Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE RESERVE
( 772-581-5557;
www.fws.gov/pelicanisland
;
Hwy A1A; 7:30am-sunset)
Established in 1903 as a refuge for the endangered brown pelican, Pelican Island was
America's first federal bird reservation, the forerunner of today's national-wildlife-refuge
system. The preserve now encompasses 500 acres along the Indian River Lagoon as well
as the 2.2-acre Pelican Island, which can be seen from the observation tower at the end of
the
Centennial Trail
. The two trails loop 2.5 miles along the shore and are perfect for bike
rides and long hikes.
Pelican Island itself can also be viewed by boat and there are several public boat ramps
to access the refuge waters.
Vero Beach
Dubbed 'zero beach' by action-hungry folks in Cocoa Beach, this carefully zoned coastal
town, with lovely grassy parks, wide, white, lifeguarded beaches and a pedestrian-friendly
downtown, feels like a step into the past.
Sights & Activities
Though most are happy to lose themselves in the lull of beach life, Vero boasts a rich com-
mitment to both the arts and the environment. For more information see
Vero Beach Museum of Art
MUSEUM
(
www.vbmuseum.org
; 3001 Riverside Park Dr; adult/under 17yr $10/free;
10am-4:30pm Mon-Sat,
from 1pm Sun)
With changing fine-art exhibitions and regular outdoor jazz concerts, this sleek, white mu-
seum in Riverside Park could easily hold its own against any big-city heavy hitter. Look
for signs on Hwy A1A.
McKee Botanical Gardens
GARDENS
