Known as the "Gateway to the Tropics," Vero Beach is located in a climatic transition zone that offers an unusual mix of vegetation found in the coastal Carolinas- ancient oak trees and pine forests - blended with swaying palms and colorful blooms typical of the tropics. Its beaches are among some of the most scenic and pristine in the state.

The pearl in Vero Beach's necklace of beaches is South Beach Park, located at the south end of town. A modest complex of beach homes and small motels leads to a shoreline that is a sun worshipper's delight. The city has provided parking for all comers to the markedly wide beach with clean, gleaming light-brown sand and emerald green water. Walk along the beach a quarter-mile north of the entrance point, and you'll have a virtual wilderness all to yourself. At the north end, Jaycee Beach Park is a grassy park with a big play area and plenty of parking. A wooden boardwalk runs along the beach down to Conn Beach, which it adjoins. Riomar Beach, in the central portion of the town, is a popular big-wave spot with the surfers. It's in a private residential neighborhood, but there's a public beach accessway and limited street parking.