What a great place to start the day/greet the sun! Mom and I ventured over at "oh dark 30" to see…read morethe sunrise. What a spectacular spot to do do! This beach was easily accessible, with tons of parking and a beautiful boardwalk through the mangroves, to reach the sand. The sands are clean... and visitors are encourage to help keep them that way. There are little baskets you can take along to pick up trash while you're out there. I love that idea! There are picnic tables, restrooms, lifeguard stations and volleyball nets. While we were there, we were repeatedly greeted by other people, out welcoming the sun. It couldn't have been a brighter start to the day. I would definitely return... hopefully sooner, than later!

Let's face it, nothing spoils a beach visit faster than getting all settled at the beach then…read morehaving to go the bathroom and realizing you're at a beach that doesn't have any. That is not the case here at South Beach. The bathrooms are located in the park area at Hutchinson and the beach is clean and well kept. Along with restrooms, one can find an array of restaurants and beautiful shops along Ocean Drive and the side streets. Unfortunately the shops close relatively early but otherwise this beach as just a beach is highly recommended! It also has a sandbar but in some areas can drop off quickly. Vero is zero is false. Vero is hero is more likely

Round Island South Conservation Center is a 59 acre natural area in Vero Beach on the west side of…read moreSR A1A. Parking and entrance to the preserve is located on the southern boundary of Round Island Riverside Park. This conservation area is ideal for an easy hike. Habitats include mangroves, a maritime hammock, and lagoon shores. Along the trail you will enjoy scenic views of the lagoon where you may possibly see native wading birds, manatees, and dolphins. Twenty species of wood-warbler have been recorded here including Cape May, Blackpoll and Wilson's. There are also boardwalks and kayak launches. This conservation area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, one of the longest running programs of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was created with the goal of encouraging conservation by encouraging connections between people and Florida's wildlife and natural land. I enjoyed my visit to this lovely conservation area that is a complement to Riverside Park. You can enjoy the amenities in the park and then cross over the bridge to the conservation area for a more immersive nature experience. Admission is free and the preserves is open 7:30am until sunset, year-round.

Nice park. Walk along the wooden boardwalks or go kayaking. If you are lucky, you might even see a…read moreFlorida manatee having an early morning swim. Don't get too close as the manatees are protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. They are an endangered species. While you are in the area, check out the Round Island South Conservation area. Beautiful area to explore on a sunny day in Florida.

If you're looking for a place in Vero Beach that humbles the soul and lifts the heart, Veteran's…read moreMemorial Island Sanctuary is it. This isn't just a park--it's sacred ground dressed in serenity and sunshine. As I walked under a bright sky and the slow rustle of trees, I was greeted by engraved stone pillars marked with words like Honor, Devotion, Sacrifice. You don't just read them--you feel them. Every step here carries meaning. The American flag stands tall at the end of a peaceful, tree-lined brick path, swaying like it's saluting every visitor who comes to remember. Sculptures and monuments dot the landscape, each one dedicated to those who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. The "Lest We Forget" stone from 1963 hit especially hard--simple, bold, and eternal. But what struck me the most was how beautiful it all is. The landscaping is pristine, the layout intentional, and the silence... powerful. You hear birds, maybe your own footsteps, and nothing else. It's as if the whole place whispers: "They mattered. Don't forget." This is more than a park. It's a living tribute--one that doesn't ask for applause, just presence. I came to reflect, to walk, to breathe--and left with gratitude in my chest. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this island sanctuary deserves your time, your silence, and your thanks.

veterans park is a memorable visit. free of charge:-) always reminds me, one if the reasons why i'm…read moreso grateful & blessed to be in nation!! views of the beautiful waterways greet you on the roads to get here. from walking paths, picnic covered pavilions most with bbq to grill your anytime of year favorites. parking is free. -*** bring your fur baby on a leash of course:-) and please dont forget the infamous poopie bags. pick up & make a deposit in the multiple g cans throughout the park. so many areas to visit inside the park. heart warming memorials practically everywhere you walk. paying tribute and respect to all those who have selflessly sacrificed for the freedom we live. i thank everyday all the men and women tgat give me the peace of mind and spirit for no worries. when i lay my head to sleep the sound of an attack of our land. on a a happier note:-)) may you & your family & friends enjoy this thanksgiving holiday. christmas, chanukah or any holiday we are ***free to celebrate.

A nice spot to park near the water and maybe do some fishing. A constant parade of boats going…read morepast was a nice distraction. The park does have a basic restroom. This was a nice stop to enjoy some waterside time without going all the way across the causeway and dealing with beach traffic. There is a boat launch but it was blocked off with a barricade. Maybe it's only open during certain times of the year? The kayak/canoe launch was open and there is a kayak rental company on the far side of the parking lot. At least one security patrol passed through while I was here. [Review 19269 overall - 1618 in Florida - 239 of 2023.]

This is a very pretty one acre park located in Sebastian Florida north of County Road 510 off…read moreCounty Road 512. The canoe launch is located on Canoe Launch Cove. Park amenities include a canoe launch onto the South Prong of the Sebastian River, a pavilion, 3 picnic tables and paved parking. There isn't any rental concessions so you have to bring your own canoe or kayak. There also are no restrooms or water. The Sebastian River is protected waterway. On the river you may see alligators, manatees, native birds, and fish. From the launch you can paddle north to Donald MacDonald Park, Dale Wimbrow, or to the Indian River Lagoon. these trips average three to four hours. I didn't have a boat with me but I would love to paddle this river someday. Instead I hiked the Ansin Riverfront Conservation Area which shares a parking lot with Canoe Launch Park. I love how natural Florida was preserved in this area to protect the health of the river and the plants and animals that live here. Today you can still travel the waterways the way the first native Floridians did.

Stopped into the Environmental Learning Center on a whim after driving past it many times, and now…read moreI'm wondering why I waited so long. This place is one of those hidden little Treasure Coast gems that almost hides in plain sight. The boardwalk trails through the mangroves were peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly immersive. Every turn felt like a mini nature documentary. Within a short walk I spotted a ribbon snake cruising through the water, an orb-weaver spider that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie, and plenty of birds and wildlife along the way. Bring a camera because you'll use it. Bonus points for the rare opportunity to admire a spider web without immediately walking face first into it. The grounds are well maintained, educational without feeling overly touristy, and just plain relaxing. There's a nice balance between nature preserve, learning experience, and quiet escape from the everyday rush. Also appreciated that you can spend 30 minutes here or easily lose a couple of hours wandering the trails and slowing your brain down a notch. We didn't try the kayak rental this time but made a mental note for the future. If you live in or visit Vero Beach and enjoy nature, photography, kayaking, wildlife, or just finding peaceful spots that don't involve crowds and traffic, this place is absolutely worth a stop.

We came here while visiting the area and really enjoyed the learning center!…read more We only stayed for a few hours but there was definitely a lot more to see and do here. We got to see a lot of fish and native Florida wildlife! There were a lot of walking trails, kayak/canoe launches, and tons of information posted around about native Florida habitats! There was also a play area for kids as well. We spent a lot of the time in the aquarium room (and yes it's a room not a super huge space) since it was air conditioned and our daughter really enjoys seeing the fish. They have a touch tank that's open for a few hours throughout the day, but we noticed that if the tank isn't open, there was no staff in the space. The facilities seemed a bit older but overall well maintained. There were summer camps going on while we were there, and felt like they sort of overtook some of the spaces we were in from time to time. Not a super huge deal as we were able to go explore other parts but it did feel somewhat chaotic as a large group of 8 year olds ran into the area. You do have to pay admission, there is a pass available as well if you plan to visit more than once. Parking was not plentiful so be mindful when planing, to come early or during a more "off" time. Overall this was a neat place to go to if you enjoy learning about Florida wildlife and nature.

The Jones Pier Conservation Area is a 16 acre parcel of land acquired by Indian River County in…read more2011. It is one of several culturally and naturally significant properties bought by the county with funds from the Indian River County Conservation Lands Program. Entrance to the preserve is located one-mile south of County Road 510 on the Historic Jungle Trail which is a State designated greenway and a byway of the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Highway. The Jungle Trail is not paved and is frequented by bike riders so you must travel very slowly on it. Seaborn Jones was among the earliest settlers to the area. In 1889 the Jones family homesteaded 160 acres on Orchid Island where they farmed beans, mango, coconut, pineapple and citrus and sold it at their roadside fruit stand where it was purchased by tourists. Jones Pier was built in 1907 and was tended by three generations of the Jones family. It was a lifeline for shipping citrus to the mainland and getting supplies to the island before bridges were built. The family resided on the property for more than 115 years until Richard Milton Jones' death in 2011. The Jones family home is still on the property and there are plans to turn it into a museum The conservation area is currently undergoing a renovation. The pier has already been restored. Volunteers from the Pelican Island Audubon Society, Florida Native Plant Society, and University of Tampa students have been installing native plants and making other improvements to the site. 1.700 native plants and 50 live oaks were planted on the property. Soon to open will be a one mile hiking trail. To improve the health of the Indian River lagoon, a four acre salt marsh was dug out. It will eventually be connected to the lagoon through a series of culverts. The salt marsh was created to have different depths so different plants can grow that will filter and clean the water. An enhanced gopher habitat and community garden will also be added to the preserve. This preserve is a work in progress. I love how the history of the land is being preserved while at the same time improving the environment. I think the jones family would be happy to see that their generations long community service is being honored in a preserve bearing their name. I can't wait to go back when the hiking trail opens.

When the temperature drops and I don't have to be at work you will find me hiking the lesser known…read moretrails of Florida which is how I ended up here today. The lovely Lake Indrio Preserve is off U.S. 1 across from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. This property was purchased through a partnership between the Florida Division of State Lands, Florida Communities Trust and St. Lucie County's voter-approved land bond. It became the newest public conservation land in St. Lucie County when it opened in August of last year. While new to visitors, the county has maintained this land since 2010. This site was formed when the Anastasia Formation deposited white sugar sand and limestone during the Late Pleistocene period. This ancient sand dune is the base of the scrub habitat which is home to many endangered plants and animals including the scrub jay and gopher tortoise. Much of the scrub land in Florid was used for construction of home developments. Other wildlife that call Lake Indrio Preserve home includes the North American river otter, alligator racoon, six lines race runner, osprey, bald eagle, gray fox, and many species of wading birds. Lake Indrio Preserve is a habitat for the federally endangered Lakela's mint that only grows in endangered scrubland. The plant is a rare, aromatic scrub known for its lavender-hued flowers and mint-scented fragrance. This is the only place the plant can be found in St. Lucie County. The seven acre Lake Indrio Preserve is part of a larger 250 acre parcel called the Harbor Branch Preserve. The Harbor Branch Preserve is made up of Lake Indrio Preserve, Lakela's Mint Preserve, and 230 acres east of Old Dixie Highway that extends to the Indian River Lagoon. Lake Indrio Preserve has a trail head that connects it to the much larger 297-acre Indrio Savannahs Preserve to the south. This preserve is open for kayaking, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and birding. In the middle of the preserve is a scenic old sand mine lake that was dug in the 1970's by the Stewart Sand Mine Company. Mr. Stewart donated the land to the county in 1998 when it was in the early stages of becoming a housing development. Circling the lake are natural earth trails for hiking. The lake has a boardwalk that takes you to an upland island and a fishing pier where you can fish catch and release. There is a non motorized boat launch on to the lake. Also in this area is a large, brand new picnic pavilion with tables making this an ideal area to enjoy a meal before or after a hike. I loved my visit here and applaud St. Lucie County for preserving land to protect endangered plants and animals and to give future generations a place in nature to enjoy.