Grape for a cup of coffee and pastry to enjoy on the outdoor patio before your full day in Vero Beach begins. Then return in the evening for the perfect nightcap!
Explore the Gardens
Vero Beach is known for its exceptional natural beauty. Admire the area’s impeccable foliage and scenery at McKee Botanical Garden, a lush oasis teeming with plant life. Follow the garden’s pathways through a grove of majestic palms as you pass tranquil streams accented with colorful waterlilies. The gardens are comprised of 18 acres of natural landscape preserved and restored to the vision of its founders. McKee Botanical Garden hosts a variety of programs each season, including world-class art exhibits, educational offerings, and special events.
Visit an Art Museum
Vero Beach Museum of Art is the principal cultural arts facility of its kind on Florida’s Treasure Coast. This renowned cultural attraction is situated on 7 acres within the 26-acre Riverside Park on the eastern bank of the Indian River Lagoon. The museum is a treasure trove of artistic expression, hosting art exhibitions, a sculpture garden, performances, an art research library, and much more. Visit the Vero Beach Museum of Art and get inspired by the work of some of the world’s most talented artists from both near and far.
Go To the Beach
If you’ve been to Vero Beach, you know you don’t have to search far to find a pristine beach with warm sugar sands and serene ocean views. Simply head east to the Atlantic shore to step foot on some of the best beaches in Vero Beach, including Jaycee Beach, Humiston Park, Golden Sands Beach Park, and Avalon State Park. Or if you’re lucky enough to stay at either of the two luxury hotels mentioned above, you won’t have to travel far to access the sparkling white sand.
See a Show
If you time your visit to Vero Beach just right, you might be able to see a show at one of the city’s many venues. Check the line-up for shows at Riverside Theatre and the Emerson Center and get your tickets in advance! Named America’s largest small-town professional theater, Riverside Theatre hosts a variety of plays, lecture series, comedy shows, concerts, and other special events throughout the year. The Emerson Center is an 800+ seat public programs venue hosting a myriad of events, from lectures to concert series – such as Live! From Vero Beach, sponsored by Premier Estate Properties agent Cindy O’Dare!
Sample Local Cuisine
Sample the robust flavors of Vero Beach cuisine with Treasure Coast Culinary Tours. Embark on a 2.5-hour adventure in food as you enjoy six delicious tastings, including wood-fired pizza, craft beer, traditional Irish fare, Southern comfort food, seafood, and more. On this educational walking tour, you will have time to sit and relax at each stop while savoring various dishes and drinks. It’s like a multi-course meal featuring the best selection from a variety of venues! Book your tour with Treasure Coast Culinary Tours for a unique culinary experience you won’t forget.
Go on a Boat Ride
One of the best ways to experience Vero Beach is by cruising along the sparkling waterways the region is known for. Florida Cracker Airboat Rides offers the airboat ride of a lifetime second to none other in Vero Beach or along Florida’s Treasure Coast. Witness nature’s wonders as you glide along the St. Johns River in the only real airplane engine-powered touring airboat in Vero Beach. This exhilarating and intimate experience is a popular attraction for both visitors and locals alike!
Practice Your Golf Game
South Florida is known all across the globe for its impeccable golf courses. A visit to Vero Beach is not complete without playing a round of golf at one of the many pristine courses in the city. Book your tee time at Sandridge Golf Club, a beautiful facility with two 18-hole championship layouts designed by Ron Garl. Their dedication to the sport has earned Sandridge Golf Club a reputation as one of the finest public golf destinations in Florida. Both serious and casual golfers alike are invited to experience a pleasant round of golf at Sandridge Golf Club.
Go Shopping
Refresh your wardrobe with a visit to the Vero Beach Outlets, a collection of more than 60 leading designer and brand names with unparallelled prices. Brands include Banana Republic Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Coach Outlet, J.Crew Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Restoration Hardware Outlet, Williams-Sonoma Outlet, and many more.
Visit the Farmers’ Market
If your visit to Vero Beach falls on a Saturday, you’re in luck! The Farmers’ Market Oceanside takes over Ocean Drive at Humiston Park every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. This lively market features an array of products, including produce, citrus, seafood, fresh breads, pastries, botanicals, locally grown landscape plants, honey, spices, healthy drinks, homemade dog biscuits, and more. With local musicians playing and a variety of local shops and restaurants nearby, the farmers’ market is the perfect place to spend your Saturday morning in Vero Beach.
Enjoy your visit to Vero Beach!
There is so much to do, see and taste in Vero Beach. What must-dos would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!