Day Trip Along Florida's Treasure Coast: Start in Vero Beach, Florida

Do you need to get away for the day? For an inexpensive and relaxing day trip just two hours south of Orlando, head to Vero Beach Florida and spend a day on Florida's Treasure Coast. Visit a treasure museum and a nature sanctuary in the morning, and then spend the afternoon at the Atlantic Ocean. As a break from the amusement parks, we usually take our out-of-town guests on this day trip and always have a great time. Young and old alike will treasure the day spent on Florida's Treasure Coast.

McLarty Treasure Museum

The first stop is the McLarty Treasure Museum in Vero Beach Florida, the site where the Spanish fleet carrying jewels and riches sunk off the coast of Florida in a hurricane in 1715. The museum has displays featuring all kinds of sunken treasure found off the coast--everything from dinnerware to military hardware to jewelry. An informative movie runs continuously in a separate room. When you're done, go for a short walk along the boardwalk to see where the shipwreck survivors came ashore. The Museum (13180 North A1A in Vero Beach, FL 32951) is small, the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and admission is only $2 per person.

Barrier Island Sanctuary

Our second stop is about 5 miles north up the coast to the Barrier Island Sanctuary Management & Education Center (8385 S Hwy A1A) in Melbourne Beach Florida. This is a beautiful building which contains nature displays, an extensive shell collection, and some interactive exhibits. If you're lucky, you'll be there when it's time to feed the fish. Go outside and take a walk along the boardwalk for a stunning ocean view. There's a small gift shop, admission is free, and the volunteer workers welcome your questions.

Atlantic Ocean - Spessard Holland Beaches

The final stop is the Atlantic Ocean. Continue driving north about 10 miles to Spessard Holland North or South Beach. Both beaches are family-oriented and have lifeguards. They also have picnic tables, restrooms and outdoor showers. Admission is free and there's plenty of free parking. Depending on the weather, we'll spend the afternoon walking along the beach in search of treasure or seashells, go fishing, or change into our swimsuits and go swimming.

Easy Driving Directions

Take I-95 south to Fellsmere Road east (County Road 512) to County Road 510 to Hwy A1A. The museum is 5 miles north on A1A.