Want Three Perfect Days Here? We Have the Whole Plan

When someone from out of town asks what to do here, most of us pause for half a second before the list starts pouring out. Turns out, there is a lot to say. Indian River County sits along 22 miles of uncrowded Atlantic coastline, and yet it stays one of Florida's better-kept secrets, which is exactly what makes it such a satisfying trip.

Here is how we would walk a guest through three days in Vero Beach and Sebastian.

Where Should We Stay?

Two hotels come up in every conversation. The Costa d'Este Beach Resort, owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, is the splurge option: an AAA 40-Diamond oceanfront property that the World Luxury Spa Awards recognized as one of the best luxury spas in the Americas. It carries a retro feel that is hard to pin down and even harder to leave.

The Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa sits right on the ocean with a heated pool between two restaurants, firepits, and a cabana-style vibe. Conde Nast Traveler readers put it on their list of the top 20 hotels in the country in 2015, and the reputation has held.

Friday Night: What Do We Actually Do?

After check-in, Riverside Theatre at Riverside Park is worth a look at the schedule. It bills itself as America's largest small-town professional theater, staging everything from Broadway musicals to comedy shows to dueling-piano nights. On select weekends year-round, the outdoor Live in the Loop series brings free concerts in genres from folk rock to blues to island music.

For dinner, Citrus Grillhouse earns its reputation. OpenTable named it one of the top outdoor restaurants in the country, and the patio faces the Atlantic. The menu rotates with Florida's seasonal best, so expect local fish, specialty pastas, and a key lime pie worth saving room for. The lounge at Cobalt Restaurant stays open late for a nightcap.

Saturday: What Makes This Place Different?

Treasure Coast Seaplanes answers that question. The husband-and-wife team behind it brings a combined 30 years of flying experience to tours that last more than an hour, taking you over Blue Cypress Lake and the Indian River Lagoon. The wildlife below makes the whole coast look different from the air. Advance reservations are required.

Back on the water for lunch, Ocean Grill has been here for almost 70 years. The fried oysters, mango crab salad, and lobster rolls keep people coming back. It is casually elegant in the way that feels earned rather than performed.

In the afternoon, Sail Moonraker runs sunset charters along the coast with room for up to six people, lasting up to three to four hours. Dolphin and manatee sightings are common, and guests can bring their own food and drinks.

For the evening, head to Southern Social Kitchen and Bar on 14th Avenue in downtown Vero. The menu centers on barbecue, shareable plates, and handheld sandwiches, with every order arriving alongside freshly made cornbread. The smoked brisket, short rib sliders, and southern ramen all have their fans, and the craft cocktail list has names quirky enough to make you ask the bartender what is in them.

Sunday: Is There Time for One More Thing?

Yes, a couple of them. Several local outfitters rent paddleboards and kayaks for a morning on the water, including Orchid Island Bikes and Kayaks, Shark Bait Beach Gear Rentals, and Paddles by the Sea. The lagoon and coastline from water level are worth the early start.

Before heading out, the Vero Beach Museum of Art holds collections spanning from the early 20th century to today, covering painting, photography, sculpture, glass, and more. The cafe inside is a good spot for a last lunch, and whatever exhibition is on is usually worth the stop.

We spend a lot of time recommending this place to people from somewhere else. But we want to hear from you: what is the one spot in Vero Beach or Sebastian that you always tell visitors they cannot skip? Drop your answer in the comments on our Facebook post.

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Ava Cook

Community Manager at Vero Vine

Hello!
My name is Ava Cook and I am a Freshman at Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. I am currently a B.F.A musical theatre major with a minor in Business Administration. I love reading, singing, acting, dancing, and writing. My favorite part about Vero Beach and Indian River County as a whole is how close the community is. Vero Vine is important to me as it allows me to do my part it bringing the community together also, sharing events, small businesses, and other local happenings. If you have any questions or any recommendations for me, my email is always open [email protected].