Florida's Treasure Coast — stretching from Vero Beach to Fort Pierce — offers incredible natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems that many visitors overlook. Here's your insider guide to the best things to do in the area.
Florida's Treasure Coast: More Than Just Beaches
When most people think of Florida vacations, they picture theme parks in Orlando or the white sand beaches of Miami. But Florida's Treasure Coast — the stretch of Atlantic coastline from Sebastian to Stuart — offers something different: authentic, unspoiled Florida with fewer crowds, more wildlife, and adventures you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the area, the Treasure Coast has an incredible range of activities. From airboat tours near Vero Beach to world-class fishing at Fort Pierce, here are the best things to do.
Airboat Rides Through Blue Cypress Conservation Area
No visit to the Treasure Coast is complete without an airboat ride through the Blue Cypress Conservation Area. Gator Bait Airboat Adventures offers 50-minute narrated eco-tours that take you deep into one of Florida's most pristine wetland ecosystems.
With guaranteed alligator sightings, exotic bird species, ancient cypress trees, and expert Florida-native captains, it's consistently rated the #1 outdoor activity on the Treasure Coast. At just $52 per person, it's also one of the best values. The launch point is conveniently located off I-95 Exit 156, making it easily accessible from Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fort Pierce, and beyond.
Explore Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park sits at the boundary between the Treasure Coast and Space Coast, offering some of the best surfing on Florida's east coast. The inlet is also a premier fishing spot — anglers catch snook, redfish, and flounder from the jetties and shoreline.
The park features beautiful beaches, nature trails, and a museum dedicated to the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet that sank off this coast — giving the Treasure Coast its name. It's a perfect complement to a morning airboat tour near Sebastian.
Downtown Vero Beach and Ocean Drive
Vero Beach's charming downtown and Ocean Drive corridor offer excellent dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Visit the Vero Beach Museum of Art, explore local boutiques, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants with views of the Indian River Lagoon.
McKee Botanical Garden is another must-see — this 18-acre tropical garden features stunning plants, water features, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a relaxing afternoon after an exciting morning on the airboat.
Fort Pierce: History, Nature, and Culture
Fort Pierce offers a unique mix of history, nature, and culture on the southern end of the Treasure Coast. The National Navy SEAL Museum on Hutchinson Island tells the incredible story of these elite warriors, while the Manatee Observation and Education Center lets you see Florida manatees in their natural habitat.
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park provides beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling, and downtown Fort Pierce features a growing arts and dining scene that's worth exploring. Combine a Gator Bait airboat tour with a day in Fort Pierce for the ultimate Treasure Coast experience.
Plan Your Treasure Coast Adventure
The Treasure Coast offers something for everyone — from thrilling airboat rides and world-class fishing to peaceful botanical gardens and charming coastal towns. The best part? You can experience multiple attractions in a single day thanks to the compact geography.
Start your adventure with a Gator Bait airboat tour through Blue Cypress Conservation Area, then explore the beaches, shops, and restaurants of Vero Beach, Sebastian, or Fort Pierce. With guaranteed alligator sightings and 275+ five-star reviews, Gator Bait is the highlight of any Treasure Coast itinerary.