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Why Vero Beach Should Be On Your Bucket List

vero beach

When VISIT FLORIDA challenged me to travel to an “off the beaten path” location in Florida, I immediately thought of Vero Beach, a town where one of my friends has a home. I’ve been living in Florida for about two years now and I can’t believe it took me this long to get there. Vero still retains the charm to make you feel like a local. Needless to say, I fell in love with it.

I think the tiny beach town should definitely make its way to the top of your bucket list.

Vero Beach

vero beach

Vero Beach is part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, so named because, in the 1700s, a Spanish fleet was shipwrecked off the coast during a hurricane. The fleet was said to be carrying tons of treasure from the New World to Spain. People travel to Vero Beach to go diving and find some treasure of their own– sometimes it even washes up on the beach. But, there other treasures in Vero. Here are a few:

Where to Stay

Check Into Costa D’Este

costa d'este

I had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful beachfront property, Costa D’Este. Gloria and Emilio Estefan own the stunning hotel, with a retro entryway that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Their personal style and tastes permeates the whole property. It also has two restaurants, a pool, spa, and beach. Book a room there and prepare for the ultimate relaxation.

Where to Eat

the wave kitchen & bar

Speaking of Costa D’Este, you must grab dinner at the Wave Kitchen & Bar. The menu includes delectable items such as paella, fresh fish, plantain cups, ceviche, caramel cheesecake, and more. An entire section is dedicated to Cuban food.

If you’re into something a bit more low key, head across the street to the Lemon Tree. It features all-day breakfast options and delicious sandwiches. The cozy, diner-style restaurant is often packed, but well worth the wait.

cobalt

Cobalt Restaurant is the spot for beachside brunch. Chow down on eggs, bacon, fruit, and sip on a mimosa while taking in the gorgeous views of the Atlantic.

Waldo’s at The Driftwood is a popular spot amongst tourists and locals. The property is made of driftwood and also is directly on the beach.

la tabla

La Tabla may not be located on the beachside of Vero, but it’s worth the drive. Grab a juice, either a power bowl or toast, and a cup of coffee to get your day going.

countryside citrus

Cool off with a refreshing frozen orange juice from Countryside Citrus. You can even add ice cream to it!

What to Do

vero beach

Soak up the sun on the beach. If you’re staying at Costa D’Este, you have complimentary access to beach chairs. Cool off in the gorgeous blue ocean, and then take a walk to see if you can find any treasure for yourself.

mckee botanical gardens

Take a drive over to the McKee Botanical Garden for a cooling break. You won’t believe you’re in Florida when you see how lush it is. And there are always cool events and exhibits to check out .

sea sup go

Sign up for an early morning paddle with SEA SUP GO. They offer several different stand-up paddle boarding tours, all of them fun. I paddled down the Indian River while taking in all the sounds and sights, including some baby bull sharks.

walking tree brewery

Interested in craft beer? Then head over to Walking Tree Brewery and taste some of the best beer in Florida. (Seriously, it won an award).

costa d'este spa

Finally, head back to Costa D’Este Spa and treat yourself to a spa treatment. I suggest the E-ZEN-TIALS package, which includes a 20-minute massage, 20-minute facial, and manicure/pedicure, too.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA. The opinions and text are all mine.

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  • Karen Farber June 10, 2017 at 10:41 am

    Vero beach looks so beautiful! I need to make my way out to Florida and explore it myself 🙂

    http://www.littleblackshell.com

    • taylor_fuller@me.com June 14, 2017 at 1:33 pm

      yes you must! it’s such a great location!

  • Jackie June 10, 2017 at 10:46 am

    One of my family members kept telling me to go spend a weekend in Vero Beach when I was living in Miami and now I understand why! I totally want to plan a trip there now. And ps that paella ??

    • taylor_fuller@me.com June 14, 2017 at 1:33 pm

      yes. that paella was soooo good.

  • Caitlin June 10, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    I’m so happy you shared this off the beaten path location! I’ve been looking for new unique places to visit around Florida and this one is definitely being added to the list!

    • taylor_fuller@me.com June 14, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      yes! you really do have to go!

  • Corie June 11, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    It looks like the perfect getaway! You can’t go wrong with paddle boarding and a spa day!

    • taylor_fuller@me.com June 14, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      it really was a great trip!

  • Diana June 14, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    omg I live in FL and I have never been to Vero Beach ? It looks like the perfect place to spend a nice weekend! Waldo’s looks like my kinda restaurant.

    • taylor_fuller@me.com June 14, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      you have to go! it was so cool!

  • Christie June 14, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    OMG that meal from La Tabla is speaking to me! I would for sure go there. This place looks wonderful and you shared such good tips on what to see and do there. I haven’t made it to Florida yet but if I do I’d love to check out this spot, especially since I love more off the beaten path things. Thanks for sharing!

    • taylor_fuller@me.com June 14, 2017 at 1:30 pm

      oh my god. it was amazing. and come visit me in florida!

  • Lily June 14, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I love all your photos! The botanical gardens looks like another country, what a beautiful place. And omg that foooood I want it all right now! Need to add this to the list!

    • taylor_fuller@me.com June 14, 2017 at 1:30 pm

      thank you so much! that’s so nice! definitely add it to the list. it was a great spot!

  • Sherri June 15, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Vero Beach looks fantastic! I love lesser known places that I can enjoy without crowds of tourists. I had trouble scrolling past your paella photo…it looks so delicious I could almost taste it! Definitely Vero Beach is going on my list!

    • taylor_fuller@me.com July 26, 2017 at 9:49 am

      hahaha it was so tasty!

  • Bonnie July 2, 2017 at 5:43 pm

    I live here in Vero and it is all that is written here and more. Come visit.

    • taylor_fuller@me.com July 26, 2017 at 9:48 am

      its a beautiful place!