Best 3-Day Vero Beach Itinerary for Families (Kid-Friendly Things to Do)

Vero Beach may be one of the most underrated beaches in the entire country. Looking to visit Florida without the crazy tourists and overwhelming amount of people? Then this is a great place to visit. Going with your family? This Vero Beach Itinerary will give you recommendations on where to stay, best places to eat and kid-friendly things to do.

This is a great place to go with your family. It’s a cozy beach town with tons to do, and you won’t get the loud party people of Miami or Daytona Beach.

Best Places to Stay in Vero Beach

1. The Driftwood Resort: Experience old Florida charm at this historic oceanfront resort, offering cozy cottages and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa: A boutique hotel owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, featuring elegant accommodations and a rejuvenating spa.
3. South Beach Place: This is the place that I stayed at when I visited Vero beach. It’s old style retro rooms make it such a unique and fun place to visit! The rooms feel like small apartments as there is a living area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. You step outside to a large pool and gathering area with a grill, games and tables. It is also a very short walk to the beach
4. Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa: Treat yourself to a beachfront room with stylish rooms, oceanfront dining, and access to a private beach club. If you’re looking for luxury, then this is a very nice place to stay right along the beach.

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Best Things to Do with Kids in Vero Beach

1. Hit the Beaches: Of course the top things to do when you visit Florida. Hit the beaches. Spend leisurely days basking in the sun on the soft sands of South Beach or exploring the natural beauty of Round Island Beach Park, where you can stroll along secluded shores and spot marine wildlife such as sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and stingrays.
   • Walk along the beaches at night to try to spot some of the sea turtles climbing up on the beach to lay their eggs, a really beautiful thing to witness and the kids will love it as well.
2. Watersports Adventure: Dive into exhilarating watersports activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and jet skiing along Vero Beach’s pristine coastline.
   • We opted for an hour of a jet ski rental with Salty Water Sports. It was a very simple process. The salty sea air blowing in your face really gives you a crazy adrenaline rush and makes you feel so alive! Highly recommend jet skiing or doing some sort of water sport out on the water. It’s a really freeing and incredible experience
3. Golfing Paradise: Tee off at world-class golf courses. Vero Beach has several championship golf courses, including the Indian River Club and Sandridge Golf Club, offering challenging fairways and stunning views. If you’re not a huge beach person, take your clubs or rent some and head over to the course while the rest of the family is out laying on the beach!
4. Historic Downtown Exploration: Take a leisurely stroll through downtown Vero Beach, where charming streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Rent out a bike or just take a walk. There is always a place to see or visit in downtown Vero Beach.
5. NightLife: For some nightlife action check out “The Kilted Mermaid” where they have live music almost every night and 25 local beers on tap. A fun place to hang out after a long day out in the sun.
   • “Sol Mar Cocktail Lounge” located just across the beach offers a large variety of unique cocktails. Has outdoor seating, is open late and has a terrific atmosphere.
   • If you’re looking for something a little livelier and more fun. A more mature setting. “The Boiler” is another fun option right along the beach with an elegant atmosphere, exotic drinks and a classy indoor setting.

Places to Eat

1. Ocean Grill: This historic restaurant offers stunning ocean views and serves up delicious seafood dishes. A fancier restaurant where you can expect to pay a good price, however the elegant dining experience and food make it worth it for at least one night in Vero Beach. We ate here and it’s a very popular spot, but the service is terrific and the food was unbelievable. From fresh fish to succulent crab cakes, Ocean Grill is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
2. The lemon Tree: A very popular spot in Vero Beach for breakfast located on the boardwalk just across the street from the beach. A quaint little spot that’s perfect for starting your day with a pastry and coffee. The café has a cozy and inviting ambiance, with indoor seating surrounded by colorful artwork and vintage decor. There’s also a charming outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal while soaking up the sunshine.
3. Casey’s Place: Casey’s Place is a beloved local eatery known for its casual atmosphere and delicious comfort food. It’s a laid-back spot where you can enjoy a tasty meal with friends and family. Pull up here in your bathing suit if you want. Grab a fish sandwich and a spot outside and you’re good to go. The atmosphere at Casey’s is relaxed and inviting, with indoor and outdoor seating options. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach or to grab a quick bite on your lunch break.
4. Mulligan’s Beach House: Mulligan’s Beach House is a great local place on the beach. A very casual spot where you can grab a fish fry or a juicy burger as well as some of their delectable mixed alcoholic drinks. If you come for lunch they have happy hour where you can get some great deals on some delicious drinks. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal with friends and family if you’re looking for something casual and not as expensive.
5. Citrus Grillhouse: Known for its innovative farm-to-table cuisine, Citrus Grillhouse showcases the vibrant flavors of locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy dishes like citrus-glazed salmon and grilled Florida shrimp in a cozy yet upscale atmosphere. Another great place to enjoy a family dinner where it’s not insanely fancy and pricey and also not super casual where you can pull up in a bathing suit. Get a taste of Florida with some locally caught fish.

Final Tips For Vero Beach

1. Pack Sun Protection: Vero Beach enjoys plenty of sunshine, so be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. One of my favorite purchases was a long sleeve boating shirt. You can grab one from any gift shop or clothing store. Super light and sweat resistant. keeps you cool while also protecting you from the sun
2. Stay Hydrated: Florida’s warm climate means it’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re engaging in outdoor activities. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
3. Check for Seasonal Events: Vero Beach hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, so check the local events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit. From art shows to food festivals to live music performances, there’s always something fun to attend.
4. Be Mindful of Wildlife: Vero Beach is home to diverse wildlife, including birds, turtles, manatees and dolphins. When exploring nature preserves or enjoying water activities, be respectful of wildlife habitats and observe animals from a safe distance to avoid disturbing them.
5. Plan for Outdoor Adventures: Take advantage of Vero Beach by planning outdoor adventures such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, and jet skiing. As mentioned above I highly recommend renting out a jet ski and giving it a spin. A super fun activity to do that everyone will love. There are also several boat tours you can plan as well, Hop on trip advisor or Expedia and see what Vero Beach has to offer! Pack appropriate gear and clothing for your chosen activities and be prepared to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and beaches

Conclusion: Vero Beach Itinerary

In conclusion, Vero Beach is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to avoid the crowds of some of the more popular and over-crowded beach destinations in Florida.

Vero Beach is only about an hour and a half drive from downtown Orlando, so you can absolutely hit up either Disney World or Universal Studios and do Vero Beach all in one trip.

Whether you’re strolling along the shoreline at sunrise, jet skiing in the Atlantic, watching sea turtles lay their eggs, savoring fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, or trying a unique cocktail from one of the many bars on the beach, every moment spent in Vero Beach is filled with possibility and discovery.

I hope this Vero Beach Itinerary gives you some great ideas for how to spend your time in this beautiful beach town.