1. Fish the Indian River Lagoon like a pro.
We can’t recommend fishing with one of our guides enough. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or have never touched a rod and reel, our captains can get you on the water with ease and fish in the boat! If you’re planning on visiting us during the holiday season we recommend calling or going online to book ASAP in order to reserve your ideal fishing charter! We fill up fast during Thanksgiving and Christmas and will do our very best to accommodate you and your family! For groups larger than 6 guests please call us directly so we can ensure two captains are available for you to keep the group together! Click Here to Book your trip.
Fishing Charters at Vero Tackle
2. Paddle the Indian River Lagoon like a pro.
The watersports at Vero Tackle & Watersports are hosted by our sister company Paddles By The Sea! At Paddles you can rent stand up paddle boards, kayaks, tandem kayaks, or bring your own paddle craft to join in with family who are renting. Paddles By The Sea also offers guided tours, their 9AM 90 minute paddle tour being their most popular! On the water you can expect to see dolphin, manatee, tropical birds, and if you’re lucky a small ray or two! All rentals come with a complimentary paddle lesson, so if you’ve never paddled before don’t stress! Have a four legged companion who wants to come too? Be sure to bring a life vest for Fido. You can book online here or call (772) 444-7871.
Paddle Board and Kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon
3. Relax on the beach with a drink.
It’s day 3 of your 7 day vacation and you’re feeling a little tired, you’re ready to kick back and relax! Head on over to the beach directly behind the Holiday Inn & Suites Vero Beach-Oceanside to find a spread of beach chairs and umbrellas provided by Paddles By The Sea! You don’t have to be a guest at the Holiday Inn to enjoy these amenities, and locals are welcome too! If your kiddos aren’t ready to wind down, rent one of our boogie boards, it’ll keep them busy for hours! But wait, there’s more! Mulligan’s Beach House is here too, and ready to keep you hydrated whether that be with iced tea, or pina coladas. Just show up with your beach gear and choose your seat, one of our beach attendants will be with you shortly.
Beach Chairs in Vero
4. Fish off of the riverside pier.
One word. Location. The Vero Tackle & Watersports location couldn’t be any more ideal than it already is. On the north side of the tackle shop we have a pier! So for those of you who aren’t quite ready to hop on a fishing charter, or rent your own boat, you can take a few short steps to the right and find yourself on the riverside pier. Stop into the tackle shop to grab your live shrimp (or choose from our wide selection of artificial bait) and head get right to it!
Fish off of the riverside pier
5. Grab a bite from Riverside Cafe.
Hungry? Our location has that covered too. Directly behind the tackle shop you’ll find Riverside Cafe, a local hotspot and vacationer favorite for a wide selection of affordable food and drink. There is seating available inside and outside, most with a perfect view of the Indian River Lagoon. They don’t mind customizing orders, and do a good job at accommodating a variety of dietary needs.
Riverside Cafe
6. Explore the Vero Museum of Art.
Located on the same campus as Vero Tackle & Watersports, The Vero Museum of Art offers a wide array of experiences designed to take you through the various exhibitions and collections that particular season has to offer. Guided tours are available but not required. Leisurely explore the indoor and outdoor galleries, stop into the museum shop, and take part in one (or all) of their art classes! Check their website for details on the events going on during your stay here in Vero Beach.
Vero Beach Museum of Art
7. Stroll through Mckee Botanical Garden
It’s hard to imagine a more lush and tropical experience than the natural foliage Vero Beach has to show off, but Mckee Botanical Garden is exactly that; a lush paradise of tropical foliage and flowers curated to make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Coming up this holiday season is the Holiday Night of Lights something Vero natives, snowbirds, and visitors alike all look forward to! Check out their website to learn more about the various activities and events you and your family can participate in (like one of their Yoga In The Garden classes)
Mckee Garden
8. Find Treasure at McLarty Treasure Museum
Vero Beach is part of the Treasure Coast, an aptly named portion of the East Coast of Florida due to the abnormally large amounts of shipwrecks and treasure found just off the coastline. Our area is rich with history, lore, and stories to be heard. If you’re a history enthusiast, beachcomber, ocean lover, or simply ready for a good story, you’ll want to find yourself at McLarty Treasure Museum! Get an up close and personal look at some of the recovered artifacts and gold found just a few steps off the beach!
McLarty_Treasure_Museum_Sign
9. Catch a show at Riverside Theater
Located just across the street from Vero Tackle & Watersports, Riverside Theater can be found at riverside park. This thriving theater features theater shows, lecture series, comedy, live music, and educational courses. This is Florida’s largest professional theater and draws people near and far to enjoy the many productions they put on.
Riverside Theatre
10. Hangout with with the locals at the Vero Beach Dog Park
Bring your own dog, or hang out with the local’s furry friends, Vero Beach Dog Park is a great space to check out for some quality time with fido. There are two parks, one for smaller breeds and one for larger. Seating areas are covered and there tends to be a nice breeze coming from the Indian River Lagoon. There’s plenty of parking, poo bags provided, and many friendly familiar faces. The Vero Beach Dog Park feels more like one big dog lover family, and if that sounds like something you’d like to be part of be sure to add this Vero Beach favorite to your list!
Vero Beach Dog Park
11. Taste the local brews at Walking Tree Brewery
If you’re looking for craft beer look no further, Walking Tree Brewery has the best craft beers Vero Beach ( and arguably Indian River County) has to offer. Fun fact, this brewery was once an aviation supply warehouse! The building itself was built in 1945 and is located directly across from the Vero Beach airport. Walking Tree’s motto is “Stay rooted in practice, promise, and people.” and the experience there embodies that message to a T. So grab your friends and carve out time to have a drink or 3.
Walking Tree Brewery
12. Top off the day with a guided sunset paddle tour.
We couldn’t think of a better way to round out this list than with our very own sunset paddle tour. Hosted by Paddles By The Sea, join a guide after hours to paddle out on the Indian River lagoon when the sun is just starting to pain the sky. The start time of this tour is subject to the ever changing time of sunset, so be sure to call in to book the perfect time slot as to not miss golden hour. You can expect to see dolphins, manatee, rays, tropical birds, and with the right wind no mosquito’s!
Sunset Kayak Tour