Life's a Beach on the Treasure Coast

TOP RETIREMENT CITIES IN FLORIDA

Vero Beach is considered one of the top retirement cities in Florida. Located on the state’s Atlantic coast comprising the Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. It's history runs deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean on the Treasure Coast. After a Spanish fleet of 12 ships were deployed to the region on July 24, 1715 from Havana, Cuba, 11 of the 12 were capsized by a major hurricane and only one ship returned back to Spain. The ships loaded with gold, silver and expensive jewelry sank in the waters found here and thus the name “Treasure Coast” was given to this pristine region.  Over a thousand people perished yet 1500 survivors made it to the shoreline where they found an inhabitable environment full of mosquitoes, wild life and hostile Indians.  Many perished without adequate supplies yet by October of that year nearly 5,000,000 pieces of eight, gold and jewelry were recovered.  It is estimated that over 400 to 700 million dollars of goods remain in the waters off the Treasure Coast near the Sebastian Inlet in Vero Beach.  

Treasure hunters are drawn to this area in search of lost riches yet most of the rights for exploring here are held by a salvage company called the “1715 Fleet Queen-Jewels, LLC”.  Three years ago however a Vero Beach resident, Bonnie Schubert and her crew working as a subcontractor for 1715 Fleet Queen-Jewels found a solid gold pelican that is called the “Golden Pelican of Piety” which was sold to a private collector in California.  With that sale, Ms. Schubert is now able to continue her full-time efforts treasure hunting.  As one could imagine, metal detecting on Vero Beach beaches is quite popular.  Metal detectors are allowed on county-owned beaches on the Treasure Coast and state park beaches do have rules and require written permission before commencing exploration for lost treasures.  According to Jonah Martinez, a seasoned treasure hunter in the region, it takes “a lot of luck and perseverance” to actually “strike gold”.  “I hunt the tide cycles,” said Martinez, “I always hunt at low tide and pick the beach with the best conditions.”  For over 20 years Martinez has been treasure hunting and has found gold and silver coins from the 1715 fleet as well as modern day jewelry including a 5-carat diamond ring.  Treasure hunters coming to the area may also want to explore Vero Beach luxury real estate when considering that perfect place to retire.

The Treasure Coast consists of the area from Palm Beach County north to the Space Coast which includes Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.  Shielded from the Atlantic Ocean by narrow sandbars and barrier islands, numerous lakes and rivers make their course through the Treasure Coast, notably the infamous Indian River.  There are many beaches to explore in Vero Beach and the Treasure coast.  Here are the beaches found on the Treasure Coast:

North Treasure Coast Beaches – Indian River County

• Sebastian Inlet State Park – Surfing and Snorkeling are popular here.
• Half-Reale Beach – Known for treasure hunting.
• Wabasso Beach Park – Surfing is the scene at this beach.
• Treasure Shores – Sea shell hunting is the norm.
• Golden Sands - Also popular spot for sea shell exploration.
• Round Island Oceanfront Park – Family friendly beach.
• Riomar Beach – Snorkeling paradise and diving at Riomar Reef.

Vero Beach/Jaycee Park – A great place for the family to have fun.

• South Beach Park – Also a great place for surfing.
• Seagrape Beach – Another great location for treasure hunting.
• Turtle Trail – Treasure hunting is popular at the beach.

North Treasure Coast Beaches – St. Lucie County

• Avalon Park Beach – Fishing is a favorite pastime here.
• Pepper Park Beach – Yet another family friendly beach.
• North Jetty – Surfers are drawn to the waves here.
• Fort Pierce Inlet State Park – Yet another great place to snorkel.
• Oculina Banks – With a reef only a ½ mile from shore, diving and lobsters can be found here.
• Coconut Drive Park – Quiet and secluded romantic beach.

South Treasure Coast Beaches – St. Lucie County

• Kimberly Bergalis – A great beach for family festivities.
• Jaycee Beach – Another family-friendly beach.
• Green Turtle Beach – A beach known for treasure hunting.
• Frederick Douglass – A dog and horse friendly beach. (the only one)
• Walton Rocks – A great place for surfing enthusiasts.

South Treasure Coast Beaches – Martin County

• Jensen Beach – Known as sea turtle beach as nesting is found here.
• Stuart Beach – Also a great place for surfers.
• Santa Lucea – Photography and romance combined here.
• House of Refuge Beach – Another romantic and photogenic beach.
• Chastain Beach – Hunting for sea shells is a favorite pastime here.
• Bathtub Beach – A family friendly beach.
• Blowing Rocks Preserve – Another beach for the kids to enjoy.
• Coral Cove Park – A photographer’s paradise.

Surfers flock to the Sebastian Inlet’s First Peak which is a world-renowned place to “catch a wave”.  Surfing champions Kelly Slater and C.J. Hobgood started their careers here and many potential champions practice here as the waves bounce off the rock jetty and form a wedge that allows surfers to gain speed quickly.  This allows for artistic and acrobatic surfer maneuvers and attracts surfers from around the world.  Another place that attracts surfers can be found at the North Jetty at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.  As the North Jetty turns, it produces “one of the best barrels on the Eastern seaboard.”  Jensen and Stuart Beaches are the two most popular beaches in Martin County.

In addition to surfing, fishing is also a popular pastime for residents and visitors to Vero Beach.  Anglers from all over the world travel to fish the waters here.  Whether it’s fresh or salt water fishing, by boat, pier or from the beach, there are plenty of varieties of fish found here that make some excellent and healthy meals.  In the Sebastian Inlet “snook” is a popular catch, in the shallower waters of the Treasure Coast, grouper, snapper and king mackerel can be found.  In the deeper waters fishermen can hook dolphin, wahoo, tuna and marlin.  In the Inland lakes and rivers anglers can find bass, blue gills and game fish.  A fishing license is required for anyone over 16 and under 65 and can be found at retail outlets including Walmart.

Treasure hunters will find plenty of cultural activities including art galleries, museums and great restaurants and shopping for both visitors and residents.  There are 2 museums that focus on treasures found here.  The Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum was opened in 1992 by world famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher and features treasures found from the 1715 Fleet as well as items from the Fisher Atoche claim of the Florida Keys.  The museum is located at 1322 US Highway 1 in Sebastian.  Another museum actually located on the site of the survivors of the 1715 Spanish Fleet castastrophe is the McLarty Treasure Museum which is operated by Sebastian Inlet State Park.  It is located on A1A just south of Sebastian Inlet.  

Vero Beach is one of the top retirement cities in Florida and the many Vero Beach beaches makes this a great place to reside with growing families.  Vero Beach luxury real estate options are plentiful and here are the top 5 we recommend:

The Island Club of Vero Beach is a neighborhood on a barrier island and is within walking distance to the fabulous beaches and the 8 mile Historic Jungle Trail that borders the Indian River Lagoon.  Located at the infamous Sebastian Inlet, fishing and surfing are common pastimes for residents here.  Folks visiting the Island Club will find 2 gated communities, Oceanside and Riverside both representing the Mediterranean Revival architectural style accented with lush tropical landscaping and serene lakes.  The amenities found here include:

• Gated Entrance
• Two Clubhouses
• Two Resort-style Swimming Pools
• Riverfront Fishing Pier
• Tennis Court 
• Beach Access

Another great place to shop for a home on the barrier islands is The Moorings. This gated community offers spacious luxurious homes and condos on the deepwater finger islands connected to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Indian River Lagoon.  There are also private boat docks for owners along 7.5 miles of the lagoon.  The Moorings golf course was designed by Pete Dye and also borders the lagoon.  There is also an impressive 58,000 square foot clubhouse  where there is a pro shop, a heated pool, poolside grill and fine dining in the club restaurant. Active Boomers will enjoy the community’s 6,500 square foot state of the art fitness center.  Other amenities include:

• Attractive Entrance
• Pete Dye designed Golf Course
• 58,000-square-foot Clubhouse overlooking the Indian River
• 6,500 square foot Fitness Center
• Tennis Facility with Nine Fast-Dry Courts
• Resort-style swimming pool

The Yacht Club at The Moorings is the community’s largest social club and is only $200 a year.  Established in the late 1970’s, its ideal location on the Indian River is one of the best places enjoy the sunset views.  

Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club is an action packed gated community can be found between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Vero Beach beaches, spread across 125 acres with over 500 vacation residences found here. The oceanfront clubhouse is the social hub of this highly sought after community and features its own heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the azure colored Atlantic Ocean.  Folks can also enjoy a delicious meal at the elevated poolside gazebo.  Sea Oaks is a pet friendly neighborhood and with the Historic Jungle Trail bordering the property, walking is a favorite activity for active Boomers and their 4-legged friends.

The Sea Oaks Tennis Club also has a restaurant as well as lockers, showers, a pro shop and 16 Har-Tru tennis courts with grandstand seating.  For socializing, the community center offers meeting spaces, a library and a card room.  There are a lot of activities for residents with dinner dances, parties and cocktail events offered year round.  In addition, there is also a 48-slip marina with boat slips and a fishing pier.  The Sebastian Inlet is located 6 miles to the north which provides easy access to the Atlantic Ocean.  The amenities at Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club include:

• Gated Entrance
• Oceanfront Clubhouse
• Championship Tennis Center with 16 Har-Tru tennis courts
• 48-slip Marina and Fishing Pier
• Community Activity Center
• Heated Swimming Pools
• Fitness Center
• Private Beach

With no state income tax, Sea Oaks is quite affordable. Properties are priced from the mid $200k's and tennis villas can be found in the low $100k's. Vero Beach oceanfront condominiums start in the $300k's. The community's amenities are debt-free and owned by the homeowners.  

Another remarkable property to check out are the Vero Beach luxury homes found at Palm Island Plantation. The 58 acre property is nestled between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean and is conveniently located near cultural events, shopping and recreational activities.  While mesmerizing over the views from Palm Island Plantation, residents can enjoy the sighting of pelicans, turtles, porpoises and manatees which are found in abundance near the Vero Beach beaches.  With island charm, and a wildlife refuge nearby, 2 spacious oceanfront parks and award winning golf courses it’s no wonder these homes are selling quickly.  Designed by renowned Westmark Development, these elegant homes provide a comfortable place to reside and enjoy the finer things in life.  The amenities include:

• 24 Hour Gated Entrance
• Beach Clubhouse with Heated Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi and 12 Private Beach Cabanas
• Fitness Center with Heated Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Steam Rooms
• Har-Tru Tennis Court
• The River Cabana with Boat Slips and Kayak Launch
• Accent Lakes with Walking Trails
• Access to the Jungle Trail
• Private Beach

With a West Indies style beach clubhouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Palm Island Plantation provides the ultimate in retirement living.  The beach club has a large heated pool, 12 private cabanas and private beach access which makes it a beautiful place to entertain guests.  There is also a poolside bar, formal bar area and a barbecue cabana for grilling fresh fish.  So whether shopping for a single family luxury home, a carriage house or a fabulous condo, Palm Island Plantation is definitely the choice for discerning adults and their families.

One more property to add to the list is The Bermuda Club, established in early 2000, which is located on the north side of Vero Beach.  This barrier island gated community features Bermuda-style architecture which suits dwelling in this majestic region.  With 2 villages to choose from this community offers beautiful low maintenance condominiums as well as single family homes each with its own California-style courtyard for sitting back and enjoying the scenery.  There are 2 separate home owners associations found here, one for the Somerset Bay condos and the other for the single family Bermuda club homes.  On this pristine piece of real estate, folks can enjoy the numerous lakes and ponds interspersed throughout the property as well as the abundant wildlife that habitat the area.  There are 36 rare and endangered species found here including one-third of the manatee population of the entire United States.  This neighborhood is also pet friendly and near the infamous Jungle Trail known for its walking and biking trails.  The other amenities found here are:

• Gated Entrance
• Two Community Clubhouses
• Swimming Pool & Fitness Center
• Private Beach Access
• Access to the Jungle Trail
• Private Pond
• Fishing Dock and Kayak Launch on the Indian River Lagoon

Whether shopping for a condo at Somerset Bay or a single family home, the tree line streets and sunset views over the Indian River Lagoon will make folks want to call The Bermuda Club home.

After a day of surfing, treasure hunting or simply relaxing in the sun, be sure to check out the many places we found in Vero Beach, one of the top retirement cities in Florida.  With multiple Vero Beach beaches to choose from and the gorgeous Vero Beach luxury real estate found here, Baby Boomers and their families will enjoy a lifestyle of treasures on The Treasure Coast.

If you're exploring Vero Beach for the first time, ask for our free Vero Beach relocation information to help you learn more about the area.