3 Days in Vero Beach: Where to Stay, Eat, and Relax on Florida’s Treasure Coast

I listened to the waves crashing on the shore and sipped on my sweet pina colada. As I stared at the crystal blue water, I realized this was my definition of paradise. It’s the beach vibe I always find when I visit Vero Beach, and I feel blessed to have one of Florida’s best East Coast beaches only two hours from me. 

One of the things I love the most about Vero Beach is that you can have a luxury experience, but in a completely laid-back and unpretentious way. Yes, I enjoy the finer things, but I also prefer to enjoy them with sandy feet and my windblown hair pulled up in a messy bun. I’ve traveled there many times, and I’ve visited on a solo trip, with a group of friends, and with my boyfriend. No matter who I’ve traveled with, Vero Beach has consistently been a great destination choice. 

There are a few oceanside places to stay in Vero Beach, but the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa is my all-time favorite place that I’ve stayed when visiting. It’s a luxury property that offers many amenities to help you have the best Florida beach vacation. They do a great job of thinking of everything one could possibly need—even beach wheelchairs for those who need them. 

They are right on Ocean Drive, which is the main strip where you’ll find many cute shops and restaurants. Although you have everything you need on-site, you have plenty to explore nearby if you decide to venture out. If your kiddos are traveling with you, make sure you check out the playground at Humiston Beach Park; it’s just a short walk away. 

Personally, I like staying beachside and I think this is the best hotel in Vero Beach. I love being just steps away from the water. If you’re looking at other places to stay in the area, and want to be by the beach, just confirm that the property you’re considering is beachside. Vero Beach is the name of the city, too, and even properties that aren’t near the beach will have that as a part of their address.

If you decide to stay in accommodations that are further away, you’ll still have places where you can park and access the beach for free. You’ll just have to make the drive each time you want to hit the beach, and you won’t have a home base where you can take a break from the sun when needed. That’s one thing that is important to me, and one of the many reasons why I love this hotel so much. You can also easily roll out of bed, throw on clothes, and step just outside your door to catch a mesmerizing Vero Beach sunrise.

Once you check into your room, immediately throw on your swimsuit and head outside. I was there recently and as soon as we stepped foot onto the beach, the staff had chairs, a table, and an umbrella set up for us in less than five minutes. That was all included in our stay and the staff is so attentive and ready to help with whatever you need. We had forgotten our sunblock, but they jumped into action quickly and brought us complimentary reef-safe sunscreen. 

I thoroughly enjoyed just lounging on the beach in my comfy chair and listening to the sound of the waves. This is a really peaceful section of the beach, and was the perfect way to enjoy some downtime. When I felt like taking a dip in the cool, blue waters, I did it. When I needed a snack or beverage, I was able to order that from their poolside bar, Heaton’s, and have that delivered to me on the beach. The exceedingly attentive staff that catered to my every need is what made this precious time by the beach so enjoyable. Before I headed back to the room in the evenings, I also enjoyed spending time in the elegant on-site hot tub that had cascading water features. 

Insider tip: Don’t forget to take advantage of the hotel’s social hour that happens every afternoon from 4-5. There’s complimentary wine and popcorn available in the lobby, and if you’re up for some competitive fun, check out the game room as well. 

Since Vero Beach is located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, you’ll want to bring along your metal detector if you have one. I’ve taken mine to multiple beaches in Florida, and I think this is the best Florida beach for metal detecting. It’s so exciting to know that there are multiple shipwrecks off of the shoreline of this part of Florida. The McLarty Treasure Museum in Vero Beach is a great place to learn how the treasure ended up in the waters there, and what’s been found in the area. 

While it’s definitely not guaranteed that you’ll find coins and jewelry that date back hundreds of years, there are still things washing up to this day and people do occasionally find these items when metal detecting there. The last time we went to Vero Beach, my boyfriend found a pair of sunglasses that looked as if they had been buried in the sand for quite a while. We aren’t going to be able to retire early off of that find, but it’s always fun to hear the beeping in your headphones and know you’ve found something. Before you set forth metal detecting on Vero Beach though, make sure you understand the rules and etiquette of metal detecting in Florida. 

Insider tip: If you don’t find your own hidden treasure, you can still take home a really unique souvenir. Just north of Vero Beach, in the town of Sebastian, is one of the Mel Fisher Treasure Museums (the other one is in Key West) and you can purchase authentic coins and jewelry there.  

Although you can spread these out and visit on separate days, it’s easy to do both in one day.  It’s only a 10-minute drive between the two locations. I was enamored with both spots and I can’t pick a favorite, so make time for both. 

At the Vero Beach Museum of Art there are multiple pieces of art in their permanent collection, including a painting by George Buckner—one of the Highwaymen. This is a group of self-taught African American artists that have perfectly captured some of Florida’s best landscapes. The museum always has rotating exhibits, too, and I was lucky to be able to see a couple of really amazing ones when I was last there. 

McKee Botanical Garden is equally impressive and offers an opportunity to stroll down whimsical paths among lush foliage. The first time I visited, I quickly learned that the vibrant gardens and water features are also a great spot to see butterflies. I’m really impressed with the children’s garden there, too. It has a splash pad, fairy forest, and a pirate shipwreck that you can climb on. 

Insider tip: The Vero Beach Museum of Art is a great rainy day activity. Take a look at the weather forecast and if you see a period of time with less than favorable weather, make the most of it and use that time to visit the museum. 

Cobalt is located within Vero Beach Hotel and Spa and is very convenient if you’re staying on property, but also a must-visit place even if you’re staying elsewhere. If you’re looking for oysters, this is your place. Even if you’re not, there’s plenty of options to satisfy any craving. I really like their lobster bisque, but I also suggest trying the prawns—they are the largest I’ve ever seen. If you like craft cocktails, try their smoked old fashioned, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had and a portion of the sales from this cocktail goes to their local Veteran’s Council. 

The Lemon Tree is about a half mile away from Vero Beach Hotel and Spa, but is right on Ocean Drive in the middle of all of the local boutiques. When I’ve been for breakfast, they’ve brought out complimentary mini muffins as soon as I sat down—a nice touch for hungry beach-goers. They have so many options, but my favorite dish is the lemon blueberry pancakes. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch though, so make sure you plan accordingly if you want to visit. 

If you’re a night owl, this spot is for you—Mulligans stays open later than most restaurants in Vero Beach. On weekends they are open until midnight, but don’t limit yourself to just those late night bites. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I personally think this is a great place to sit on the beachfront patio and have coffee while watching the sunrise. If you’re staying at Vero Beach Hotel and Spa, this is just a short walk down the beach. 

From where I’m located in central Florida, it’s a simple drive down Florida’s Turnpike or Interstate 95. Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) has limited commercial flights but it’s easily accessible from other nearby cities that have more flight options. Just rent a car, crank up the beach vacation playlist, and make the simple drive to this oceanside paradise. 

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