I’ve Visited Florida for 20+ Years and This Is My Favorite Treasure Coast Town—With a Lively Arts Scene and Uncrowded Beaches

Tucked along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Vero Beach offers travelers a refreshing take on the Sunshine State—one defined less by high-rises and crowds and more by wide, uncrowded beaches and a distinctly relaxed pace. And that's no accident.

"The town passed a building height ordinance decades ago and stuck to it, which gives it a small-town beach feel that’s increasingly rare along Florida’s coast,” says Chelsea Gambino, a South Florida–based Fora travel advisor and cofounder of Lftd TrvL. Less than a two-hour drive from Orlando and Palm Beach, Vero Beach strikes a balance between easy-to-get-to and secluded. It's close enough for easy access from Florida's major cities but just far enough to feel like a true escape.

While the beach is certainly a draw, there are plenty of other reasons to visit, too. In fact, the city has a surprisingly robust arts and culture scene, anchored by institutions like the Vero Beach Museum of Art, Riverside Theatre, and Vero Beach Opera. Outdoor experiences are just as compelling, from kayaking through mangroves at the Environmental Learning Center to wandering the lush landscapes of McKee Botanical Garden.

Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Vero Beach, Florida.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
This stylish oceanfront property stands out for its thoughtful, family-friendly touches and elevated amenities. “They’ve partnered with 4Moms, so if you’re traveling with kids, they provide gear like playards and high-tech rockers to make the trip seamless,” says Gambino. Highlights include a daily Social Hour with complimentary popcorn (4 to 5 p.m.), an on-site spa, a game room, and two restaurants. Guests can also enjoy a full beach setup, poolside treats like popsicles and fruit skewers, and thoughtful extras like a welcome glass of sparkling wine.

Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa
Owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, this chic, modern retreat is especially well-suited for couples or girls getaways, says Gambino. When they’re not soaking up the oceanfront setting, guests can unwind at the spa or grab a drink or bite on-site. Here, you can kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or go boogie boarding. But, if you'd rather not get wet, you can always hop on complimentary beach cruiser bikes for a scenic ride along Ocean Drive. All 94 rooms have private balconies—the perfect place to take in the breeze after a day by the water.

Ocean Breeze Inn Vero Beach
A former Holiday Inn, this oceanfront property has clean, comfortable accommodations that won't break the bank. Amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, and the on-site Mulligan’s Beach House—come on Thursdays for live music and, if you’re able, snag a seat on the patio for ocean views.

Best Things to Do

McKee Botanical Garden
Filled with water lilies and tropical plants, McKee Botanical Garden is a lush oasis with roots dating back to the 1930s. Today, it delights visitors year-round with a calendar of seasonal events, including the Pirate & Fairy Festival in May, the Waterlily Festival in June, the Rare & Exotic Orchid Show & Sale in September, and the festive Jungle Lights display each December. The on-site Children’s Garden adds to its appeal, with interactive features that keep younger visitors entertained for hours.

The Beach
Of course, no visit to Vero Beach is complete without time on the sand. Travelers can take their pick from a range of scenic spots, from the surf-friendly South Beach Park to quieter stretches of Wabasso Beach Park and the aptly named Golden Sands Park. Other favorites include secluded Ambersand Beach, the family-friendly Humiston Beach Park, and Round Island Riverside Park, where nearby trails and boardwalks offer opportunities to spot wildlife, such as manatees, and explore the surrounding coastal landscape.

Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Spanning more than 5,000 acres, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge—the nation’s first wildlife refuge—draws birders, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore a network of scenic loop trails that wind through salt marshes and mangrove habitats, or opt for shorter, accessible paths with sweeping views over the Indian River Lagoon. Observation points and boardwalks offer prime spots for wildlife viewing, too.

Explore the Arts Scene
From rotating exhibitions at the Vero Beach Museum of Art to live performances at Riverside Theatre and Vero Beach Opera, the cultural offerings in town are both varied and vibrant. The museum also offers free admission on the second Saturday of every month and has plans for a major expansion that will significantly increase its exhibition space.

Environmental Learning Center
Set on a 64-acre lagoon island in the Indian River Lagoon, this interactive nature center has something for all ages. Visitors can explore aquariums and touch tanks, stroll along scenic boardwalk trails through diverse coastal habitats, or join guided experiences such as kayak tours, bird walks, and daily pontoon excursions. Rotating art exhibits, wellness programs, and a small eco-boutique enhance its appeal, making it an engaging stop for both outdoor adventure and hands-on learning.

Best Restaurants 

El Sid Taqueria 
While El Sid Taqueria is known for its top-notch tacos—along with quesadillas, empanadas, and more—Gambino especially recommends saving room for dessert. “The homemade orange ice cream is a local staple and the perfect way to cool off,” she says.

Chelsea's Gourmet
For “the best cold brew in town,” look no further than Chelsea’s Gourmet, says Gambino. For lunch, she recommends one of the café’s sandwiches. “The chicken caprese is my go-to," she adds. There's also a wide selection of smoothies, smoothie bowls, and breakfast options.

C.J. Cannon's
A Vero Beach staple since 1984, this laid-back eatery is located at the airport, overlooking the runway. “All the classics are done well, but the eggs Benedict is typically a hit for breakfast,” says Gambino. It’s also a great pick for families: “Kids will love watching planes take off and land,” she tells T+L.

Farm and Flame
Open for lunch and dinner, Farm and Flame serves globally inspired, wood-fired cuisine in a cozy, laid-back setting. Everything is made from scratch, from the sourdough used in its breads and pizzas to more elevated dishes like the Thai-style whole snapper. The menu leans lighter at lunch, with options like poke bowls and tom yum soup, offering a mix of fresh, Asian-inspired flavors alongside its signature wood-fired fare.

The Tides
Widely considered one of the best fine-dining spots in town, The Tides has been a local favorite since 2000. The menu pulls from Southern, Latin, Caribbean, and French influences, with standout dishes like pan-seared black grouper and sweet tea-brined pork chop. We'd also be remiss not to mention the award-winning wine list.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Vero Beach is from December to April due to its active arts calendar. During this stretch of the year, the town manages to feel lively without being overcrowded, especially compared to some of Florida’s larger resort destinations. Visitors can catch performances at Riverside Theatre and rotating exhibitions at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, both of which are in full swing during peak season.

Late spring is also a great time to plan a trip, particularly for seasonal events at McKee Botanical Garden, including the Pirate & Fairy Festival in May and the Waterlily Festival in June. Meanwhile, travelers visiting in December can experience Jungle Lights, the garden’s annual holiday display, which transforms the grounds into a festive, illuminated landscape.

How to Get There
 

Getting to Vero Beach is relatively straightforward, and flying is often the fastest option for travelers. The most convenient airport is Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB), which has nonstop flights from several U.S. cities with carriers including JetBlue and American Airlines. For more flight options, travelers can also fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and then drive from there; the journey time from both airports is typically between 1.5 and two hours.

How to Get Around

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Vero Beach and the surrounding Treasure Coast. Many beaches, parks, and attractions are spread out, and public transit doesn’t reach all of them efficiently. Rental cars are available at Vero Beach Regional Airport and nearby cities and towns. Booking ahead is recommended.

Ride-hailing services like Uber operate throughout Vero Beach and are often the easiest way to get around without a car. They’re especially useful for airport transfers or reaching beaches and restaurants not served by bus routes.

Vero Beach’s main transit system is GoLine, a free bus network with 14 fixed routes across Indian River County. Buses run roughly from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, with more limited hours on Saturdays. While service is reliable for basic routes, frequency can be limited, so planning ahead is key. 

Original Article in Travel + Leisure, July 3, 2026 by Lauren Dana Ellman
Vero Beach, Florida, Has a Lively Arts Scene and Uncrowded Beaches