Weekend Getaway: Vero Beach, FL

I don’t know about you but this polar vortex has me dreaming of a day at the beach. If you’re starting to plan a warm weather getaway from Grand Rapids look no further than Vero Beach, FL. Vero Beach is a great destination because the beaches are beautiful, and they were recently named one of the happiest seaside towns in Coastal Living. Cory actually lived in Vero Beach for six years before we met, so I’ve gotten the inside scoop on all the best places in Vero. Scroll down for my Vero Beach guide to find some of the best places to stay, where to eat, and some fun things to do.

Vero Beach Guide

Stay:

We’ve stayed at Costa d’Este a few times, and always have a wonderful time. The rooms are spacious, and many of the rooms have an ocean view. I also love the pool and accessibility to the ocean at Costa d’Este. PS this hotel is owned by Gloria Estefan.

We’ve also really enjoyed staying at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. This hotel is perfect for couples or families and it’s also located right by the ocean. They also have great restaurants with ocean views, and an amazing pool for lounging with a book during the day. I’ve also really enjoyed the spa here for a massage!

If you’re bringing the kids to Vero Beach you can’t go wrong with Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. This is the place you go to relax while the kids can swim in the Disney-themed pool and fun activities. Check out The Green Cabin Room for some great drinks and excellent ocean views.

Drink:

Grind & Grape is a coffee shop by day and a bar with live music by night (the best combination ever). Also, don’t miss out on their delicious pastries and yummy flatbreads for a little snack.

Whether you’re staying at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa or somewhere else in Vero you should make a stop at the poolside bar Heaton’s. They offer great happy hour options and the views of the pool and beach are the absolute best.

If you’re staying on the beach you can walk to Sailfish Brewing Company. They also have some great food options to enjoy with your beer.

Another must-visit brewery in Vero Beach is Walking Tree Brewery. I really liked their blonde ale Straw Hat and playing cornhole or boardgames indoors.

Eat:

If you’re in the mood for a really good sandwich the Red Onion Eatery is calling your name. They offer a little something for everyone with vegetable, meat and seafood options for their sandwiches. My favorite is the asparagus sandwich, but they are also known for their crunchy grouper reuben.

You can’t visit Vero Beach and not eat at Ocean Grill. This classic spot opens at 5pm and fills up really quickly for dinner. I would suggest getting their early to put your name on the list, and enjoying a cocktail at their bar or another spot within walking distance. The fresh seafood options are so good here!

The Tides is my favorite dinner spot in Vero Beach. Pro tip you need a reservation for dinner at The Tides, but they do have a few walk-in seats at their outdoor bar. The menu is amazing and they have great specials with fresh seafood options. Don’t leave without ordering their famous oatmeal cake for dessert!

In the mood for tacos? Check out El Sid Taqueria! El Sid is located on the beach and they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cory and I enjoyed their tacos with chips and guacamole for lunch while sitting outside.

Located in the same building as El Sid Taqueria is Countryside Citrus. This is a must stop on a warm day in Florida to enjoy their famous orange slushie. You can also add ice cream to the slushie! PS they also have fresh citrus fruit to enjoy here.

If you’re in downtown Vero Beach check out Post & Vine for dinner. You can’t go wrong with their burgers here and great selection of wines.

Cory and I love the muffins from Cravings for breakfast in the morning. They have a lot of homemade baked goods like muffins, croissants, and cinnamon rolls that are great for grab-and-go in the morning.

Citron Bistro is the best spot for brunch or lunch in Vero Beach. I love their salad options for lunch and they have a great brunch menu.

Take a little drive to Fort Pierce and eat some fresh seafood at On The Edge Bar & Grill. The blackened grouper sandwich with sweet potato fries is still one of my favorite meals.

Things To Do:

Take the kids and enjoy a walk through Pelican Island. This nature reserve is a great spot to see some local wildlife and enjoy the warm weather. They also offer wildlife tours to guide you along the way.

Take a little drive from Vero Beach and head to Kennedy Space Center for the day. Your kids will love exploring the mission zones and learning new things about space. They also have a nature preserve where you can spot alligators and bald eagles.

The McKee Botanical Garden is great for a family outing. They have such beautiful gardens and even a special garden for children. If you’re looking for something to do with your family while in Vero Beach check out the botanical garden!