Walkway to blissful Vero Beach
VIBE: Romantic, Relaxed
South Beach Park, 1702 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
With some beaches, you have a long, not walk to reach the water. Even worse, you are exhausted after carrying all your gear. Not in Vero Beach. Everything is close to the beach.
At first glance, South Beach Park seems like any other Florida beach. However, this hidden treasure surprised us with grassy areas, quaint shelters, and short, forested paths that lead to an incredible beachfront. There is even a bench to rest before you walk across the sand, and it is fully accessible. South Beach Park has a romantic, undeveloped feel to it where even the structures seem to be part of the trees. Just like a botanical garden, it's a pleasure from the moment you arrive. With free parking, you will never want to leave!
Vero Beach Sand
The sand at South Beach Park is just about perfect for walking. Comfortable but not too hard. It's not the sugar sand you find on the Gulf beaches, but it is not too thick. It is easy to carry your gear without stumbling or sinking. There is a sloping drop off but the waves are manageable and the water temperature is swimmable, even in January. No biking is allowed on the beach, and no animals.
Shelly sand on Vero Beach, FL
Walk further away from the water, and the sand gets more interesting. Small shells and stones of various colors and textures are everywhere. You can do some shelling here if you feel like it. There are a lot of palm trees, sea oats, and large grasses, but no real sand dunes. This beach feels truly tropical complete with an ocean breeze.
Vero Beach Ocean Water
The water is clear and blue, with pockets of emerald green where it is shallow. In January, it was a little cool to swim, but there were plenty of folks that ventured in since the air temperature was close to 80F. With most Atlantic Florida beaches, like Jensen Beach and Daytona Beach, you have to be aware of riptides. There is a lifeguard present during the busy, beach season. We walked along the shore dipping our feet into the surf looking for Manta Rays and dolphins.
Vero Beach Parking and Amenities
Free overflow parking lot at South Beach Park Vero
It took us a while to find the parking lot since this beach is a little off the beaten path of A1A. Our GPS was playing games but we followed the other cars to the large parking lot. The parking at South Beach Park is free. However, the lot was full when we arrived late morning, so we found a spot in the overflow parking lot a stone's throw away. It is still an easy walk with gear to the changing and bathroom facilities. They are older but clean and well maintained. There are bins for recycling and a shower station with a foot wash.
Recycling is easy at South Beach Park Vero
Grilling is easy at South Beach Park in Vero Beach. There are five pavilions with picnic benches and multiple grills near the parking lot. These pavilions are away from the beach, but shady. We also saw some people taking a pizza box onto the beach, so that's another option. After you eat, walk through the little forest and you're back on the sand!
Lots of shady grilling areas
Vero Beach Activities
Bruno enjoys walking on the beach at South Beach Park Vero
Sunrise, sunset, or in-between, South Beach Park in Vero Beach looks beautiful. You can walk for miles and never get bored looking at the ocean. There are volleyball nets for active beach lovers. Vending machines are available for those who want a soda. As you walk north on the beach, there is a designated fishing area. It is obviously a popular fishing spot because all the surf fishing holders were taken and the fishermen were reeling them in. You can stay on the beach after the restrooms close to watch turtles or take in the setting sun.
Fishing area at South Beach Park Vero
Look Out! This Could Happen...
Is there anything bad about Vero Beach? Traffic is the only thing we can find to warn you about when taking a road trip to this Florida beach is the traffic! The causeway bridge had a lane blocked off both ways due to construction. We suggest you stay on the main route if possible. Before you go on your road trip, check for road closures or beach restoration closures on the Indian River County website.
Trucks At This Beach
As you can see, there's lots of room in the South Beach Park to park a Ford F-250 pickup truck. Bull bar, running boards and cab roof lights complete this model. This truck was in the overflow parking lot.
What We Really Think About Vero Beach
South Beach Park in Vero Beach has been crowned one of our "Top Five Beaches in Florida". This beach ticks all the boxes for nice sand, beautiful water, accessibility, free parking, cleanliness, and amenities. It's also a bonus that the weather is perfect for swimming year-round. It's no wonder so many people are coming here, not only to visit but to live. The only drawback, and we had to think hard to find one, is that it is a hard to find and the parking is limited. The entrance is only one lane, so there can be a line-up to get in. Even with the overflow parking lot, there will be days when you can't find a spot. But this is no different than other Florida beaches like Siesta Key and Juno Beach Park. Still, if you time it right, you will find this beach makes your own top five list too.
Vero Beach Hotels
Prestige Hotel Vero Beach
The Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel Holiday Inn & Suites Vero Beach-Oceanside Sea Spray Inn Sea Horse Beach Cottages 
Sea Spray Inn
Dining in Vero Beach
Wind & Waves Grill at Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Trattoria Dario Creperie at Maison Martinique Restaurant Ocean Grill 
Ocean Grill Restaurant
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