Just beyond the Costa D’Este Resort and Spa lies a community rich with culture, natural wonders, and hidden gems.
If you are seeking unique things to do in Vero Beach, step outside the resort for an afternoon and explore the hidden treasures that give our town its timeless charm.
OUTDOOR TRAILS AND NATURE WALKS
Escape into Old Florida’s lush landscapes and coastal waterways with these hidden outdoor gems offering some of the best free things to do in Vero Beach.
You can cycle or stroll under a breezy natural canopy along the 8-mile path of The Historic Jungle Trail, or head to Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, America’s very first national wildlife refuge, for quiet walking paths and premier birdwatching. For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, visit the lagoon side of Round Island Beach Park to spot wild manatees gliding peacefully through shallow waters.
EXPLORE THE OCEAN
One of the best ways to experience the Treasure Coast is grabbing a kayak and heading out to explore the Indian River Lagoon. If you're staying with us at Costa d’Este, Paddles by the Sea can launch you right from the beach to paddleboard or kayak over the S.S. Breconshire shipwreck just offshore. If you want a full day immersed in nature, head to the Environmental Learning Center; their pontoon tours through the mangroves and hands-on touch tanks are a blast for all ages.
A LOOK INTO OLD-SCHOOL FLORIDA
Most visitors pass through without ever realizing Vero Beach has a deeply fascinating past tucked just off the main drag. Duck into the Heritage Center & Indian River Citrus Museum downtown; it's a quirky, underrated treasure trove packed with vintage crate art and retro memorabilia from the era when Florida citrus first started booming. Just down the road lies another true secret of the area: the historic Laura Riding Jackson House. This remarkably preserved 1910 pole-barn homestead gives you a rare, untouched look into Old Florida pioneer life and the eccentric literary hideaway of the world-renowned poet who called it home.
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN
The historic downtown Vero Beach is riddled with hidden gems. Music lovers will want to seek out Wax Records, a cozy, off-the-beaten-path haven where crate-diggers can spend hours flipping through stacks of rare vintage vinyl. If you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, the area transforms for the Vero Beach Art Walk, a lively street celebration where quiet studios open their doors. It's the perfect chance to duck inside local favorites like Gallery Veritas or Raw Space Gallery to meet creators, view contemporary exhibits, and enjoy live music under the stars.
LOCAL FLAVORS
Vero Beach’s food and drink scene has a quiet sophistication that easily rivals big-city hotspots. Start your morning sipping handcrafted espresso at neighborhood haunts like Tribe Coffee or Night Owl Coffee, or swing by the Saturday Farmers Market near Humiston Park for fresh pastries and local produce. Midday calls for the clean, farm-to-table bowls at La Tabla, while evenings belong to Cuban-infused seafood with oceanfront views right here at The Wave Kitchen & Bar. When night falls, slip into 21st Amendment Distillery, a sleek, speakeasy-style cocktail bar that’s perfect for a nightcap.
FAMILY FUN
If you’re traveling with kids or just craving a little old-school nostalgia, Safari Golf and Games is one of those delightfully retro hidden gems that's easy to miss. Tucked away from the usual crowds, this spot packs pure classic fun with a breezy 18-hole mini-golf course wound through lush foliage and quirky obstacles. After you wrap up your game, duck inside to cool off with a few rounds on their vintage arcade games, then treat yourself to a big scoop of local ice cream.
Whether you spend your morning paddleboarding with dolphins or your evening browsing Ocean Drive Vero Beach shops, let Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa be your luxurious home base. Relax by our oceanfront pool, indulge in restorative spa treatments, and discover the effortless magic of Old Florida sophistication.
