Explore the hidden gems of Florida’s east coast by visiting Sebastian and Vero Beach! From pristine beaches to vibrant local culture, these charming towns offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just seeking a relaxing getaway, these destinations (which are approximately 13 miles from each other) won’t disappoint.
Check out this guide I compiled from first-hand experience on my recent road trip to discover the top places to visit, eat, and explore.
What to do in Sebastian & Vero Beach
Both of these quaint beach towns are definitely quieter than bigger cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale. While there are things to do, both places don’t offer the breadth of tours and attractions. That being said, I had a wonderful time exploring both and it was nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
If you haven’t gotten your Florida State Park Pass for the year, do yourself a favor and get it now. Florida has some of the most beautiful state parks and I’ve been taking advantage of my park pass by visiting them.
Nestled between the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, this state park is definitely a hidden gem! It offers a pristine beach, hiking, and fishing opportunities. I read on Google that this was also a prime spot for manatee and dolphin watching and I wasn’t disappointed. As soon as I arrived, I parked and walked to the pier and saw a family of manatees and a giant sea turtle.
The beach right next to the pier was almost empty with soft rolling waves and I took advantage of it by taking a dip. Check out my YouTube video below for a live replay to see first-hand footage.
🐢 Giant Sea Turtles & Manatees: Exploring Sebastian Inlet State Park in Florida
Other things to do in Sebastian & Vero Beach:
Full disclosure, I ended up relaxing in my hotel room all day (the greatest luxury!) on Saturday since I had been in the hot sun at Sebastian Inlet Park the previous day. That being said here are a few other things to do in the area that look interesting:
- Pelican Island Refuge
- Vero Beach Museum of Art
- McKee Botanical Garden
- Walking Tree Brewery
- Veteran’s Memorial Island Sanctuary
Other Tours in Sebastian & Vero Beach:
➡️ Find more things to do in Melbourne, Sebastian, Vero Beach, and Fort Pierce. ⬅️
Where to eat
Citron Bistro
Nestled in the Village Shops is the Citron Bistro. This quaint cafe offers fresh New American-style fare bursting with flavor. I enjoyed the pear salad with shaved pecorino, blueberries, and fresh greens. It was fantastic on a hot day of adventure at The Sebastian Inlet State Park.
The overall food, ambiance, and service were great. Although I did think the guacamole appetizer was overpriced, I look forward to eating at this restaurant again.
Chronic Tacos
I was exhausted after a full day of sight-seeing in the sun so I only managed to leave my hotel room to eat dinner at Chronic Tacos. Even though this place is a California chain, I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a delicious and affordable Mexican meal while visiting Vero Beach. They have tacos, burritos, and my favorite, churo bites with caramel dipping sauce.
Where to stay
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Vero Beach
After an Airbnb fiasco, I high-tailed it to the Hampton Inn & Suits in Downtown Vero Beach at 1 am. Let me know if you want the full Airbnb story—it’s a crazy one.
The staff at this hotel were very helpful and got me all settled in despite my situation. Plus, the hotel is big and clean, and the rooms were very comfortable.
I also went downstairs and can tell you they have a wonderful complimentary breakfast every morning and are located about 4 miles from the beach.
Book the Hampton Inn & Suites on Expedia
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Other places to stay in Vero Beach
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Tell me everything!
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Sebastian/Vero Beach area?
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