Vero Beach is located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast in Indian River County. Vero Beach has a variety of restaurants, luxury resorts, lovely gardens, a vibrant downtown, and baseball history as it was the LA Dodgers Spring Training Site. It is a beautiful city that is much less crowded than Miami or Orlando and is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. If you are looking for that perfect Florida vacation, Vero Beach might just be your next destination.
Where to Stay:
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
A hotel that is right on Vero Beach is the Disney Vero Beach Resort. Relax on the warm sand and play in the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is located just north of Vero Beach on a fairly quiet section of the beach. This area of the beach is never really crowded. In addition to activities like the pool, spa, and beach, there are a ton of unique activities that this resort provides. The resort offers bicycle rentals, mini-golf, and a sing-along campfire. If you are traveling with the family, there is something here to keep everyone happy.
As you look around the room you will notice the resort theme is a citrus packing company with a lodge feel. Clearly, we are in Indian River County. To illustrate the connection to this, the walls are decorated with old citrus crate labels from area packing houses.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort: 9250 Island Grove Terrace, Vero Beach
Vero Beach Hotel & Spa by Kimpton
If you are craving a bit of luxury during your Vero Beach vacation, then stay at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. You really won’t have to leave this oceanfront hotel. Rooms at this hotel are decorated in West Indies-style decor. Some rooms and suites come with private balconies.
Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa: 3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
Costa d’Este
Even though you are still two and a half hours from South Beach in Miami, fear not. Gloria and Emilio Estefan will bring Miami’s chic style and sophistication to you here at Vero Beach. Estefan’s style and taste are evident throughout the luxury Vero Beach resort. This oceanfront hotel offers a spa and fitness facilities, two restaurants and bars with ocean-view dining inside or out, beach services, and an outdoor infinity pool.
Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa: 3244 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
The Historic Driftwood Resort
Once in a while, you just have to stay in an unusual hotel, and the historic Driftwood Resort will fill that need. Constructed from ocean-washed driftwood and built in the late 1930s, this rustic oceanfront complex with private boardwalk access is filled with historic old antiques, bells, and artifacts. This hotel is one of the most surprisingly different accommodations I have seen.
The Historic Driftwood Resort: 3150 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
Day One:
Breakfast at The Lemon Tree
For breakfast all day, and delicious sandwiches for lunch, and now dinner, you should try The Lemon Tree. This cozy cafe across from the beach offers old-fashioned meals in a simple, diner-style restaurant. The Lemon Tree is known for its delicious meals, friendly staff, casual, comfortable atmosphere, and reasonable prices. The chef sent out a small lemon muffin to munch on while I waited for my delicious huge lemon-blueberry pancake.
The Lemon Tree: 3125 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach
Head to the Beach
Finally, it is time to hit the beach. Come on now, isn’t that why you came here? Vero Beach boasts 22 miles of pristine and beautiful beaches. Beaches that are sapphire blue. It’s like going to the Bahamas without leaving Florida. Head to the beach and enjoy the fresh tropical breezes.
Lunch at Cobalt Restaurant at the Kimpton Hotel and Spa on the Beach
Located inside the Kimpton Hotel and Spa and inspired by the colorful history of the Treasure Coast, Cobalt strives to deliver an adventurous escape to all its guests. Brenda had breakfast and I had the French Dip. Brenda also had a glass of wine to go with her eggs and her view of the ocean. The menus reflect the fresh, local ingredients of the Treasure Coast.
Cobalt: 3500 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach
Vero Beach Museum of Art
There are many Art Museums scattered around the Treasure Coast of Florida, but The Vero Beach Museum of Art is the largest cultural arts facility of its kind, which is admired and appreciated by residents and tourists alike. This nationally accredited art museum offers a dose of culture for all ages and interests. From five galleries featuring national and international exhibitions to sculpture parks with large-scale works from its permanent collection. The Museum is located in Riverside Park. If you love art, you won’t find a better way to spend the day.
Vero Beach Museum of Art: 3001 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach
Indian River Citrus Museum
Indian River County is famous for its fruit… along the banks of Florida’s legendary Indian River. Here is where perfect sandy soil, clear sunlight, ample water, and balmy breezes conspire to produce fruit that is truly “tropical” – the envy of other citrus growing regions. Thin-skinned, exceptionally juicy, naturally sweet, and delicious. You’ll taste the difference. Learn more about the disappearing Indian River Citrus Industry here: “Fresh Fruit from Florida- Indian River Citrus.
Pay a visit to the Indian River Citrus Museum to learn the impact these delicacies have had on the area and keep an eye out all over town for these orange crate labels that have sprung up in key locations, and if you see Flo, let me know!
Indian River Citrus Museum: 2140 14th Ave, Vero Beach
Visit an Orange Grove at Schacht Groves
You can come to the Schacht Grove farm for a memorable outing with an added perk: You can purchase and bring home fresh citrus that you picked straight from the groves! With U-Pick, you’ll get to pick the fruit that you want right off the trees. You can’t find that in a grocery store and the fruit tastes so much sweeter. They have a farm store that features local produce, eggs, and meat. They also offer unique gifts and locally handcrafted items. Additional items offer up Florida flavor, from an assortment of pecan log rolls to orange blossom honey.
Schacht Groves: 6100 12th St, Vero Beach
Countryside Family Farm
The spirit of “Old Florida” is still alive as this little fruit farm thrives to continue a great family tradition that spans four generations. This historic citrus packing house is one of the oldest in the county. Try the creamsicle shake made with fresh orange juice and ice cream. For an afternoon snack pair your shake with a taco from the El Sid Taco truck. Nothing better than tacos and ice cream.
Countryside Family Farms 6325 81st Street Vero Beach
Dinner at The Ocean Grill
Finally, it is dinner time and a stop at The Ocean Grill. A popular dining spot famous for its seafood entrees and steak offerings. Enjoy some of the best crab cakes you’ve ever tasted. Caught in the Indian River Lagoon, the crab is sweet, buttery, and fresh. Try the jumbo lump crab cake and a slice of Key Lime pie for dessert. Best of all, the Ocean Grill is right on the beach giving you one of the best views in town.
Ocean Grill: 1050 Sexton Plaza, Vero Beach
Day Two:
Coffee & Breakfast at Rio Coco Cafe
If you take a walk in Downtown Vero, not only will you see some beautiful architecture but you will be able to stop by the Rio Coco Cafe for coffee and breakfast. Located in the Pocahontas Building, one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Vero, the Rio Coco Cafe serves a very healthy menu, along with coffees, teas, smoothies, and signature drinks. Try the lavender honey latte.
Rio Coco Cafe & Roastery: 3300 43rd Ave #3, Vero Beach
Dodgertown
Walking into the old Dodgertown complex reminded me of the spring training games here at Dodgertown when folks would come to this ballpark adorned in blue and white to attend a game. It was springtime in Florida and a chance to see your favorite player in a more intimate setting. This is where the Dodgers did their spring training for many years until 2008 when the Dodgers played the Houston Astros in their final game at Holman Stadium. The Dodgers said goodbye to Dodgertown which served as their Spring Training home for 61 years. The Dodgers lost that game by a score of 12-10 and Vero Beach lost a key attraction to the city. The history of Dodgertown runs deep for many fans who say that the magic is gone.
Dodgertown was recently revitalized and is now The Jackie Robinson Training Complex which houses lodging, meeting space, training facilities, and a 6,500-seat stadium. In addition, it serves as a year-round hub of amateur development designed to diversify and strengthen the talent pipelines of baseball and softball. The 80-acre campus is a multi-sport training and tournament destination for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Jackie Robinson Training Complex: 3901 26th St, Vero Beach
Navy Seal Museum
Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, the Museum resides on the training grounds of the original Navy combat divers, the Frogmen. SEAL stands for SEA, AIR & LAND. In a word, the displays are CAPTIVATING. Inside the Navy SEALs museum are videos, weapons, documents, and other artifacts that chronicle the storied history of these elite units, from inception to the present.
Navy SEAL Museum: 3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL
Day Three:
Spend the Morning at McKee Botanical Gardens
McKee Botanical Gardens is an 18-acre lush botanical garden that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a historic Florida landmark. Here in its jungle landscape, you will find one of the biggest outdoor displays of water lilies in the United States, with lilies blooming in lagoons, streams, and around waterfalls. Soaring to heights 80 feet tall, the Royal Palm creates a sense of wonder as you wander through the grove at McKee. As you enter this enchanting shaded palm hammock you will immediately be in amazement at the mammoth size of these trees.
It’s a great place to learn about native plants and trees, or just enjoy being outside amongst the beauty of lily ponds, waterfalls, bamboo forests, and garden art. Look for special events throughout the year. One of the best to look for is the Magic of McKee Festival of Lights during the Christmas season. Bring a book and relax for a while!
McKee Botanical Gardens: 350 US-1, Vero Beach
Lunch at American Icon Brewery
After touring McKee Gardens it was a good time to get together for a brew. In addition to our thirst, we were getting hungry as well. We headed on over to American Icon Brewery in Vero Beach’s Historic Diesel Plant. It’s an old power plant with lots of exposed brick. Their mission is simple. To create balanced, approachable, and interesting hand-crafted beer, and serve it along with delicious food.
Brittany was a classic example of friendly service. She patiently helped me with my beer choices for the flight that I ordered and came back to see which I liked best. I tried the Icon, American Hero, Diesel Plant, and the 1926 Hef. I think my favorite changed 3 times but I went with the American Hero. They have delicious pizza and the ICON Burger is a chargrilled chuck, brisket, and short rib burger with lettuce, tomato, smoked bacon, AIB sauce, and a choice of cheese, served on a brioche bun. The Best!
American Icon Brewery: 1133 19th Pl, Vero Beach
Sidewalk Shopping on Ocean Drive
Not only are there restaurants and hotels on Ocean Drive but plenty of boutique shopping here as well. The shops carry everything from art and jewelry to clothing and shoes. You can find that perfect item for your home or that one-of-a-kind souvenir to take back with you. You won’t find any dime-store trinkets and tacky Florida mementos here. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, Vero has a huge outlet mall west of town by the interstate highway.
If you are looking for a simple Florida vacation without the stress of overcrowding and waiting in line for hours then Vero Beach is what you are looking for. While there is no escaping the crowds, there are beach sites where it is practically deserted. If you love beaches, nature, water sports, culture, fine restaurants, and an old Florida feel. Try Vero Beach for your next vacation destination.
