12+ Best Things to Do in Vero Beach (2024)

Last Updated on March 29, 2024

When most people think of the best things to do in Vero Beach, they probably conjure images of sand, sun, and surf.

And while there’s no denying that the beautiful beaches make Vero Beach such a great place to visit, there’s so much more to this charming Florida city than its coastline.

Nestled on Indian River Lagoon, Vero Beach is one of the state’s most popular destinations for those looking for an Old Florida escape.

Vero Beach is a great part of Florida, offering something special for nature and art lovers.

Plus, this area has some of the best Florida citrus. You can pick your own citrus, buy a pre-assembled bag or have it shipped to you and your loved ones.

Things to Do in Vero Beach

Downtown Vero Beach is located between Daytona Beach and Ft. Lauderdale in an area commonly known as Florida’s Treasure Coast.

It’s also sandwiched between Melbourne Beach and Fort Pierce if you want an even more scaled-down idea of its location.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the country’s oldest and most important bird sanctuaries.

Established on March 14, 1903, by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Pelican Island refuge is home to more than 300 species of birds, including pelicans, egrets, herons, and ibises.

It was first created to protect brown pelicans from slaughter by market hunters.

Visitors can participate in various activities at the refuge, including birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular things to do in Vero Beach.

Pelican Island is a big attraction for nature lovers and bird watchers. Many island inhabitants are only around for parts of the year (take a bow, Snow Birds, aka White Pelicans).

Savvy bird lovers time their visits to coincide with the birds they want to see.

The refuge’s entrance is on Wildlife Way in Vero Beach. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Address: 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, FL 32963

The Vero Beach Museum of Art

The beloved Vero Beach Museum of Art is internationally recognized as one of the top cultural attractions for its superb art collections. It’s also dedicated to education and community outreach.

The Museum is spread over 50,000+ feet of floor space and offers something for everyone, whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for interesting things to do in Vero Beach.

With a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and events, the Vero Beach Museum of Art is always worth a visit.

The museum focuses on prominent regional, state, and national art exhibits and is home to an impressive sculpture garden. 

Much of the work on display is contemporary, with a good splash of older pieces.

They also have a great museum store.

So whether you’re a local or just passing through, add the Vero Beach Museum of Art to your list of things to do. You won’t be disappointed.

• The Vero Beach Museum of Art is closed on Mondays
• Open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Last admission 4:15 pm)
• Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm (Last admission 3:45 pm).
• Tickets may be purchased from the ticketing website.

The Vero Beach Museum of Art Address: 3001 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963

The Environmental Learning Center

The Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach is a great place to learn about the local ecosystem while soaking in the fresh air available in abundance throughout its 64 acres at any time of the year.

The center offers a variety of educational programs and activities for all ages, making it a perfect destination for a family outing or a day trip with friends.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the center’s miles of trails, which wind through lush vegetation and offer views of the Indian River Lagoon.

Bird-watching, kayaking, pontoon tours, and fishing are just a few activities available.

The center also houses a museum with exhibits on the area’s Native American heritage and early settlers.

Whether you’re looking for an adventurous day outdoors or learning more about Florida’s natural history, the Environmental Learning Center will surely please you.

Located on Live Oak Drive in Vero Beach, the Environmental Learning Center is open seven days a week:

• Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday – Sunday from 8:00 am – to 4:00 pm
• Admission is $10 for adults (12 and up)
• $5 for children 2-11
• Free for children under age 2.

Don’t miss their LIVE Osprey cam.

The Environmental Learning Center Address: 255 Live Oak Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963

McKee Botanical Garden

When looking for things to do in Vero Beach that offer something for the entire family, check out McKee Botanical Garden.

This lush, tropical oasis is a hidden gem in the Sunshine State. It’s also a great place to spend a day exploring with family or friends.

The garden is home to a wide variety of plant life and an array of sculptures and fountains. There’s also a cool children’s garden.

Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a perfect place to relax, McKee Botanical Garden is worth a visit.

• The entrance is at 350 US Highway 1, near downtown Vero Beach.
• The Gardens are open every day but Monday.
• Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors 65+ and youth (13-17), and $10 for children and military.
• Under two are free.

Check out our article about McKee Botanical Gardens.

McKee Botanical Gardens Address: 350 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32962

Seagrape Trail

Looking for a more remote and unique way to spend an afternoon in Vero Beach? Then be sure to check out the Seagrape Trail.

This winding nature path takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area (between Wabasso and North Beach), all while providing fascinating facts about the local plant and animal life.

As you stroll along the trail, you’ll learn everything from seagrasses to mangroves to sea turtles.

And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two swimming offshore.

Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for something different to do, the Seagrape Trail is worth a visit, but keep in mind this is a little more rugged, adventurous experience than most Florida trails.

Some areas may have restricted access if you visit during Sea Turtle nesting season. Plan accordingly.

Seagrape Trail Beach Access is located 1/2 mile south of County Road 510. Seagrape Trail has a paved parking area with boardwalk access to the beach. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Seagrape Trail Address: 8462 North Highway A1A, Indian River Shores, FL 32963

Interested in participating in a Turtle Walk? Check out Don’t Miss a 2023 Florida Sea Turtle Walk.

McLarty Treasure Museum

Although we focus primarily on the positive Florida experiences, we still like to keep it real.

During storms in the open sea, the Atlantic Ocean can turn into an epic wrecking ball that sadly has had the power to devastate boats and ships since the beginning of time.

In the early 18th century, a large storm sank a significant portion of the Spanish fleet. Along with ships and crewmen, untold amounts of gold and silver went to the bottom of the ocean.

The history that goes along with the treasure hunters trying to find and recover those precious metals is long, twisted, and almost surreal, and there’s no better place to take it all in than the McLarty Treasure Museum.

The McLarty Treasure Museum is located on Orchid Island, north of Windsor and Vero Beach, on the barrier island at the north end of Indian River County.

The museum is open seven days a week (except on holidays). Admission is only $2 and free for children under six.

McLarty Treasure Museum Address: 13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963

The Hallstrom Farmstead

Situated on a beautiful property, the Hallstrom Farmstead offers visitors a chance to experience a working farm. Don’t miss the many activities and amenities the property offers.

The property was a 40-acre pineapple plantation built in 1909 by Swedish immigrant Axel Hallstrom and part of his pineapple plantation.

The farm was bequeathed to the Indian River County Historical Society in 1999 by Hallstrom’s daughter Ruth Hallstrom.

Guests can tour the pioneer-era home and farm and explore the five acres of pristine Florida farmland.

The farmstead includes a collection of furniture and housewares, photographs, personal memorabilia, and first-hand accounts of the family who worked the plot.

NOTE: The Indian River Historical Society office is located in the 1903 Vero Beach Railroad Station on 14th Avenue in historic downtown Vero Beach.

The Hallstrom Farmstead Address: 1701-1723 Old Dixie Hwy SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962

Vero Beach Farmers Market Oceanside

The Farmers Market Oceanside has attracted a loyal following since its launch.

You can always count on fresh and seasonal Florida produce, fresh meat and dairy products, arts, and crafts, health and body products, and several take-home food items.

Like many farmers’ markets, it’s a great place to connect with the community and support local businesses. You can bring your dogs, but they must be on a leash.

The Farmers Market Oceanside is held on Saturdays from 8 am until noon.

The Farmers Market Oceanside Address: 2901 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) in Vero Beach (the southern portion of Indian River County) is a great place to spend a day.

With over 400 pristine acres of land to explore, there’s plenty to do.

Take a hike through the woods on one of the many trails, go for a swim in the river, or sit back and relax in the shade.

There’s also plenty of wildlife to see, including alligators, otters, and countless birds.

And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Florida manatee or two.

The conservation area is open from sunrise to sunset and free to enter. It’s also a designated Great Florida Birding Trail.

With multiple entrances that are convenient to reach from different areas, the park’s staff offers seasonal, guided tours.

You can also check out their other programs, like the ever-popular Coastal Wetlands Walk held on the first Saturday of the month.

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area Address: 150 9th St SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962

Riverside Theatre

If you’re looking for entertaining things to do in Vero Beach, you’ll want to check out one of the best places, Riverside Theatre.

It’s a fun place to grab a snack or beer and enjoy the entertainment. This historic theatre is a great source of entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

Built in 1913, the theatre has been restored to its original grandeur and now hosts various events throughout the year.

There’s something for everyone at Riverside Theatre, from Broadway musicals to comedy shows.

Four times a year, they also host a popular guest lecturer series that covers various local, national, and international topics. Plus, they offer great outdoor performances, too.

And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, check out the Riverside Ghost Tours. These popular tours take you through the backstage areas of the theatre and are said to be haunted by the ghosts of past performers.

Riverside Theatre Address: 3250 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Looking for more spooky fun? Don’t miss the 6 Most Haunted Places in Florida.

Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival

The Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival is an annual event taking place April 11 – 14, 2024. It celebrates the best of both worlds: authentic wines and great films.

The festival features a wide variety of wines from all over the world and a selection of independent and mainstream films.

Guests can sample wines while they watch films or enjoy the festival’s atmosphere.

There is also a food court with various dining options from local restaurants and caterers and a marketplace where guests can purchase wine and other merchandise.

The Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival is the perfect way to spend a weekend in Vero Beach. Guests can relax and enjoy the best that this popular destination has to offer.

Vero Beach Wine and Film Festival Address: 1360 US-1 # 6, Vero Beach, FL 32960

The Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum

A trip to Vero Beach is incomplete without visiting The Heritage Center & Indian River Citrus Museum.

Here you will discover how citrus seeds made their way to Florida and how area pioneers established the most distinguished citrus fruit in the world, the Indian River Citrus.

The place is chock full of artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and citrus crate labels, which are truly a work of art.

They have a few cool Floridania souvenirs you can purchase as well. (Sorry, that’s Authentic Florida’s Orange Bird. He’s not for sale).

The Heritage Center is home to special events and can be rented out for family gatherings. The location is in the heart of downtown Vero Beach, where several restaurants and shops are within walking distance.

The Indian River Citrus Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Heritage Center & Indian River Citrus Museum Address: 2140 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960

Bonus: Driftwood Resort

If you are a fan of the National Register of Historic Places and want a memorable place to stay in Vero Beach, check out the historic Driftwood Resort.

Staying loyal to its historic beginnings, the modern-day Driftwood maintains an old-era look and feel with its driftwood facade and century-old antiques and artifacts.

Special attention to detail in each guest room and state-of-the-art amenities make each stay a memorable event.

It’s one of our favorite historic hotels in Florida.

Driftwood Resort Address: 3150 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach, FL 32963

Here are other Authentic Florida articles you may be interested in reading:

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• The 2024 Florida Sea Turtle Season is Back
• A Day at Sebastian Inlet State Park
• 14 Best Things to Do in Sebastian, FL (2024)
• Ten Discoveries to Make In Indian River County
• 27 Scenic Drives in Florida for Your Bucket List
• 6 Fun Things to Do Around the Palm Beaches
• Martin County, a Florida Remembered on the Treasure Coast
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