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Exploring Vero Beach
An important stop for early sailors along the Indian River Lagoon south of Sebastian, Vero Beach drew national attention thanks to the Audubon Society and its efforts to preserve vanishing bird species from over-hunting.
In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Pelican Island as the first federal bird reservation. That act lead to the creation of the National Wildlife Refuge System across America.
Vero Beach blossomed soon after, in the 1920s, with the arrival of Waldo Sexton. Literally.
While transforming the waterfront community into a winter destination, he was keen on accenting its tropical feel with tropical gardens. McKee Jungle Gardens was born.
Parks and trails in Vero Beach cluster close to the Indian River Lagoon, where the perpetual humidity encourages Florida’s native tropical species to thrive.
One of the best ways to step back in time is to follow the shellrock surface of Jungle Trail south from Pelican Island NWR to Captain Forster’s Hammock, a slow waterfront drive that makes a great bike trip as well.
Trails and Parks near Vero Beach
Centennial Trail Designed the first Federal Bird Reserve in 1903, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge celebrated its century mark by creating this short, scenic, accessible trail for birding
D.J. Wilcox Natural Area In pine flatwoods and scrub along the Indian River Lagoon, D.J. Wilcox Natural Area features the ghost town of Indrio along its 2.3-mile loop
Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve Immediately west of Interstate 95 at the Sebastian/Fellsmere exit, Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve provides a nature break for travelers and a trailhead for recreation
Fort Drum Marsh Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area covers more than 20,000 acres, but this hike zeroes in on 3 miles in two loops - at Horseshoe Lake and Hog Island - near Yeehaw Junction. 
Indrio Savannahs Only a mile from the Indian River Lagoon, Indrio Savannas has 3.5 miles of hiking around freshwater wetlands where sea breezes wash across the landscape.
Indrio Scrub Atop the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, Indrio Scrub is a place where unique scrub species thrive. A short interpretive loop trail leads you through the preserve
Lagoon Greenway A scenic trek in Vero Beach to an observation deck on the Indian River Lagoon provides the option of longer immersion in the coastal mangrove forest
Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area Lush tropical hammocks, great birding, and a dash of history along the Indian River Lagoon make Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area a diverse and interesting place to explore
Pelican Island NWR The birthplace of the National Wildlife Refuge system, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge protects more than 5,400 acres along and in the Indian River Lagoon off Sebastian
Sebastian Inlet State Park One of few places where the Indian River Lagoon mingles with the Atlantic Ocean, Sebastian Inlet is the central feature of Sebastian Inlet State Park, which protects the tips of both barrier islands