Vero Beach, Florida, is well-known throughout the region for its beautiful beaches and friendly atmosphere. Perhaps you’re thinking about making a trip to Vero Beach for the first time, or maybe you’re considering shopping for homes for sale in Vero Beach. Here are some of the best attractions and activities in the Vero Beach area.

You’ll find a number of excellent beaches in the Vero Beach area. South Beach, one of the widest beaches in the area, sits just south of town. It’s popular among families and surfers, and the proximity to many restaurants and bars makes it an ideal place to spend the day. Humiston Beach is right in the heart of town, and guests and locals alike enjoy days spent on the beach watching the sunrise or picking up seashells. Sexton Plaza Beach, where the Ocean Grill and Milligan’s restaurants are located, is worth a try. It’s also right in the heart of downtown Vero, and it’s especially popular among couples who are looking for a quiet place to relax together.

If you want to give your kids a chance to play and release some energy, there are several parks in Vero that you’ll want to check out. Jaycee Park just at the north end of the boardwalk, has play structures, several slides and climbing structures. Nearby you’ll find nice covered picnic areas and beach access. Riverside Park has a little smaller playground area, but families love the riverfront setting and the proximity to downtown. South Beach Park is right on the coast, and Indian River County Main Library has a small playground with swings and slides, along with a nearby garden.

In addition to the beaches and the playgrounds, there are a number of other outdoor activities that you can take advantage of in the Vero Beach area. Vero is a golfer’s paradise, with several well-maintained courses to choose from. Indian River County runs and maintains Sandridge Golf Club with an onsite driving range, pro shop, and restaurant.

If you’re not a golfer but still want to get outside and explore nature, check out McKee Botanical Garden. The gardens trace their history back to 1922 when Arthur McKee and Waldo Sexton purchased the 80-acre site intending to grow citrus. They found that the land was too beautiful to disturb, so they set it aside for a different purpose. Less than 20 years later, the Botanical Gardens were attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. You’ll enjoy taking in the natural beauty of the various plants, flowers, and trees that they have on display.

The Vero Beach Museum of Art first opened in 1989 to serve as a place where guests could view works made by artists from around the world. The museum has a number of permanent displays along with temporary rotating exhibits. They also provide special events and educational opportunities on a regular basis. The museum houses masterpieces created by famous artists such as Picasso, Paul Cezanne, and Edward Hopper. You can also walk through the outdoor garden and take in the surrounding natural beauty when you stop by. The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The Riverside Theatre opened in Vero Beach in 1998. They regularly showcase a number of special acts, including theater performances, concerts, and dance recitals. There are also a number of exhibits inside that you can walk through and learn from. Many local musicians and comedians regularly schedule performances at Riverside Theatre. In addition to their live musical performances and their shows, they also have a lecture series and an education program that helps raise awareness and understanding regarding the arts. Visit their website to view their upcoming schedule and to purchase tickets.

Vero Beach puts on one of the best farmers' markets in the entire region. The Vero Beach Farmers Market began in 2007 when the Oceanside Business Association decided that it was important to provide exposure and opportunities for economic growth for many of Vero Beach’s small businesses. The market is open most Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon. Recently they were honored as the 11th best farmers market in the nation by Green Markets.

Sunset Saturday is a recurring concert series that takes place at Humiston Park on the second Saturday night of each month. Admission is free, and you can purchase food and beverages from the venues that are set up nearby the concert stage. There’s a different style of music playing each month, and many people enjoy strolling down Ocean Drive after the show. The Oceanside Business Association works hard to put on this event each month, and it’s a local favorite.

You’ll find many delightful boutiques to shop from as you walk down Ocean Drive. With 20 different stores to choose from, everyone will discover something to enjoy. Popular choices include Lazy Daisy, The Beach Shop, and Sassy Boutique. Lazy Daisy sells colorful Florida-style dresses, and The Beach Shop is your one-stop destination for all of your beach apparel. Men will prefer to check out stores like Tusk, G. T. Rhodes, and Maus and Hoffman. Each store is locally owned, and you’ll want to set aside a few hours to work your way through every option.

If you decide that Vero Beach is a place that you want to call “home,” reach out to Anne Wallace and Dan Downey. They have spent their entire lives living in Vero Beach and have been teamed up to help others find their dream Vero Beach homes for nearly 10 years. They consistently rank among the top-producing Vero Beach real estate agents year after year, and they continue to prioritize the needs and goals of their clients. Reach out to their office when you’re looking for someone who can help you shop for homes for sale in Vero Beach.