Share the article
Last updated
Florida and winter go hand in hand, just like Christmas and mulled wine, except you’re more likely to be drinking margaritas by the pool in a Hawaiian shirt than with a hot drink.
The Sunshine State may be known for some of the strangest headlines in the US, but if there’s one certainty, it’s Florida, which is always reliable when it comes to winter sun.
As travelers head south and east to Florida’s beautiful coasts, the only question mark is where to go.
Many vacationers list their favorite destinations year after year, but one lesser-known beach town is emerging with new flights as one of America’s newest fleets has turned a minimally used airport into a busy hub for budget travel.
With easier access and countless beachfront stays, Vero Beach makes for a perfect winter getaway to relax and recharge in a relaxing paradise away from the hustle and bustle of Florida’s big cities.
Getting to Vero Beach is a breeze“
Between Orlando and Palm Beach lies Vero Beach, a dot on the map that many would skip, but one airline has taken notice, as have many tourists eager to visit.
It’s not often that new airlines launch in the US, but around the turn of the century we saw Avelo and Breeze take off.
The former has always been the most reliable airline and has made quite an impression in the low-cost market Wind has made its own mark by rapidly expanding from coast to coast, serving 66 cities in just a few years.
Vero Beach was one of their biggest success stories with an expected 244 flights during the holiday season.
Just don’t tell Spirit. Yes!
Breeze is seeing an uptick in trips from cold weather cities (obviously!), and is proud to announce even more routes launching this winter:
Here are the flights from Breeze to Vero Beach, including upcoming routes:
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Islip, New York
- Providence, Rhode Island
- White Plains, New York
- Newburgh, New York (New)
- Washington DC (New)
- New Haven, Connecticut (Launching on December 13, 2024)
Currently, no other airline serves Vero Beach (VRB).. Otherwise, your best bet is to fly into Orlando and make the 90-minute drive.
Large beach properties, including a Disney Resort
You may have known that there are Disney theme parks in places like Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo, but did you know that there is an official Disney beach resort right here in Vero Beach?
If you thought you had to fight the Disney crowds in Orlando, think again! Instead, you can relax on the pristine shores of Vero Beach, without the screaming children.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is located on the scenic Atlantic Treasure Coast with many rooms just steps from the sand along the vibrant blue waters.
Rooms average $245 per night and you need to book quickly as they are becoming increasingly scooped up as frigid weather blankets the US
There are plenty of fun activities for all ages, but a unique aspect is that the resort’s location is a shared space with the loggerhead sea turtle nesting grounds, where each morning you might be lucky enough to watch baby turtles take their first dip .
However you spend your time here, the bottom line is that guests love it. The resort gets rave reviews on TripAdvisor, with one recent visitor saying: ‘Disney really does everything best. They always treat you like a VIP.’
And make sure you make time for the Disney’s world-class spa to decompress the children. Although the spa welcomes children (6 – 12 years) for ‘Tween Services’. It’s Disney after all…
Here are 3 other great options for beach hotels in Vero Beach:
- Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
- Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
- Caribbean Court boutique hotel
Don’t miss charming downtown Vero Beach
In keeping with much of the South, the small-town charm of Vero Beach is the real deal.
Unlike other historic cities with legendary buildings that you would love to talk about, Vero Beach is more reminiscent of a small Miami with pastel-colored architecture and Latin influences.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is how artsy it is, like First Friday Gallery Walkwhich takes place, you guessed it, every first Friday of the month.
If art galleries aren’t your thing, that’s okay; You will certainly appreciate the murals in side streets. You can also enjoy the downtown cigar shop, boutique shops, multiple cafes, breweries and restaurants.
Just remember where you are: seafood is king.
Travel tip: for a hidden gem, book a nice one Tiki boat tour through the Indian River Lagoon for up-close dolphin sightings.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
