Often affectionately referred to as the Hamptons of Florida, Vero Beach offers a unique blend of sophisticated charm and authentic, flip-flop fun. While bustling destinations like Miami and Palm Beach draw the massive crowds, our beloved Treasure Coast town serves as a low-key tropical escape. Here, celebrities and business tycoons can comfortably stroll the public boardwalks without a fuss, seamlessly blending with local citrus farmers and longtime residents. It is a community that prides itself on being warm, welcoming, and entirely unassuming.
Vero Beach is the type of place where celebs can (and regularly do) stroll the public boardwalk, and no one makes a fuss… it’s just as welcoming to those accustomed to a different type of glitz and glamor.
For those looking to embrace the full-time beach bum lifestyle with a touch of elegance, shopping along Azalea Lane is a must. Visitors and locals alike flock to upmarket boutiques such as The Lazy Daisy, Southern Tide, Tusk, and The Gazebo to stock up on premium resort wear. Beyond fashion, Vero Beach is a cultural hub. The Vero Beach Museum of Art stands as a premier visual arts facility on the Treasure Coast, boasting a permanent collection of nearly 1,000 diverse pieces ranging from early 20th-century sculptures to contemporary photography, ensuring there is always fresh inspiration to discover.
Our region’s rich agricultural roots are proudly on display at Schact Groves & Market, a family-operated gem since 1950. It serves as a delicious reminder of why Indian River County citrus is world-renowned. Nature enthusiasts will also find themselves enchanted by the McKee Botanical Garden. Originally built in 1932 by Arthur G. McKee and visionary local pioneer Waldo E. Sexton, this verdant wonderland retains its historical, labyrinthine magic within acres of tropical hammock.
Of course, you cannot talk about Vero Beach without highlighting our unrivaled dual access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. Getting out on the water is a way of life here:
- Round Island Oceanside Park: Located just eight miles from downtown, this park offers pristine, sugar-white sand beaches and turquoise waters, complete with family-friendly amenities and a playground.
- Round Island Riverside Park: Just across Highway A1A, this sister park features nature trails, a 400-foot boardwalk, and an observation tower ideal for spotting manatees in the lagoon below.
- Vero Tackle & Watersports: The go-to local outfitter for guided kayak tours, paddleboard rentals, and inshore fishing charters exploring the ethereal mangrove tunnels and local dolphin habitats.
The local culinary scene offers something for every palate, from casual bites to upscale dining. For a true taste of local history, the Ocean Grill is unparalleled. Built by Waldo Sexton, this waterfront establishment offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic’s restless water and some of the sweetest, most buttery crab cakes sourced directly from the Indian River Lagoon. Other beloved dining staples around town include:
- The Lemon Tree: An iconic old-school cafe serving the community since 1986, famous for its comforting lunches and signature lemon-blueberry pancakes for breakfast.
- El Sid Taqueria: Located inside Countryside Citrus Farm’s beachside shop on Ocean Drive, it is the perfect spot for fresh tacos and citrus slushies swirled with soft serve after a day in the sun.
- Niki’s Pizza: A local favorite offering fresh, indulgent pies right in the heart of town, including gluten-free cauliflower crust options.
- Grind + Grape: A cozy coffeehouse by day that transforms into a sophisticated wine bar by night, featuring live music and a beloved weekend jazz brunch.
Whether you are visiting from out of town or planning a luxurious local staycation, Vero Beach boasts spectacular accommodations. The historic Driftwood Resort, a two-story hotel constructed entirely of driftwood by Waldo Sexton, offers an offbeat, authentic experience—and is home to the legendary Waldo’s restaurant and its quirky “Menagerie of Monstrosities.” For those seeking modern indulgence, the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa provides serene spa treatments and beachfront luxury, including dining at the elegant Cobalt. Finally, Gloria Estefan’s Costa d’ Este Resort brings a touch of Miami glamor to the Treasure Coast, complete with modern styling, complimentary sunrise yoga, and the exceptional Cuban cuisine of The Wave Kitchen + Bar.
