Side trips from Sebastian
Experience the Sebastian River Area’s natural beauty and unique history. There is a wide range of activities and attractions in the northernmost area of Indian River County, about 15 miles north of Vero Beach, including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, kayaking, recreational parks, and many more.
Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventure Tours, Vero Beach
Feel the excitement of soaring over the water and floating around curves as you glide over miles of natural Florida wetlands and glide over miles of natural Florida wetlands. Throughout your one-hour airboat trip, you will see exotic birds, flora, turtles, and Florida alligators in their native habitats in pristine regions that regular boats cannot access. You’ll be astounded at how close you can get.
Navy Seal Museum, Fort Pierce
The Navy Seal Museum, located near the birthplace of the United States Navy Frogmen, includes displays that explain the function and history of underwater demolition teams and Sea, Air, and Land teams (U.S. Navy SEALs), one of several world’s most elite fighting groups. Soldiers were trained at the location from 1943 until 1946. Visit the museum to explore relics and displays such as the original Normandy landing preparation training obstacles, boats used in Korea and Vietnam, Middle Eastern vehicles, and a wall commemorating Medal of Honor recipients. Include the Navy Seal Museum in your Fort Pierce travel plans.
McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach
McKee Botanical Garden, a subtropical garden packed with native and exotic species of plants that was created in 1929, has one of the largest outdoor collections of water lilies in the United States. The garden was a popular attraction when it first opened in 1932, but it was closed for almost 25 years until it was restored in 2001. Water lilies, bromeliads, pineapple plants, plumbago, towering palm trees, and other aromatic vegetation may now be found in large groupings. Visit the Hall of the giants, a Polynesian-styled ceremonial palace made of cypress and pine by one of the garden’s founders, Waldo E. Sexton. The palace has an 11-meter-long (35-foot-long) table constructed of a single piece of mahogany.