With 26 miles of pristine beaches, Vero Beach and Sebastian make the perfect getaway to recharge your batteries. On this beautiful expanse of shoreline on the sunrise side of Central East Coast Florida, nature is unspoiled and thriving.
Vero Beach is known as “the gateway to the tropics,” making it the perfect place to soak up the sun on our expansive beaches. The Vero Beach and Sebastian beaches are known for being uncrowded, so you may find yourself only sharing your space with sea turtle hatchlings. Being one of the country’s top nesting grounds, catching a glimpse of these creatures heading out to sea is sure to be a memorable experience.
The Sebastian Inlet is where the Atlantic Ocean and the lagoon meet, and it offers excitement of a much different kind, being one of the prime sites in the eastern US for surfers. The dunes and jetty on the north side of the work together to create conditions ideal for surfing. If that’s not your speed, the Inlet also boasts wide beaches with a spectacular view. You may even spot some dolphins while you unwind!
If you have a more rustic experience in mind, the undeveloped beachfront of Treasure Beach State Park is toward the northern end of the barrier island. It is adjacent to the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the very first federal wildlife sanctuary in the United States.
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The beach access resides in the 284-acre, Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, spanning 20.5 miles and one of the most significant habitats for sea turtles nesting in the Western Hemisphere and equally important for the critically endangered green sea turtle in North America.
This beach is a local’s favorite. It’s uncrowded with ample parking and easy beach access. It, too, is a significant turtle nesting spot, as it is the starting point for the 284-acre Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.
Voted one of the “Top 10 Beaches for Families in the U.S.” by Family Vacation Critic. This family-friendly beach park is beautifully manicured, has recently updated playground equipment, and plenty of parking with shops, restaurants, and Ocean Drive within walking distance. On Saturdays from 8 a.m. – noon beachgoers can pop on over to the farmers market for some fresh eats and organic goodies.
The perfect park for a beach stroll. Jaycee Beach has the longest boardwalk in Vero Beach and plenty of parking. The large park area has covered pavilions (perfect for a picnic), playground equipment, and two restaurants near the boardwalk.
This park has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon. You’re also almost guaranteed to see a manatee! There are trails, boardwalks, and an observation tower. This is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to launch their kayaks or canoes. Amenities include ample parking, a boat ramp and boat parking, a children’s playground, and two picnic pavilions.
The perfect low-key beach spot! If your goal is to relax, this is your beach. The parking lot allows for only 20 spaces. Exciting things to see at this beach: treasure salvaging boats just 20 feet off the beach searching for treasure, baby sea turtle hatchlings (there are numerous nests), and stretches of beautiful coastline. Sit back and relax!
Sebastian Inlet State Park is a must-have experience while visiting! The park provides fishing from both its Atlantic and Indian River shores; fishing jetties extend from both sides of the inlet into the ocean. Other activities include swimming, enjoying the water views, world-class surfing, camping, bird-watching, boating, and diving. Wildlife is abundant in the park, and the casual visitor can see ospreys and many species of shorebirds. Sea turtles nest in the park, and visitors during the summer may make reservations for a nighttime tour to observe nesting turtles. The park also contains two museums: McLarty Treasure Museum and Sebastian Fishing Museum.
This popular beach park is bustling with activity and offers the widest stretch of beach. Volleyball nets provide the perfect opportunity to play a game, you’ll see skimboarders, surfers catching a wave, and people fishing from the shoreline among many other beach activities.
This beach is within walking distance of one of Vero’s most photographed spots: the Vero Beach Pier. Don’t miss this beach for the perfect vacation photo!
This secluded beach is flush with tropical foliage such as sea grapes, seagrasses, and the occasional endangered southeastern beach mouse. Children will enjoy the pirate ship playground located on site. Treasure Shores Park is an unguarded beach and also offers walking trails.
Another great low-key beach spot with stretches of uncrowded coastline. Perfect for shelling and relaxing!
Stop for a slice of pizza, a sub, or duck into the grocery store for a few beach snacks. You will probably run into a surfer or two as the beach is a popular surf spot with breaks to the right and left of the jetty. Bring your snorkel and dive gear as this beach has hidden treasures beneath its aquamarine seas. A reef leads water adventurists to Queens Jewels, a Spanish shipwreck, with untold riches. In 2015, 350 gold coins valued at $4.5 million were found six feet off the shores of Wabasso Beach. Treasure hunt anyone?
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