If you’re searching for a vacation spot that offers pristine beaches, historic museums, and eclectic shopping opportunities, then look no further than Vero Beach, Florida. Located on Florida’s eastern coast, this thriving community is chock full of water sports and cultural activities perfect for all ages. Choose Vero Beach vacation rentals that range from beachfront homes and condos to luxurious cabins tucked away in the woodlands for some rest and relaxation. Once you are settled in, head out to explore the community and keep your family busy with these top 15 activities.
1. Visit the McKee Botanical Garden
Thrill the green thumbs in your group with a trip to the McKee Botanical Garden, located at the southern gateway to Vero Beach. This garden offers 18 acres of tropical botanicals and colorful, native plants for you to view. Follow the pathways that feature streams, waterlilies, and regal palm tree, and sign up for an educational workshop on site.
2. Explore the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Walk through the sandy beaches that are part of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge for an educational beach experience. Spanning 20 miles long, this wildlife refuge center gives you the chance to see green, leatherback, and sea turtles while learning about the ecosystem. Guests can also surf fish on several of the beaches that are part of the 248-acre refuge.
3. Go Airborne Above the Water
Head to the Florida Cracker Airport for an adventure that takes you through the St. John’s River marshes. This airplane-engined boat built by a Vero Beach native leads you straight to areas of Indian River County that include ospreys, wildlife species, and alligators. A tour guide narrates the trip and teaches you all about the local ecosystem.
4. Try Out a Paddleboard
Test your balancing skills while getting wet and wild in the ocean on a paddleboard. Rent your equipment from Sea Sup Go Paddle and Surf, and explore the waters on your own or with a guided lesson from one of the experts at this Vero Beach facility.
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5. Cycle Through the City
Bike through the downtown area of Vero Beach, which is full of unique specialty shops, or wind your bicycle around the Vero Beach trails for the day. Orchid Island Bikes and Kayaks supplies all the equipment you need, including bicycles, helmets, and knee pads.
6. Tour the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum
Explore the history of the Navy while viewing Navy combat divers in action with a trip to Fort Pierce to tour the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum. The kids can partake in hands-on activities at each interactive exhibit for a fun learning experience.
7. Get Up Close and Personal With Wildlife
Learning is a core part of a day trip to the Environmental Learning Center, a 64-acre preserve with views of a lagoon, hands-on exhibits, gardens, and a 145-galloon touch tank. Walk along the elevated wooden boardwalk to see underwater creatures and wildlife, or sign up for a hands-on class on butterflies or wildlife. This facility features a gift shop for you to grab an eco-friendly souvenir to take back to your vacation rental.
8. Browse Works of Art
The art enthusiasts in your crew can indulge their inner creativity when browsing through the five galleries and sculpture garden at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. This 55,412-square foot facility is equipped with studio classrooms, an art library, and an impressive collection of sculptures, art glass, and paintings.
9. Kayak for the Day
See the beauty of the Blue Cypress Lake, St. Sebastian River, and the Indian River Lagoon up close and personal with a day of kayaking. Expert guides from Tropical Kayak Tours can take you through the local waters while pointing out the wildlife and stunning Florida scenery.
10. Get Active at Historic Dodgertown
The athletes in your group can get active when visiting the multi-sport complex at Historic Dodgertown. Located in Vero Beach on Florida’s Treasure Coast, this 79-acre complex is the former home of the Dodger’s spring training sessions and is now open to the public for tournaments and sports activities.
11. Skate Around in Sebastian
Travel just a few minutes from your vacation rental to Sebastian for an experience that keeps you rolling. The City of Sebastian Skate Facility features a 7,700-square foot facility where you can choose to roll around on in-line skates, skateboards, or quad skates. This facility supplies all skaters with knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets.
12. Dine on Fresh Seafood
Satisfy your cravings for fresh seafood with a meal at the legendary Crab Stop in Vero Beach. This eatery features Maryland-style crabs, crawfish, fried shrimp, and all of the side dishes you can imagine. Share a combo plate with a friend and savor the tastes of the lobster tail, jumbo shrimp, and snow clusters.
13. Find a Treasure
Send the entire family on a treasure hunt at the McLarty Treasure Museum. Featuring artifacts that date back to 1715, this museum has plenty to offer. Learn about the history of the Spanish fleet carrying treasures, silver, and gold that sunk and was later recovered. The tools and artifacts recovered are now on display at this Vero Beach museum.
14. Take in a Show
After relaxing in your Vero Beach vacation rental, plan a date night or family evening full of entertainment. The Vero Beach Theatre Guild hosts five productions each year that include musicals, dramas, and comedy shows.
15. Pick Some Pineapples
Head to Hallstrom Farmstead for some fresh pineapple and a history lesson worth remembering. This pineapple farm, established in the 1800s by Scandinavian immigrants, offers tours of the 93-acre conservation area that features furniture, memorabilia, and photographs from the settlers.
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