Vero Beach, Florida
Vero Beach, Florida is a thriving example of "Old Florida." Located in Indian River County, Vero Beach is part of Florida's "Treasure Coast," a name referring to the number of ship wrecks in the area. The town has a reputation for an affluent winter population. Vero Beach fosters a small town feel and has a laid back, relaxed atmosphere rarely felt in the hustling areas on the east coast of Florida.Sunshine abounds on the area's beaches. South Beach Park is a busy beach frequented by locals, and has all the amenities of a popular weekend spot. The water off of South Beach Park invites swimming due to its gradual slope and clear water. Nearby Sebastian Inlet has flat, sandy beaches, and is packed with kayak, canoe, and paddleboat rentals. Surfing is at a premium here, and the area is known by locals as having some of the best waves in all of Florida.
Shoppers will find the area around Ocean Boulevard and Cardinal Drive lined with exclusive boutiques, eclectic curiosities, and lavish antique shops that will tempt even the most frugal bargain hunter.
In 1948, an enterprising businessman named Bud Holman invited the Los Angeles Dodgers to take a look at an unused naval air station that was turned over to the City of Vero Beach following World War II, leading to the birth of Dodgertown. The facilities in the complex include the 6500 seat Holman stadium, an Olympic sized swimming pool, restaurants, and a 9-hole golf course. In spring, the boys of summer play grapefruit baseball league games here, and in the summer, the Vero Beach Dodgers, the Dodgers' farm club, call the facility home.
It seems only appropriate that the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum has one of its exhibits in Vero Beach. Mel Fisher found the bounty from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a ship that sank in the waters off of Key West in 1622. Some of the artifacts, doubloons, bouillon, and other riches are on display (and on sale) in Vero Beach.
Indian River County is one of the largest citrus producing areas in the country. The Indian River Citrus Museum pays a historical homage to the bounty this particular commodity has brought the area. The museum has a gift shop with clever themed items, as well as ready-to-ship fruit.
Vero Beach is also a convenient place to start a Florida vacation. Cape Canaveral and the John F. Kennedy Space Center are less than an hour north. Disney World, Epcot, Sea World, and Universal, as well as all the other Orlando themed attractions, are less than 2 hours west. For a walk on the wilder side, head south an hour to Miami, and visit South Beach's clubs, restaurants, and hang outs.
