This post is a little bittersweet for me to write. People in Vero Beach want to keep it a secret, and for a good reason! Vero Beach offers a slower pace with plenty to do if you like great food and fantastic beaches.
Often dubbed the Hamptons of Florida, it has become a popular destination for CEOs, retirees and families who are looking for a quieter Florida experience. Many folks end up retiring here after coming to visit year after year on vacation. We have many people moving here for our pristine, free beaches and reasonable property values.
With reasonable housing and low density, it makes Vero Beach a popular destination for retirement or vacation.
Table of Contents
Where is Vero Beach?
A hidden gem located on the Treasure Coast, the pristine beaches, low population, small-town values are what I love about it! Named “One of the Happiest Seaside Towns of 2018” by Coastal Living, it is no surprise why people want to live and travel here!
Vero is about an hour drive north of West Palm Beach, about and hour and a half from the Orlando International Airtport and about 45 minutes south of Melbourne and the Space Coast.
Our History
Vero was a sleepy little citrus farming community that was only famous for it’s Indian River fruit, Piper Aircraft and Historic Dodgertown. Today it has become a popular vacation spot for many.
The town was founded by Waldo Sexton who came here in 1914 and invested heavily in land and agriculture endeavors. His original home is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is currently called the Driftwood Inn, which is a timeshare resort on Ocean Drive.
Wherever I went around the world, people had heard of Vero Beach.
Why Is It Called The Treasure Coast?
Vero Beach is in the heart of what is known as the Treasure Coast. You will find stories of wrecked pirate ships and looting Indians who would hoard the treasure that washed up on our beaches after crashing their ships on our reefs.
1715 Spanish treasure fleet shipwrecked here and to this day you will see people with metal detectors looking for precious Spanish jewelry after a good storm.
You can check out this treasure at the McLarty’s Treasure Museum on AIA where you will find artifacts and some of the treasure found here on the Treasure Coast.
McLarty Treasure Museum
13180 North A1A
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Vero Beach, FL 32963
How I Ended Up In Vero
My grandfather retired here after first retiring in Fort Lauderdale. He decided that he was not interested in that level of hustle and bustle. Vero is still quiet compared to South Florida.
My stepfather’s job had us living in rural Tennessee. In 1980 my parents decided to send me to boarding school in West Palm Beach for better educational opportunities. I would have a family member close to me and could come up here on the weekends to visit.
Growing up here in my teens I was always on the beach hanging out with my friends. I really miss that simpler time in life but in the grand scheme of things, it is still relatively quiet here compared to other areas in Florida.
We are starting to get a little, let’s say …… busy, especially during the winter months and for purely selfish reasons I find myself wanting to hide how great it is here. It is with a sense of loyalty though, I need to brag about our little town, and the fantastic attributes it offers to its residents and visitors alike.
Vero Beach Today
Local and visiting teenagers called it Zero Beach because of the lack of nightlife and things to do back in the 80s and 90s. A lot has changed, and now we have world-class restaurants and a nationally recognized theater and art museum. There are also many events throughout the year that include boat and antique car shows and Art in the Park.
You will still find low-density housing, tree-lined streets, and kids playing outside. Our county leaders were smart with future zoning here and no longer allow buildings more than three stories tall. You will find the occasional taller building from before, but they are few and far between.
Restaurants
There are many wonderful restaurants in Vero, but there are a few that are a must-try when you come here.
- Ocean Grill – Both a favorite for locals and visitors, the oceanfront landmark, steak, and seafood restaurant offers a rustic feel with artifacts from around the world, thanks to Waldo Sexton.
- Citrus Grillhouse – An American bistro-style casual seaside restaurant serving foods with an Italian and Mediterranean flare. Their cocktails and truffle fries are a local favorite at Happy Hour.
- Fire and Wine – American cuisine with a southern twist; F&W is located on the mainland in a strip mall but do not let that deter you. The food is out of this world!
- Savor – Savor has fresh fish, lamb, and steaks in a warm atmosphere. The chef at Savor loves complex flavors. They also have a great happy hour at the bar.
- Bobby’s Restaurant – Known for their prime rib, hand-rolled cheese sticks, and burgers. You will often see retired Dodger Ron Perronoski sitting at the bar for an occasional evening cocktail.
The truth of the matter is there are a ton of great restaurants here in Vero Beach. These are just a few of my favorites.
See the Top 19 Breakfast Spots in Vero Beach!
The Beaches
Vero Beach has beautiful uncrowded beaches with blue-green calm waters and is often overlooked as a top destination.
This means that I can find a parking spot at my favorite beach most of the time and even more so during the summer! The nice thing about Vero is that our parks and beaches do not require you to pay for parking. You will find well-maintained parks with benches, picnic tables and playgrounds both on the beachside and the mainland.
More and more people are flocking to our beautiful beaches, restaurants and cultural events in the winter making traffic a little more than crowded.
I met a friend for lunch who complained it took her 20 minutes to get from her westside home to the beachside restaurant where we were meeting. Once you live here long enough, you get used to summer traffic versus the dreaded winter traffic. But living in paradise here makes it all worth it.
Housing and Hotels
According to Zillow, the median home price is $232,200 as of 2020.
Vero Beach is riddled with communities within the community, whether you choose to take advantage of our beautiful oceanfront estates or spread your wings on 5 acres of farmland there is something for everyone and every budget, including plenty of gated planned communities.
Many with second homes opt to go back North with cooler temps and visit family and friends. Some of my best memories are of summer in Vero Beach when the crowds are gone. I can venture back to my favorite restaurants and beaches without lines and waitlists.
Explore Vero Beach Best Hotels Here
Hotels
There are Airbnb options here. Just make sure they are outside the city limits and follow all of the local ordinances.
My two favorite oceanfront hotels are Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa and Costa d’Este which also happens to be owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Both have great restaurants.
When Should I Visit Vero Beach?
Summers, especially September, is very slow with some restaurants like the Ocean Grill, an iconic beachside restaurant, closing for part of the month so they can take a vacation and do maintenance before the winter season starts. Summer is actually a great time to visit if you can deal with the humidity! It is the peak of Hurricane Season. But there is also very little traffic.
During the summer there is a free concert series at Riverside Theater. You can also visit
There are many other events put on by establishments to keep the summer fun going for the locals. Many of us are traveling to the cooler areas of the world to escape the Florida summer heat. The North Georgia and North Carolina mountains are about a 10-hour drive from here. We have access to the best of both worlds.
Winter in Vero Beach
Vero offers fantastic events all year round but in the spring and winter months, you will see that ramped up quite a bit while people take advantage of our nearly perfect winter weather. There is very little rain in the winter months comparatively. You will be able to visit the car and boat shows, arts and craft festivals, seafood and frog leg festivals, concerts and fundraising events.
Your outdoor activities include our free beaches, paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, fishing or just laying in the sun!
Don’t forget shopping! Our beachside shops line Ocean Drive with fun and unique items. You can spend a whole day looking at unique art, jewelry, clothing
Another fun event is a Sunday Polo match. Or you can take the kids to the Environmental Learning Center to play in the Indian River. There is plenty to do here in our not so sleepy town. We have even recently started hosting the Blue Angels at the Vero Beach Air Show!
Hop over to the Historic Driftwood Resort and Waldo’s to overlook the ocean.
You can sip on your Pusser’s Pain Killer while eating wings or their killer fried mushrooms! Almost every Sunday during the winter months, Waldo’s has a band for entertainment.
There Is Always Fun Things To Do
Our photos below show the fun events and live music happening all over town!
You will find great local bands too. The Landshark’s are a local band that became a successful opening band for Jimmy Buffet and other great entertainers. They started here in Vero Beach in the ’80s and have now traveled worldwide as a Florida Beach Band doing Jimmy Buffet and Beach Boys Tribute Shows.
We have the pleasure of seeing them play at local venues like the Patio and Grind and Grape when they are back home in Vero.
Close-knit and a special sense of community reside here in Vero Beach. Small and cozy is the feeling you get when you come to visit.
Even with the seasonal push of visitors coming to share in our beautiful
If you are looking for the Best of the Best Beach Vacations you can see our friends article here! We were featured in it!
Check out our article about our Airboat Tour with the Marsh Beast just west of Vero Beach! If you are looking for our top pick for Vero Beach restaurants, check out our list for 2021!
175 responses to “An Ultimate Guide to Vero Beach, Florida”
Looks great! What are the temperatures like in the winter? Like, now? 😏
It varies, but right now we have been in the mid to low 70s, 50s at night. Perfection!
Amazing write-up! It’s absolutely a well-presented article, and you explained everything about the beauty of the city.
Thank you! We love Vero Beach!
I can’t wait to visit Florida once this pandemic is sorted!
Florida is one of the states that has a lot open. Disney is getting ready to open this week! I hope you get here soon!
I visited Vero Beach when I first graduated college but haven’t been back since. It looks like it’s still a fun place to visit!
Well, Vero Beach is quiet and our beaches are amazing! If you love the outdoors we are a great spot to visit!
this looks like the place to never leave! thanks for sharing!
I am definitely staying in Vero!
This place is so beautiful! Oh how I wish I could retire somewhere like this!
I have always said that was the best part about living in Vero Beach. No need to move when we retire!
This looks gorgeous. I wish we had the weather to go to the beach!
Thanks Nyxie! We do miss the cold sometimes in South Florida!
Wow! Vero beach looks stunning and beautiful!
Thanks Alpa!
This certainly does look like a little paradise. I love places that are not overrun by people and have free parking!
Totally agree. It is what makes us special! Don’t tell anyone! LOL
I am a beach person and this is such a great post . Will try to visit this place whenever I can.
Awesome! I can’t wait to hear about it!
I can’t wait for the beaches to reopen…that Corona Extra is certainly a bait for me!
Our beaches are open! Miami, Broward and Palm Beach are closed due to overcrowding and not respecting social distancing guidelines.
Sounds like a lovely community. I hope it doesn’t get any busier.
Well, we can be assured it will but not too crazy. The key is not allowing buildings over 3 stories which is what we have had in place for years in Vero Beach.
I never heard of Vero Beach before, I will have to check it out.
Thanks Michelle!
I love waterfront dining and this looks like a great place to do that and enjoy Vero Beach.
Yes waterfront is the only way to go!
I’ve never to Florida but I keep on reading how amazing the beaches are there…Soon I hope, very very soon…
I can’t wait to hear all about your trip! Vero Beach is a nice quite place to visit!
It’s such a pretty area! I have an ignorant question…I saw a show once that had warning signs on the beach about alligators. I’m assuming that not ALL beaches have alligators.
I have maybe heard of one alligator in the ocean on the east coast … it is definitely not something I even think about.
I have a reservation for Vero Beach in early June…I hope the hotel is open! I can’t wait to go!!!
Awesome! I am sure they will be. They are open now!
What a beautiful place to visit AND call home! I’d love the beaches and slower pace.
The slower pace is a bonus as I get older!
This looks like paradise! I’ve never been to Florida.
You really need to check it out. There is so much to see!
Bring on the Florida retirement! We were retirement condo hunting just this pas January on Florida’s east coast. Gorgeous!
How fun! I can’t wait to hear where you land!
I love the history behind it! The pirate stories are really cool. I live in Wisconsin, so no interesting stuff like that where I’m from!
Get down here so you can enjoy it!
I’ve never been there. We usually visit my son in Largo and we go to Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. We will definitely have to go there!
It will be a totally different experience! I hope you get to check it out!
Vero Beach looks like a relaxing and fun place to enjoy the weather.
Thanks Jennifer. It is very relaxing!
Zero beach seems like my sort of place – quiet and relaxing. I don’t need the night life!
There is a little here. But what we do have is nothing like the big city!
Looks like a great place to live and visit. We’ve talked about moving to Florida when we retire. We live in Kentucky now and I’m not a fan of the winter months, so living in a warm sunny place like Florida sounds ideal.
Sometimes I miss winter. But I would just want to visit. Winter here is the best time of the year!
Looks like a great place! I’ve never been that far south on the Atlantic coast.
I hope you get to come on down!
What an incredible place to grow up! It looks so beautiful, and I can absolutely understand why you would want to keep it a little quiet from tourists.
Yes, it is getting very busy! But it is good for the business owners.
Sounds interesting! The boardwalk looked inviting!
It is very popular for walkers!
I love this area! Vero Beach was always our meet up point when my brother and I were going from our stepmom’s parents’ house in Merritt Island, to our grandparents’ house in West Palm Beach and later Ft Lauderdale. It was an easy stopping point to pass us off. I want to go back one day and stay at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. I’ve only ever driven by.
The Disney Resort is very popular!
Vero Beach looks gorgeous, and I’d love to at least visit since retirement is quite a ways away for us!
There is something for everyone!
I can’t wait to be back at the beach! Might not be till 2021 but can’t wait to have my toes in the sand again!
I agree! We just opened up yesterday for sunbathers!
Now I know what beach I want to go to! I do not like crowds.
Not a fan of crowds myself!
I’m now intrigued! I have never been a beach girl – grew up in the center of TX with parents who never vacationed! Every now and then I’ll get a hankering for sun and sand. I’ll have to keep Vero Beach in my short list!
There is nothing better than looking out into the clear blue waters and watching the sea life!
Gorgeous pictures!
Thanks!
I hadn’t heard of Vero Beach. Looks great. I can’t wait to take a trip to Florida. Especially now I am chomping at the bit to get there and there are some excellent flights right now. I must check into Vero Beach.
I heard there are some great sales!
Sounds like a lovely place to live or visit!
Thank you Debbie!
Looks like a great town! I love that you gave us an insight on the restaurants and activities to do!
Thanks Sydney!
Hmm… may have to add Vero to my list for the next time we are in Florida!
I hope you make it here! You will love it!
Vero Beach sounds wonderful! No wonder you were hesitant to share all the amazing things about it.
We like it quiet!
Looks so beautiful! My first time to Florida was last December but we didn’t get to explore much. Would love to go back and visit some more places including this one.
I always have more I want to explore!
I love Vero beach! My grandmother lived there, it’s been years since I’ve been there, but the memories are still with me today of the years sitting on that beach!
I love the old Vero. So quiet and boring!
Vero Beach looks lovely! Sadly, we recently had to cancel our Florida trip and look forward to rescheduling at the earliest opportunity.
I hope you make it back soon!
Will be there 3/9-3/13.
Awesome Rick! Let us know what you love about it!
Oh, my goodness. As if you didn’t have me convinced to visit Vero Beach before ~ I am even more eager now.
Thank you, Tina! Can’t wait to hear about your visit when you come down here!
Such fun Vero has so many things to do, I love the east coast! My grandparents moved down to Lauderdale too and that’s how the (almost) entire family wound up coming down. We get over the east coast when we can and will have to spend some time in the Vero area for sure. Love your photos, thank you for sharing! 🤗
Thank you Angela! I can’t wait for you to come to Vero!
I love how you describe your community! Small town living is great. And you have beaches! I’d love to visit someday.
We would love to have you!
I bet that would not only be a great place to retire, but a fun place to go during the winter for a break from the cold.
Absolutely! It is beautiful here in the winter!
We live in Tampa but have never been to Vero Beach! It sounds like a lot of fun…might be a great summer roadtrip!
Come on over!
Looks like a great place to visit in the winter! I’m from MN, so I’m not sure I could handle the summers though, lol!
It will take you about three years to acclimate, from what I hear!
Wonderful pictures, I love the place and all the stories about it. It looks so relaxing!
Thank you, Carolina!
Where to retire is a question my husband and I have recently started thinking about. This sounds like an amazing place!
You should definitely put it on your list to check out.
We bought a place in Palm Coast, FL – but we never have been to Vero Beach! Definitely, need to visit next time we are down south!
Palm Coast is another up and coming hidden gem! I have looked at getting a second home there beachside.
Makes me want to retire!
Working here can be a little difficult. I remember going to an appointment on the beach and wishing I could be ON the beach hanging out! lol
Beautiful place! And never too early to start planning my retirement. 😉
This looks amazing!
Thank you, Lina!
Wow! This looks like an amazing place to move into. And the housing is REALLY affordable. Amazing! And you get summer all year round.
Pretty much! Thank you Anna!
I love it! I have been wanting to move to florida for years now. I have two great family/friends that live in Daytona and have always felt like the beach was home. Someday!!!! 🙂
The stats are staggering as to how many people are moving here. Especially from the NE due to the high tax rates.
I love vacationing in Florida! They have some of the prettiest beaches. Vero is one I have not visited but will be adding it to my list!
Can’t wait to hear about it Brittany!
I love your pictures! I want to go to Vero Beach someday. It looks so beautiful. This also makes me hopeful about retirement. Someday!
It is never too early to plan!
This is my favorite article of yours. We’re looking to move from the west coast and this makes me want to check out your area. Really loved it!
Thank you Jen! Let me know when you are in town! I would love to meet up!
Oh I would totally retire here, although am pushing for Costa Rica. Amazing beaches and fun activities.
I have thought of CR as well! Such a great place! But I can’t leave my daughter and her family!
I miss my mom’s condo that she had in Vero right on the beach! I remember visiting during summer vacations watching dolphins swimming from the balcony all of the time and dinners at Ocean Grill. My grandfolks are still there and live a peaceful retirement. Perhaps one day we will also retire there.
Love the OG! I will never tire of their Roquefort spread and famous creamy dill dressing. My mother in law used to tell us stories about hanging out there in her 20’s! There is a lot of history there.
You had me at horseback riding and the beaches are a bonus! Looks like a beautiful place.
Thank you Leigh Ann!
We have not been to Vero Beach, Florida. I think it is time to visit.
You will not be disappointed! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
It looks absolutely wonderful to me! I haven’t been to FL in over 30 years but would love to experience this place. Your post is very inspiring!
Thank you Ramae! I can’t wait to hear all about your visit when you come!
Looks wonderful! Would love to retire somewhere warm like this
Yes the winters are easy here!
Ive never heard of Vero Beach. This sounds amazing! OMG!
Come for a visit!
Sounds like a wonderful place to call home and to visit! It looks absolutely gorgeous. 🙂
Thank you Michelle!
This looks like a great place for beach lovers!
Yes the beaches are pristine!
Hi neighbor! Gulf coast here bit we do love your Alyantoc beaches and the surf is so different. We too have “season” and love when it quiets down.
Totally different but equally beautiful! I need to get over to the other side more often!
Love all the photos! Looks beautiful!
Thank you Joanne!
Your waterfront dining picture sold me. Oh man, that just looks like a little slice of heaven!
We love it! We have some great restaurants!
Vero Beach is definitely on our list of places to visit soon! Thanks for the wonderful photos!
Can’t wait to hear about it Suzan!
I have some years before I retire, but a place to visit would be beautiful. Something different from the norm.
It is a great vacation spot too! Come see us!
As you know I visit Vero Beach a few times a year. I love the Ocean Grill and now you’ve turned me on to a few other places that I’ve never heard of before. I’ll check out on my next visit. I have noticed there’s many more young people there with young children that have grown up there over the years so it’s becoming a little bit ‘hipper’ as the younger would say. Of course Vero is still a great place to retire. My aunt was presented a special honor by the city of Vero because she turned a hundred years old in Vero Beach the same year of Vero Beach turn 100 yrs old. I will connect with you next time I’m in Vero.
Awesome Jennifer! I can’t wait to connect!
I was pretty convinced when you said how low home prices are that I need to move to Vero! Too bad I’m stuck in Utah!
Get unstuck! You will love it here!
Sounds like a great place to visit and retire. I’ll add this to my list.
Thank you!
Oh, to wake up to that sunrise!!! What a gorgeous place you are lucky to call home 🙂
That is really the best thing ever. Nothing finer than waking up and sitting on your veranda watching the sun come up listening to the sound of the waves.
We have a retirement place on St Pete Beach waiting for us for the day we retire, but have been seriously thinking about exploring other areas just in case we choose a different area. My aunt and her new husband live in Vero Beach and own a marina there. They love it! These photos make me want to check it out for future! Thank you
Oh wow! I would love to know which marina? There are only a couple here.
I’ve definitely made a note of some of the places you’ve mentioned as we’ll be back in Vero for a few days this summer! I love the area and can’t wait to spend a long weekend there soon.
Awesome, Pam! I can’t wait to hear about it!
What a beautiful area! I’m definitely adding this to my must visit list in FL!
You will love it Briana!
This looks gorgeous. We have the Disney Vacation Club, and they have a resort in Vero Beach. I can stay there and explore all that it has to offer. The beaches look pristine.
It is and you will love the resort! Make sure you take the drive into Vero!
Great post!! I have never been to this part of Florida…but it’s now on my to go places!!
Thank you Holly!
We have family down in West Palm Beach, so we’ll have to visit Vero Beach next time we travel down!
Awesome Kyndall!
Great post! It’s good to know there are still affordable places to retire in the United States.
Thank you Dominique!
Vero Beach sounds like a great community. I’d love to visit in the winter! I’m not sure I could take the heat with humidity in the summer months.
But Sheila! It only takes 3 years to acclimate! lol Honestly, it is hotter in the other southern states.
I may move to one of these places long before I retire…
You’ve convinced me! We’re retiring to Vero beach!!
I love Vero Beach, we get there about every other year or so for a few days and it’s by far one of my favorite areas to vacation. We tend to switch off between Vero and Pompano.
I will definitely need to hit you up when we visit Vero Beach. We’ve never been! Can you believe that? Anyway, love restaurants by the water. For some reason, every meal tastes better by the water. 🙂 I think I need to plan a weekend trip with my family!
Absolutely! I would love that. Waldo’s here we come!