Things to do on the indian river lagoon

WHAT TO DO BEFORE & AFTER YOUR ADVENTURES WITH VERO TACKLE & WATERSPORTS

Whether you’ve just gotten off one of our kayaks, boat tour, or fishing charter or you’re still at home planning your Vero Beach vacation, we know that finding things to do in an unfamiliar place can be challenging. Vero hosts a wide variety of activities to choose from, so to help you narrow it down, we put together this list of our recommendations as locals. From places to eat and relax to more adventures in the great outdoors – there’s something for everyone!

Things to do in vero beach

Food

We love the food here in Vero, and it shows in just how many restaurants there are to choose from. Rather than leaving you to scroll through endless menus and reviews, here are three of the best spots nearby.

Breakfast – The Lemon Tree

(https://www.facebook.com/The-Lemon-Tree-906113622760571)

Located right on Ocean Drive, this casual spot is an excellent place to start your day. Serving up classic, comforting breakfast options like pancakes and eggs as well as dishes with a Vero Beach twist, this pet-friendly restaurant checks all the boxes for your morning meal.

Lunch – Riverside Cafe

(https://www.riversidecafe.com/)

Found directly behind Vero Tackle, this restaurant is famous among locals for its large riverfront patio and fantastic seafood fare. If you’ve just come off one of our fishing charters, their skilled cooks will expertly cook your catch. Be sure to check out their upcoming events for a chance to enjoy live music while you eat.

Dinner – Ocean Grill

(https://www.ocean-grill.com/)

Another local hotspot, this eclectic restaurant sits right on the beach and offers stunning ocean views. Their menu consists of classy and indulgent options, including a full dessert menu. We recommend arriving early (or making a reservation if you have a group of 5 or more) – it’s well worth the wait!

Vero Beach Museum of Art

Culture

If you’ve just returned to the land from one of our rentals or tours, you may want a quick break to recharge (paddle boarding is such a workout!). Luckily, we know of a couple of great options to relax that also allow you to experience some of the vibrant cultures of Vero Beach.

Riverside Theatre

(https://www.riversidetheatre.com/)

Across the street from Vero Tackle & Watersports is Florida’s largest professional theater. Many events are held at this venue, including professional musicals and plays, theater for kids, lecture series, comedy shows, and live music. Check out their website for details on upcoming performances.

Vero Beach Museum of Art

(https://www.vbmuseum.org/)

Another destination within walking distance of Vero Tackle, this museum is the only visual arts facility of its caliber along the Treasure Coast. Guests can enjoy the beautiful sculpture garden as well as paintings, glassworks, photography, and video works. The museum hosts a permanent collection of art as well as traveling collections and exhibits – take a look at their website to find out more.

McKee Botanical Gardens

(https://mckeegarden.org/)

To find these gardens, take a quick 15-minute drive to the mainland. Here, you’ll find 18 acres of breathtaking subtropical gardens that have been passionately maintained and defended for decades. In addition to the 10,000 species of native and tropical plants, there is also a cafe and a children’s garden.

Chair and umbrella rental vero beach

Beaches and Parks

If you’re looking to enjoy the Florida weather while you unwind, Vero Beach has you covered. There are plenty of well-maintained beaches and parks to choose from, but these are the ones we like the best!

Humiston Beach Park

This park is the perfect place to relax with the whole family. Since it’s right on Ocean Drive, it’s in the center of the action with shops and restaurants nearby. The park itself features a playground, picnic pavilions, and a guarded beach, making it great for both children and adults.

Jaycee Beach Park

Another park and beach combo, this is a local favorite due to its scenic oceanside boardwalk. You can find locals and visitors alike walking the boardwalk at all times of the day, but that’s not all there is! Other amenities here include a playground, volleyball net, many picnic pavilions, and ample beach access.

Riverside Park

This park is expansive and often hosts outdoor events – you can check this link (https://verobeach.com/calendar) to see if there are any events planned during your visit. Here you’ll find the previously mentioned Riverside Theatre and Vero Beach Museum of Art, as well as fitness and walking trails, fishing docks, grassy fields, picnic areas, tennis courts, a playground, and more!

Osprey on the Indian River Lagoon

Hiking Trails

If you’re ready for more outdoor adventure, grab your bug spray and some sturdy shoes. Though fun on the water is our main focus at Vero Tackle & Watersports, we are avid trail enthusiasts as well. Here are some of our top recommendations in the Vero Beach area.

Jungle Trail

This historic trail first starts as a 7-mile dirt road surrounded by Florida plants. You can enter the trail at various locations, but the most popular entrances are off A1A or Wabasso Beach Road. Towards the northern end of the trail, you’ll find a parking area with walking trails. There are multiple points of interest along the Jungle Trail, including Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Jones Pier, and Captain Forster Hammock Preserve, all of which are local historical sites.

Lagoon Greenway

This trail is a ten-minute drive off the island and great for a short and easy hike. One of the best features of this trail is its long boardwalk through the mangrove wetlands, which offers an interesting view of this unique ecosystem. There is also a fishing dock at the end of the trail. Keep an eye out – alligators are sometimes spotted here. They are fascinating animals, but they must be observed from a safe and respectful distance.

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

Roughly a 20 minute drive from the island, this trail is a local favorite. There are a few different paths you can take, but the main trail is the easiest and most traveled. Along the way, you’ll see impressive changes in the landscape from pine flats, to hammocks, to mangroves. At the end of the main trail is an observation tower overlooking the wetlands. This is a great place to see less common native birds, like the roseate spoonbill

Vero Tackle & Watersports

As you can see, there are tons of ways to spend your time here in Vero Beach, and this list barely scratches the surface! If you need any more ideas, talk with the staff at Vero Tackle & Watersports after your rental or tour. We are always happy to give recommendations and share what makes Vero Beach so special.

 

Author: Lauren Hamers