Vero Beach

Resources

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover

Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

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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.

John looking through mounted binoculars at island in lagoon — Looking at Pelican Island from the top of the observation tower at the refuge

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.

Stone bridge in tropical setting — Built in 1932, the Stone Bridge at McKee Gardens has been the site of many weddings

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.