Uncover the Hidden Gems: 15 Unforgettable Experiences in Vero Beach, Florida!

It’s a laid-back tropical getaway for millionaires (and billionaires) seeking a chance to unwind away from the spotlight of Palm Beach and Miami to the south. Vero Beach is the sort of place where celebrities can (and often do) walk along the public boardwalk, and no one makes a stir. With its upscale shops, wine bars, and spas, it’s often referred to as the Hamptons of Florida. However, the lovely aspect of Vero Beach is that it’s just as inviting to those used to a different kind of glamour and shine. Take, for instance, long-time local Bibble Irvin, known for selling his distinctive handwoven palm-frond hats outside popular local spots, where he joyfully engages with everyone from local citrus growers to high-powered real estate moguls. Quirky, forthright, and wholly Floridian, Irvin embodies Vero Beach just as much as the latest tycoon who becomes enthralled with the community’s unique mix of elegance and genuine, flip-flop enjoyment. It’s this charm that makes this delightful find feel like home to all sorts of visitors—everyone here eventually finds themselves at the funky core of Vero Beach. Continue reading for the finest activities to experience in this unforgettable Treasure Coast town.

What To Do In Vero Beach, Florida

Dress For The Occasion

They say to dress for the role you aspire to, and in Vero the most sought-after profession is a full-time beach enthusiast. Stock up on resort apparel and other preppy attire at shops along Azalea Lane, where The Lazy Daisy (a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store), Southern Tide, Tusk, and The Gazebo (women’s clothing) are all situated next to each other. Other spots to find sun-soaked essentials include The Beach Shop Vero Beach and The Twig Shop.

Explore The Vero Beach Museum of Art

The main visual arts institution on the Treasure Coast, the Vero Beach Museum of Art showcases a remarkable permanent collection of nearly 1,000 works that span paintings, sculptures, photography, and video from the early 20^th century to the present day. With rotating exhibitions and community galleries, there’s always something new to explore, and entry is merely $12 for adults.

vbmuseum.org; 3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963; 772-231-0707

Experience Citrus Country Flavors

Florida is renowned for its iconic citrus production, and Vero Beach proudly continues that legacy. Schact Groves & Market has been a family-run business since 1950, serving as a perfect place to view the magnificent orchards, purchase fresh oranges and grapefruits, or even pick your own to enjoy at home. As you wander among the trees and savor just how much superior Indian River County citrus tastes compared to others, you will gain an appreciation for how this agricultural powerhouse ascended to prominence in the mid-1900s and never looked back. Be sure to visit the Farm Market to purchase other artisanal and locally sourced products such as preserves, fresh bread, and freshly squeezed juice.

schachtgroves.com; 6100 12th St, Vero Beach, FL 3296; 772-562-5858

Tour An Exquisite Garden

Next, in keeping with the floral atmosphere, immerse yourself in what appears to be the lush core of Vero Beach, the magnificent McKee Botanical Garden. Established in 1932 by Arthur G. McKee and innovative pioneer Waldo E. Sexton on lush tropical hammock as the McKee Jungle Gardens (formerly home to exotic wildlife such as chimpanzees), this destination preserves the intricate enchantment of the original vision and exudes the essence of a true Florida paradise.

mckeegarden.org; 350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962; 772-794-0601

Explore The Waterways

Discover the Indian River Lagoon alongside its dolphins, avian life, and enchanting mangrove passages with the fantastic team at Vero Tackle & Watersports, who will guide you on kayak or paddleboard excursions or provide you with gear for independent outings. The outfitter also presents inshore fishing voyages for those eager to uncover the tricks (and hidden fishing spots) of local fishing enthusiasts.  

verowatersports.com; 3321 Bridge Plaza Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-234-9585

Experience Both The Ocean And The Lagoon

One of Vero Beach’s prime features is its closeness to water; it is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. A duo of adjacent parks grants everyone straightforward access to both. Just eight miles from downtown Vero, Round Island Oceanside Park serves as an excellent public beach access point featuring the sugar white sands and azure waters you’ve come to anticipate from this region of Florida, complete with amenities like grills, restrooms, and a children’s playground. Cross over Road A1A to the beach’s counterpart, Round Island Riverside Park, where you can embark on a completely distinct escapade. Nature trails, a 400-foot-long boardwalk, a fishing pier, and a lookout tower (ideal for spotting manatees below) are all part of the experience.

Where To Dine In Vero Beach, Florida

Enjoy A Waterfront Dinner At Ocean Grill

Created by Vero Beach visionary Waldo Sexton, the Ocean Grill is a magnificent establishment crafted from reclaimed timber, found art, and diverse decor layers. Settle at the bar of the restaurant, which overlooks the Atlantic’s restless waves, and savor some of the most delightful crab cakes you’ll ever try. Caught in the Indian River Lagoon, the crab is sweet, rich, and fresh. You might spot an adventurous couple across the bar looking as though they’ve seamlessly escaped from Palm Beach. Acknowledge and toast them with your Pusser’s Painkiller cocktail.

ocean-grill.com; 1050 Beachland Blvd., Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-231-5409

Enjoy Breakfast At The Lemon Tree

This classic diner has been catering to the community with three meals a day since 1986. Drop by for a fulfilling meal of chicken pot pie or beef tips with rice for lunch or dinner and you won’t be let down. However, the true highlight here is breakfast when the restaurant serves its signature lemon-blueberry pancakes.  

thelemontreevero.com; 3125 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-231-0858

Enjoy Tacos at El Sid Taqueria

Positioned on Ocean Drive, merely a brief stroll from the shoreline, El Sid (inside Countryside Citrus Farm’s beachside store) is the spot to indulge in a remarkable plate of tacos and a frozen beverage after an enjoyable morning soaking up the sun. Corn tortillas are loaded with your preference of carnitas, carne asada, mahi, pollo asada, or a vegetarian combination of black bean puree, grilled portobello mushrooms, rajas poblanos, and onions, then adorned with shredded cabbage, feta cheese, radish, onion, and cilantro. Wash it all down with a refreshing citrus slushie blended with soft serve.

elsid.com; 3300 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-234-8299

Relish A Delightful Dinner Out

If you’re eager to flaunt your new sundress, there are various spots where you can display your attire and enjoy a scrumptious meal. The Wave Kitchen + Bar, situated in the Costa d’ Este Resort, specializes in Cuban fare and fresh seafood. Experience the Paella a la Costa for a combination of both. At the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa’s Cobalt, indulge in a premium cut of steak, an extravagant seafood tower, or twin lobster tails. And when in Florida, don’t forget to finish your meal with a slice of key lime pie.

costadeste.com; 3244 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-562-9919

cobaltrestaurant.com; 3500 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-469-1060

Allocate Time For A Beverage

Reserve a morning or evening for delightful beverages at Grind + Grape, a café during the day and a chic bar at night. If you arrive after sunset, you’ll be in for a delightful surprise as the bar features live music every evening. For a daytime outing with some added excitement, drop by for a jazz brunch that takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

grindandgrape.com; 925 Bougainvillea Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-231-5536

Explore A Vero Beach Landmark

You cannot explore Vero without spending a night at Waldo’s, a cherished venue constructed from driftwood right in the heart of the town. Nestled within the iconic Driftwood Inn, a two-story hotel entirely made of driftwood by the renowned Waldo Sexton himself, Waldo’s offers a dining experience you won’t want to overlook. Let your gaze feast upon the so-called “Menagerie of Monstrosities” where everything from cannons to plush couches to a substantial bell collection can be found. Then, satisfy your appetite with smoked fish dip, fried seafood, and more.

historicwaldos.com; 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 32963; 772-231-7091

Where To Reside In Vero Beach, Florida

The Driftwood Resort

If you enjoyed the quirky, genuine experience at Waldo’s, consider spending additional time at this exceptional property by reserving a room at the Driftwood Resort. There are studios, two-bedroom suites, and more options available.

verobeachdriftwood.com; 3150 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-231-0550

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

For a more opulent experience, spend your days at the luxurious quarters of the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa—featuring a cozy pool (and beach bar), a tranquil spa, and lounge chair-adorned soft sands with courteous staff available to provide you with sporting equipment to enjoy in the ocean.

verobeachhotelandspa.com; 3500 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-231-5666

Costa d’ Este Resort

It doesn’t get much more glamorous than eight-time Grammy Award victor Gloria Estefan. Her Vero Beach resort, Costa d’Este, embodies her distinctive flair with contemporary elements and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Multiple dining venues and bars, a spa, and complimentary sunrise yoga further enhance the experience.

costadeste.com; 3244 Ocean Dr Vero Beach, FL 32963; 772-562-9919