Asone of the country’s best ‘hidden gem’ vacation destinations, Florida’s Treasure Coast with an array of things to do for any lifestyle, age, or interest.
This stretch of Florida’s east coast is known for hiding some of the best activities in the state, and we’re going to explore 20 things to do on the Treasure Coast.
We’re going to cover more than just the typical sights, though we’ll hit some of those too, and by the end, you should have several more things to do on the Treasure Coast that you can add to your next vacation itinerary.
See The Sights
Here are some of the typical attractions you may want to hit if you’re a new visitor to the area, or if you’ve just never taken the time to dig around in your own backyard.
Vero Beach Museum of Art
Culture is one of the Treasure Coast’s strongest areas, and the Vero Beach Museum of Art showcases a wildly diverse collection of modern as well as contemporary art from both local and international artists.
The museum offers beautiful and engaging exhibits like you’d expect from any good museum, but they also offer a wide range of educational programs, and they have a sculpture garden that’s simply divine.
For individuals and families with a love for art and expression, the Vero Beach Museum of Art is nothing short of captivating, and certainly worth a spot in your schedule.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a unique and beautiful opportunity to see sea turtles being expertly treated and rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.
There are roughly 100 turtles that are treated here every year, and visitors can watch the beloved animals receive treatment and even surgery through viewing windows.
The center also runs various tours and nature walks that range in price from free dune tours up to $25 for full ecotours, making it a hotspot for local fun and education.
Vero Beach Outlets
The Vero Beach Outlets are a collection of stores that range from luxury goods and high-fashion to housewares, shoes, and even table tennis supplies.
The outlets are one of the most beautiful and delightful shopping experiences on the Treasure Coast, thanks to its airy outdoor design and wide, comfortable thoroughfares.
We have a Vero Beach Outlets guide that you can review that goes over the directory of stores, hours, and more.
McKee Botanical Gardens
The McKee Botanical Gardens are an absolute must-see for anyone who enjoys nature and tropical flora.
This lush, 80-acre site has been a beloved local attraction since the 1920s and boasts tropical plants and exotic water lilies in a landscape that’s nothing short of serene.
Do Something With The Kids
The Treasure Coast is packed with family-friendly activities, sights, and attractions.
We could never pack them all in here, but we’ve included a few of the best so that if you’re looking for places that are confirmed kid-friendly, there are several options to choose from.
Environmental Learning Center
The Environmental Learning Center is situated on 64 picturesque acres of island sanctuary scenery and has become one of the premiere family destinations.
The sanctuary provides refuge for all forms of life in the area including fish, birds, mammals, and crustaceans.
While here, you and your family will be able to learn valuable lessons from various educational exhibits and a shallow touch tank where the kids can get up close and personal
Al’s Fruit Farm
Al’s is such a unique place, and they have some of the most delicious treats, hands down.
This is a great place to take the kids to get them outside and moving around.
There is a massive citrus hay maze, handmade goodies like local orange ice cream, fresh orange juice, and more.
They even offer full tours on most days, so be sure to get the hours before you head out.
Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is a contemporary museum that has loads of hands-on activities and interactive displays.
The big focus here is nature, recycling, health, and local history.
This is a perfect place to take the kids to get their brains and bodies engaged, while also absorbing some great educational content.
Sailfish Splash Water Park
When you just need more excitement and a bigger scale than the nearby beaches, the Sailfish Splash Water Park is loaded with massive, four-story water slides, an awesome lazy river, shady picnic areas to grab a bite and more.
If you’re bringing along some young ones, they also have a zero-entry pool for safe splashing exposure.
Water playgrounds, sprays, and slides await you at this Treasure Coast gem!
Get Something To Eat On The Water
Now we’re getting into the meat of it, so to speak.
No visit to the Treasure Coast would be complete without grabbing a bite (or several) at one of the many amazing waterfront restaurants.
Cobalt in Vero Beach
Cobalt is where you can experience stunning oceanfront views while you enjoy a first-class dining experience where local flavors are blended with a relaxed, elegant ambiance.
This place is perfect if you’re looking for a taste of coastal cuisine but want a little more atmosphere than the average dock diner is going to give.
Conchy Joe’s Seafood
If you’re looking for a place with an unbeatably laid-back feel, Conchy Joe’s is just what you need.
They specialize in a unique blend of Floridian culture and Bahamian-influenced dishes that center around locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors.
The locals love Conchy Joe’s, and while it’s relaxed, there’s also a distinct vibrance to it that makes it a hotspot for casual dining, as well as various events they hold like musical bingo, ladies’ night, trivia nights, and their beloved Dock ‘n’ Dine.
Sailor’s Return
Sailor’s Return is another classy eatery with a breathtaking view, and it sports all the hallmarks of your usual nautical or maritime-themed cafe.
The menu here is diverse, and features local seafood staples, along with wonderfully prepared American fare.
Shucker’s On The Beach
If you ask a local where to find a place to eat that’s friendly and vibrant, and sitting right on the water, there’s about a coin-flip chance that they’re going to point you to Shucker’s.
Shuckers is one of the most well-known places to enjoy some great food, a drink, and even take in some live music on the weekends.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a place that can accommodate a larger gathering, Shuckers has space for private events of up to 295 people.
Overall, Shuckers is perfect for burgers, seafood, dessert, and of course, drinks, because don’t forget you can have them prepare a literal bucket of rum for you to take home.
Check Out Local Beaches
One of the biggest draws of the Treasure Coast area, without a doubt, is the existence of some of the best beaches in the world.
Let’s take a look at some of the best beaches on the Treasure Coast, and what makes them so good.
Bathtub Beach
As one of the best beaches on the Coast, Bathtub Beach is also one of the best beaches for those who are going to have kids along with them.
Bathtub Beach is well-known for being easily accessible, calm, and highly sheltered, along with being relatively shallow and convenient for kids.
On January 8th 2024, Bathtub Beach was closed for a renourishment project, so be sure to check the progress before making a trip although there are plenty of beautiful Stuart beaches in that area.
Pepper Park Beach
Pepper Park Beach is situated right next to the local Navy SEAL museum and is one of the best beaches to go to if you want to sneak in a little bit of education as well.
Since the beach is adjacent to the museum, there is also a unique blending of local history into the typical beach visitor experience, which makes it a perfect place for families and history buffs alike.
Pepper Park Beach does feature lifeguards on duty, and the grounds are maintained expertly.
Blind Creek Beach
Blind Creek Beach is a far more adult beach, and as the southernmost beach, it also offers a rare ‘clothing-optional’ beach experience.
Frederick Douglass Memorial Park
Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is another beautiful site that has the potential for tranquil swimming while also reflecting on the deeper historical meaning of the site itself.
The park is named for the famed abolitionist and offers a reflective and peaceful escape and a quiet, rarely crowded beach area.
Experience Local Brews & Wines
There is a booming brewing and craft beverage community in the Treasure Coast, and as a result, you can experience some awesome locations.
American Icon Brewery
If you think that a brewery operated out of an old diesel powerplant just sounds like a cool place to visit, you’d be right.
American Icon sports a wide range of craft beers, along with camaraderie, fun events, and much more.
Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery
Summer Crush is a family-owned farm winery where visitors can find tours, education, events, and of course live music and great vibes.
Side Door Brewing Co.
Side Door Brewing Company offers a diverse range of not just IPAs, but also porters, lagers, and even hefeweizens.
While being well-known for their Jamaican Me Jittery coffee porter, they are also a haven for brewing enthusiasts to convene and socialize while playing some cornhole.
Pierced Ciderworks
Pierced Ciderworks is a unique brewer housed in a building more than 100 years old, that blends traditional cider-making with modern technology and innovation.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, a solid list of 20 things to do on Florida’s Treasure Coast.
We hope you found this list helpful, and that you’re able to incorporate these things into your next road trip.
