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Aquamarine ocean framed by sea grapes and palms

Vero Beach

With deep roots and tropical habitats along the Indian River Lagoon, Vero Beach is home to the nation’s oldest National Wildlife Refuge.

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Contents

  • 1 Resources
  • 2 Exploring Vero Beach
  • 3 Trails and Parks near Vero Beach
    • 3.1 D.J. Wilcox Natural Area
    • 3.2 Pelican Island NWR
    • 3.3 Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve
    • 3.4 Fort Drum Marsh
    • 3.5 Lagoon Greenway
    • 3.6 Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area
    • 3.7 Centennial Trail
    • 3.8 Indrio Savannahs
    • 3.9 Indrio Scrub

Resources

50 Hikes in South Florida book cover South Florida Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us continue to provide public information on this website.


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.

Tall thin map kiosk surrounded by palm trees
Map kiosk for Jungle Trail at Captain Forster Hammock


Trails and Parks near Vero Beach

DJ Wilcox Preserve

D.J. Wilcox Natural Area

D.J. Wilcox Natural Area
Pelican Island

Pelican Island NWR

Pelican Island NWR
Deck with benches overlooking marsh

Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve

Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve
Fort Drum Marsh

Fort Drum Marsh

Fort Drum Marsh
Lagoon Greenway coastal plain

Lagoon Greenway

Lagoon Greenway
Oslo Riverfront CA

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area

Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area
Pelican Island Centennial Trail

Centennial Trail

Centennial Trail
Indiro Savannas

Indrio Savannahs

Indrio Savannahs
Indrio Scrub

Indrio Scrub

Indrio Scrub
 
More Trails More Parks


NEARBY: Fort Pierce, Melbourne, Sebastian | PART OF: Southeast Florida

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