FAMILY GETAWAY

Whatever you’re looking for in an ideal family vacation spot on the Treasure Coast, we have it in abundance - whether it’s gleaming beaches, delicious culinary options, lush sports grounds, acres of meandering open waters, and secluded romantic spots.

This summer, and for any time together, delight in 26 miles of pictureperfect beaches, 29 parks, and preserves, plus hidden treasures and family-friendly activities. Wondering where to stay? Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is unique. It’s the only resort not located within a Disney theme park! Wanting to travel but worried about leaving Fido behind? The Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa welcomes dogs with open paws and has a marvelous reputation with travelers. Nearby, stunner Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is at your service, offering bikes, beach cabanas and chairs, poolside and beachside food and beverage service, kayaks, paddleboards, and morning yoga on the beach. There’s also a special turn-down menu for kids or adults based on your needs. For extended stays, Laurel Homes and Dale Sorenson vacation rentals offer a wide selection of fabulous oceanfront choices.

Surf’s Up!

With more than 10 pristine beaches to choose from, families can spend the day cherishing pleasures like sand-castle building, frisbee throwing, paddleboarding, beach picnics, or simply shelling. Plus, if you’re traveling with a surfer, don’t miss Sebastian Inlet State Park. It’s famous for groovy waves and surfing competitions. Beyond surfing, Sebastian Inlet is an excellent place for families with small children. The area is walled in by huge rocks, which keep the waters calm so little ones can wade, splash, and swim without rip currents. Oftentimes, you’ll witness both children and adults jumping up and down, delighted to catch sight of the manatees who love our warm, calm waters.

Scenic Sebastian Inlet is a favorite spot for pier-side fishing and an excellent way for families to bond and engage. For a cool break from the hot afternoon sun, walk over to the Sebastian Fishing Museum near the fishing pier. The museum is devoted to the area’s legendary fishing history. The park also offers camping. Reserve early as spots sell out quickly. A concession café, B&G Surfside Grill and Adventures, plus picnic facilities host hungry families.

While you’re in the area, you may want to visit the McLarty Treasure Museum, a two-minute drive from the Sebastian Inlet. This is an intimate museum. Little ones can easily navigate its world of sunken ships and tales of shipwreck survivors along with fables of local Native Americans. Then, of course, visit the legendary Mel Fisher Museum, with its displayed coins and gems from the ravaged 1715 Fleet, a fleet of treasure-laden ships that sank off the coastline; hence the name “Florida’s Treasure Coast.” The museum also hosts archaeological exhibits. Started in 1992, the museum has a unique laboratory that helps in conserve underwater artifacts.

Who Doesn’t Love a Giant Pirate Ship, a Whimsical Fairy, and a Fairy Forest?

National Geographic listed McKee Botanical Garden as one of the “22 Most Soothing Places of Surprise and Sanctuary in North America.” It is one of Florida’s most exquisite landmarks and home to more than 10,000 tropical plants, as well as one of the largest and most celebrated collections of water lilies in the nation. Last year, McKee opened their Children’s Garden to great acclaim. The oneacre Children’s Garden features a grand discovery tree with a pirate shipwreck, a monkey bridge, a waterlily fountain and splash garden, a reading circle, a fairy forest, and much more. Another gathering spot for children is the education amphitheater, where you can see a play or participate in workshops and crafts. In addition, reading programs are available at the Blue Crab Reading Circle and Stumpery.

@theverybusybee @oldsolestravel

More Than 100,000 Turtles Hit Florida’s Beaches During the Summer Months!

Vero Beach is one of the most prolific turtle nesting spots on the Atlantic Coast, thanks to its location and pristine environment. During June, a variety of turtle walks are available at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge and the Sebastian Inlet State Park. Both locations offer day and evening turtle tours. July is “turtle dig month.” Join Indian River’s own dedicated environmental scientist beachside, as she explores empty turtle nests and reports her scientific findings.

Turtle Tip:

You may even see a baby turtle break free and head for the beach to start its long journey into adulthood.

Kids Get Creative at the Art Zone

The Vero Beach Museum of Art’s dedicated Art Zone is a top spot for children. It features hands-on activities while encouraging artistic play and exploration using all five senses. With more than ten different play areas, including a giant magnetic and chalkboard wall, a ceiling comprised of major constellations, a curate your own gallery wall, and an interactive virtual sketch aquarium, children can spend hours creating works of art. Even the modular furniture was designed with kids in mind. Pieces are reimagined into tables, chairs, tunnels, and cubbies. Please visit vbmuseum.org for opening hours.

Museum Admission is required for the Art Zone. Members are free.

Get Ready Explorers: Eco-Excursions, Canoe Trips, Pontoon Rides & More

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is a 64-acre lagoon island preserve located off the Wabasso Bridge. This is an excellent place to take in an eco-tour, a guided canoe trip, try out stand-up paddleboarding or enjoy a pontoon boat ride. You’ll learn more about Florida’s fascinating and complex ecosystems and the area's different estuaries. Named by the Environmental Protection Agency as an estuary of national significance, the Indian River Lagoon is considered one of the most bio-diverse in North America. In addition, children can experience the Discovery Station Interactive Museum with aquariums, a 145-gallon touch tank, hands-on exhibits, and fun scavenger hunts.

Disney in Vero Beach

If you’d rather sidestep the theme park capital of central Florida to head to the beach this summer yet still offer your kids a Disney experience, you are in luck in Indian River County! Head to Goofy’s Beachside Character Breakfast at the Vero Beach Disney property. It’s the only Disney property in Florida not located within a Disney theme park. Children will get the thrill of a lifetime with table-side visits from “Jetski Goofy” and “Jetski Donald” while enjoying Mickey pancakes, eggs, bacon, and so much more. Take a selfie at the “surfboard stage” with either character to remember these special moments.

@lrdreaming @hatelinandpennelopi

Set Sail to See Manatees, Bottlenose Dolphins, Pelicans, and Many More

Sail along one of the unique habitats in the world, the Indian River Lagoon, home to rare and endangered plants and animals. More than 685 species of fish, 370 species of birds, and 2,100 species of plants call the lagoon home. Did you also know the Indian River is not an actual river but an estuary? Learn this and other information as you depart from Capt. Hiram’s Marina aboard the River King, a USCG-approved 45-foot Sightseer, covered pontoon boat. Daily eco-tours leave the marina and sail along the shallow waters of the Indian River Lagoon and the Sebastian River. Keep your eyes on the water as you are likely to spot manatees, bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and a variety of beautiful waterfowl.

Up, Up & Away

Soar in a seaplane across the aquamarine waters of the Atlantic Coast. An exciting journey viewing distinct habitats and ecosystems in and around the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach and Sebastian abounds. Hold on tight as the seaplane descends back to earth, landing on the waters of Fellsmere’s Blue Cypress Lake, one of the nation’s top osprey nesting sites. Have your camera ready to capture manatees, bald eagles, ospreys, Florida alligators, and other wildlife.

@shots_by_scott

A Magical Trip Hovering Over Water to View Wildlife Habitats

Take off on a thrilling airboat tour as you glide over water at speeds of 130 miles per hour. Families can experience trips around the nation’s first wildlife refuge - Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge - or circumnavigate more than 6,500 acres, known as Blue Cyprus Conservation Area. It’s scattered with colorful blooming lotus blossoms. These areas provide opportunities to spot Florida alligators, turtles, osprey, bald eagles, herons, pelicans, spoonbills, and swamp rabbits. Yes, swamp rabbits! They’re adorable.

EXPLORE & DISCOVER WHIMSICAL ADVENTURES FOR YOUNG & OLD ALIKE

LET THE MAGIC OF MCKEE SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION

A Florida Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, McKee Botanical Garden is recognized by the Garden Conservancy as a preservation project of national significance. The Garden features 10,000 tropical plants, including one of the state’s largest collections of waterlilies. Our popular Children’s Garden invites children and adults of all ages to fall in love with nature while learning about its importance in our lives. Featured in Southern Living Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens and Coastal Living Magazine

350 US HIGHWAY 1 | VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32962 | 772-794-0601

ADMISSION: $15 ADULTS | $13 SENIORS (65+)/YOUTH (13-17) | $10 CHILDREN (2–12) | MCKEE MEMBERS AND CHILDREN UNDER 2 FREE HOURS: TUE–SAT 10 AM–5 PM | SUN NOON–5 PM | LAST ADMISSION TICKET SOLD AT 4 PM | CHILDREN’S GARDEN CLOSES 4:30 PM | CLOSED MONDAYS AND MAJOR HOLIDAYS www.mckeegarden.org

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, The Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes). Photography © JPR Images, Robin Jones, McKee Archives.