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Vero Beach is Known as the “Gateway to the Tropics," ancient oak trees and pine forests – blended with swaying palms and colorful blooms typical of the tropics. Homey, yet casually elegant, Vero Beach and Indian River County attracts visitors and residents because of the cultural wealth and inherent natural beauty of the area. Vero Beach was rated the “Best Small Town in Florida & 12th in the Nation” and was named one of “The 100 Best Art Towns in America.”
Vero Beach is a gentle, sophisticated and unpretentious town which, since 1948, has been the smallest city in the nation to have its own professional baseball team – the Dodges. |
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The miles of calm waters, protected from the Atlantic Ocean by the barrier islands, provide residents and tourists with many types of boating opportunities. If you don't own a boat, deep sea fishing boats can be chartered along the Indian River County coastline. Leisure cruises operate out of both Vero Beach and Sebastian. And for those who like airboating, Stick Marsh in the northwest corner of Indian River County provides just the opportunity. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented from various places including areas around the Sebastian Inlet Park. Sebastian River Marina and Boatyard features a full-service marina, boatyard and yacht services.
If you have a boat and it is not moored at a marina, there are places in Indian River County that provide free launching ramps and parking spaces. |
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Fresh Water
Inland lakes and the Sebastian River produce large mouth bass, black crappie, bluegills, and other gamefish. The best locations are Blue Cypress Lake which covers 6,554 acres at the western end of Indian River County- about 25 miles from Vero Beach on Route 60; Stick Marsh a 6,500 acre reservoir in the northwest corner of Indian River County which has been named one of the Top Ten Black Bass Lakes in Florida by the Florida State Game Commission; and anywhere along the St. Sebastian River.
Looking for the best fishing spots on the river? Contact Captain Charlie or J.C.'s Indian River Fishing Charters for Inshore Light Tackle Spinning or Fly Fishing or try Abaco's Kayak Fishing and Sightseeing Excursions for a truly unique day on the river. |
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Diving & Snorkeling
Great diving sites extend from the Sebastian Inlet to Round Island, including coral and artificial reefs and the site of the 1715 wreck of the Spanish galleon in the south end of Vero Beach.
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Coral Reefs
Verobeach Reef
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This unique habitat is a nursery for all types of marine life – turtles, lobsters, manatees, rays, sharks, and over 200 species of fish and the Oculina Varacosa, Oculina Diffusia, fire, and a few other types of coral. |
The reef begins at about the Sebastian Inlet and runs unbroken to Riomar. It then picks up again off Sandypoint and extends a little south of the Ft Pierce Inlet. This reef, which parallels the coastline, is located very close to shore and extends out about a half mile.
The reefs foundations are exposed limestone formations which rise up from the bottom in various shapes and sizes. Some areas can be seen at low tide like the Riomar reef. The limestone ledges in some areas jet up from the bottom like huge monolithic outcroppings with vast caverns that disappear into the abyss. The ledges are very pronounced in the Vero Beach area with some of the highest 'Relief' --as referred to by engineers -- found anywhere. This habitat is most unique and is not found this close to the coastline anywhere else.
Oculina Reef
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This reef stretches for about 120 miles from south of Indian River County to Daytona Beach, north. Nearly 200 feet below the ocean's surface, the Oculina Reef, also known as Ivory Tree Coral, is brittle and grows less than half an inch a year. |
The coral and surrounding waters support a diverse sea life including fish, turtles, moray eels, and stingrays. The reef, discovered only 20 years ago, is a protected area where fish breed and live. When the reefs were first discovered in the 70s, the oculina corals, almost tree-like with 15-foot pinnacles over 100 years old, were documented by the specialists at Harbor Branch. |
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Surfing
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To catch the perfect wave, one doesn't have to go as far asCalifornia. The Sebastian Inlet, famous for fishing, is even more renown for Surfing. From October through April, fueled by cold fronts and low-pressure systems, amateurs and professionals alike crowd the waves. |
Surfing Contests are held on weekends throughout the year at Sebastian Inlet State Park. Call (321) 984-4852 for times and dates.
For the latest information on Sebastian Inlet surfing conditions,check out Surf Line Report and the Sebastian Inlet Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation website.
Hot Spots!
One of the most consistentsurf breaks in Florida is Sebastian Inlet's 1st Peak located next to the north jetty. Another hot surf spot is Monster Hole when the surf is big! Monster Hole is located about 1/3 mile off the beach on the south side of theSebastian Inlet. The contour of the ocean floor rises up andwhen the surf is big, thewaves form long lines, giving a long ride. Spanish House, just north of the Inlet is another spot.
To the south in Vero Beach, Tracking Station Park, the Pier, Conn Beach,and Seahorse Beach offer additional surfing opportunities.
Rental & Safety Information
There are places in Vero Beach and Sebastian to rent snorkeling and diving equipment and also offer lessons. Before you go,check out the Boating Safety website from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which gives rules and guidance not only on boating but also on diving.
Sebastian Inlet Surfing photo of C.J. Hobgood taken by Fred Swegles. |
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Coral Reef & Diving Etiquette
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Please remember .... that coral reefs are living entities and can be damaged or destroyed by touching. Below are some basic rules to following when out near coral reefs:
If you are scuba diving, be properly weighted and maintain neutral buoyancy for proper body control. Do not hold onto corals for support or drifting to the bottom. It's possible to accidentally kick the corals while regaining position.
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If you are snorkeling, consider placing a flotation device under your chest if you are not the best of swimmers. Never stand on coral to adjust your mask, but swim well and clear of the reef. Kick to keep your head out without the possibility of kicking the reef or search for a sandy or coral free shallow place to stand.
If you are anchoring a boat near a coral reef, use a sand type anchor placed well away from any reef formation in sea grass or sand bottom. Up wind (or tie) from where you want to dive, then allow the boat to drift into position near the reef. Always check that the anchor is well secured in the sand before diving on the reef.
Information on Verobeach reefs and coral and fish photos provided by Mike Blatus. Aerial photograph courtesy Indian River Co, 1999. |
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Melbourne-Palm Bay & Beaches |
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You can bask in the sunshine on our 33 miles of unspoiled beaches by daylight or take a romantic moonlit walk with tropical breezes at night. Our year-round semi-tropical climate allows you to partake in many outdoor recreational amenities such as golf, snorkeling, swimming and the Sebastian Inlet State Recreational area with 578 areas of fishing, boating and camping.
Relax in your choice of over 4,000 affordable rooms, suites, condos, bed and breakfasts, rental units/vacation cottages or resorts. Our fine accommodations offer beachside, riverside or mainland locations. There are also peaceful marinas to dock your boat. You will find a wide variety of fine restaurants, coffee and tea shops and cultural opportunities and attractions such as the Zoo, various cultural events and the Melbourne Greyhound Park. All types of things to do are available for you to enjoy. |
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Melbourne-Palm Bay and the Beaches is only 60 miles away from Orlando's attractions and a short drive from the Kennedy Space Center and Spaceport USA. The Melbourne International Airport can facilitate travelers from all over the world to visit our beautiful area. |
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Vero Beach
Vero Beach is located in Indian River County at the northern tip of the “Treasure Coast” region of the Central Atlantic Coast. This small town’s appeal is its laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, friendly people and even friendlier prices. Crowds of surfers descend on the region, especially the Sebastian Inlet, to catch some of the state’s biggest waves. The area also has fine diving spots, windsurfing, swimming, boating and countless other opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are 18 golf courses in the region and anglers are in heaven here. Vero Beach/South Beach Park on South Ocean Avenue is a busy, developed, lifeguard beach that is 75 yards wide and has great sand. It’s known as one of the best swimming beaches and also attracts a young crowd who like to play volleyball and Frisbee. Humiston Beach is a quiet, not very crowded spot, with a good restaurant on the beach with outdoor seating. This beach is not recommended for children, however, due to its narrowness and an artificial reef about 20 yards out. Another point of interest is the McKee Botanical Garden, established in 1932, which offers free tours on Saturdays. Vero Beach is approximately 85 miles southeast of Orlando and 130 miles north of Miami. |
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Month |
High Temp |
Low Temp |
Rainfall |
Ocean Temp |
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January |
73°F |
52°F |
2.89 in. |
64°F |
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February |
74°F |
53°F |
2.45 in. |
63°F |
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March |
77°F |
57°F |
4.20 in. |
73°F |
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April |
81°F |
61°F |
2.88 in. |
74°F |
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May |
85°F |
67°F |
3.80 in. |
77°F |
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June |
89°F |
71°F |
6.03 in. |
79°F |
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July |
90°F |
73°F |
6.53 in. |
79°F |
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August |
90°F |
72°F |
6.04 in. |
82°F |
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September |
88°F |
72°F |
6.84 in. |
82°F |
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October |
84°F |
68°F |
5.04 in. |
78°F |
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November |
79°F |
61°F |
3.04 in. |
73°F |
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December |
74°F |
54°F |
2.19 in. |
68°F |
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| When Traveling By Air |
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| The closest airports in the area are the Vero Beach Municipal airport (VRB) located about 1 mile northwest of Vero Beach, the Melbourne International airport (MLB) located approximately 35 miles northwest of Vero Beach in Melbourne, Florida, the Space Coast Regional airport (TIX) located roughly 65 miles northwest of Vero Beach in Titusville, Florida, and finally the Palm Beach International airport (PBI) located around 68 miles south of Vero Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. |
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Amusement
and Theme Parks |
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Old Town |
Kissimmee |
FL |
76.7 mi. |
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Cypress
Gardens Adventure Park |
Winter
Haven |
FL |
82.4 mi. |
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SeaWorld
Orlando |
Orlando |
FL |
86.5 mi. |
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Universal
Studios Florida |
Orlando |
FL |
86.5 mi. |
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Universal
Studios Islands of Adventure |
Orlando |
FL |
86.5 mi. |
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Walt
Disney World - Animal Kingdom |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Walt
Disney World - Disney-MGM Studios |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Walt
Disney World - Epcot |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Walt
Disney World - Magic Kingdom |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Water
Parks |
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Water
Mania |
Kissimmee |
FL |
76.7 mi. |
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Wet N' Wild |
Orlando |
FL |
86.5 mi. |
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Walt
Disney World Blizzard Beach |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Walt
Disney World Typhoon Lagoon |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Walt
Disney World Water Country |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Golf
Courses |
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Links at
Pointe West |
Vero Beach |
FL |
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Sandridge
Golf Club |
Vero Beach |
FL |
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Vista
Plantation Golf Course |
Vero Beach |
FL |
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Vista
Royale Golf & Country Club |
Vero Beach |
FL |
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Whisper
Lakes Golf Course |
Vero Beach |
FL |
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Sebastian
Municipal Golf Course |
Sebastian |
FL |
11.2 mi. |
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Fairwinds
Golf Course |
Fort
Pierce |
FL |
14.5 mi. |
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Gator
Trace Golf & Country Club |
Fort
Pierce |
FL |
14.5 mi. |
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Indian
Hills Country Club |
Fort
Pierce |
FL |
14.5 mi. |
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Indian
Pines Golf Club |
Fort
Pierce |
FL |
14.5 mi. |
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Summit
View Golf Club |
Grant |
FL |
20.8 mi. |
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Habitat at
Valkaria |
Valkaria |
FL |
23.8 mi. |
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Ballantrae
Golf & Yacht Club |
Port Saint
Lucie |
FL |
24.5 mi. |
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PGA Golf
Club at the Reserve |
Port Saint
Lucie |
FL |
24.5 mi. |
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Savanna
Club Golf Course |
Port Saint
Lucie |
FL |
24.5 mi. |
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Jo Daddys
Golf Course |
Palm Bay |
FL |
28.7 mi. |
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Majors
Golf Club at Bayside Lakes |
Palm Bay |
FL |
28.7 mi. |
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Eagle
Marsh Golf Club |
Jensen
Beach |
FL |
29.8 mi. |
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State
Parks |
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Avalon
State Park |
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FL |
7.7 mi. |
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Fort
Pierce Inlet State Park |
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FL |
12.5 mi. |
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Sebastian
Inlet State Park |
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FL |
14.7 mi. |
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Savannas
Preserve State Park |
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FL |
19.6 mi. |
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Saint
Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park |
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FL |
37.7 mi. |
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Museums |
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Liberty
Bell Memorial Museum |
Melbourne |
FL |
33.3 mi. |
(History) |
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Zoos and
Aquariums |
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Brevard
Zoo |
Melbourne |
FL |
33.3 mi. |
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Palm Beach
Zoo at Dreher Park |
West Palm
Beach |
FL |
67.4 mi. |
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Sea World
of Orlando |
Orlando |
FL |
86.5 mi. |
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Discovery
Island Zoological Park |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Disney's
Animal Kingdom |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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The Living
Seas |
Lake Buena
Vista |
FL |
87.3 mi. |
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Central
Florida Zoological Park |
Lake
Monroe |
FL |
99.7 mi. |
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