Vero Beach Is No Longer the Last Leg of the Trip

February 10, 2025 | Read Time: 4 minutes

For years, reaching Vero Beach often meant landing somewhere else first. That arrival pattern is changing. Expanded commercial service at Vero Beach Regional Airport now allows more travelers to land much closer to the beaches, arts, lagoon and Orchid Island, reducing the need to make a long Florida airport drive the final leg of the trip.

1. More Travelers Can Skip the Long Airport Drive

Breeze Airways has continued expanding its Vero Beach network since the original article was published. Depending on the season and schedule, current service connects Vero Beach Regional Airport with markets including Hartford, Providence, White Plains, Long Island/Islip, Washington Dulles, Baltimore, Trenton, Atlantic City, Pittsburgh and Burlington. That gives travelers from several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions a more direct way to begin their time on the Treasure Coast. For those seeking worldly adventures, however, Orlando International Airport, Melbourne International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport are all just a short drive away.

2. There Will Be No Shortage of Events

Visitors to Vero Beach will find a vibrant array of events to enjoy. Festivals in the Indian River area are a regular highlight, beginning with the Treasure Coast Seafood Festival in January, where local chefs serve up the finest flavors of the sea. The Treasure Coast Ribs, Wings, and Rock Festival continues the excitement on in March, featuring top-tier BBQ and lively entertainment. Many are also looking forward to the Vero Beach Film Festival that takes place every April. This festival screens hundreds of films, from comedies and dramas to documentaries and shorts, by filmmakers from around the globe. In addition to these events, the Vero Beach Farmers Market remains a beloved weekly tradition. Held on Ocean Drive every Saturday, the market offers fresh produce and artisanal goods against the backdrop of the Atlantic.

3. It’s One of America’s Best Beach Towns

One of the greatest perks of the Sunshine State is the ability to enjoy the beach year-round. Northerners are in luck, as Vero Beach has been recognized as one of America’s Best Beach Towns by Coastal Living. Guided by the motto “sunrises, not high-rises,” this charming town ensures no building along the 26-mile stretch exceeds three stories. This leaves plenty of space for enjoying leisurely walks, beachcombing for seashells, and even treasure hunting. Visitors are likely to encounter loggerhead sea turtles, ghost crabs, diving pelicans, and more.

4. There’s Natural Beauty Beyond the Coastline

The beaches are just the beginning of Vero Beach’s natural allure. To the west, the Indian River Lagoon offers a vibrant ecosystem that draws nature enthusiasts from near and far. The Environmental Learning Center provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the lagoon’s rich biodiversity through guided kayak tours, nature trails, and interactive exhibits. The 18-acre McKee Botanical Gardens is also a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. It features over 10,000 native and exotic plants, ponds, and scenic streams with one of Florida’s largest water lily collections.

5. A Passion for the Arts Thrives

Vero Beach boasts a rich cultural scene with a strong emphasis on the arts. The Riverside Theatre serves as the hub for live performances, presenting everything from Broadway hits to local shows. Ballet Vero Beach brings elegance to the community with its contemporary and classic ballet programs, including a unique local take on the holiday classic “The Nutcracker.” The Gifford Museum highlights the area’s local history and heritage, while the Vero Beach Museum of Art features a diverse collection of over 800 pieces from around the world, showcasing a wide range of artistic forms. There are also plenty of art galleries, boutiques, and more to peruse throughout the city.

Orchid Island Extends the Vero Beach Setting Beyond the Visit

Just north of Vero Beach, Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club occupies a barrier-island setting between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. The member-owned community combines more than a mile of private beach with an Audubon-certified Arnold Palmer championship golf course, giving the water and golf course equal roles in the residential environment.

The Beach Club brings together oceanfront dining, a seaside pool and spa services, while the broader Club includes fitness facilities, tennis, pickleball, bocce, croquet and direct kayak access to the Indian River Lagoon. Those amenities make the surrounding Vero Beach attractions part of a larger lifestyle rather than the only reason to spend time in the area.

Orchid Island is an established community, so real estate opportunities change as individually owned properties enter and leave the market. Buyers can review current Orchid Island listings, including golf-, river- and ocean-oriented residences, directly through Orchid Island Realty.

For current property information or to arrange a private community and Club visit, call Orchid Island Realty at 772.388.3888. A complimentary Orchid Island Magazine is also available online.