Uncover Hidden Gems: Top 15 Things to Do in Vero Beach When it Rains

Rain clouds overhead in Vero Beach? Don’t fret, because I’ve got you covered with the BEST things to do in Vero Beach when it rains. We encounter a little rain on almost every visit to Vero Beach, and as someone who loves to explore and find the hidden gems in every city, it certainly doesn’t stop us.

Vero Beach, Florida is a treasure trove of indoor activities that will keep you entertained, engaged, and even a bit enlightened. From world-class art museums to antique hunting, from nostalgic roller skating to modern-day escape rooms—this city offers a ton of opportunities to have fun, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Thanks to years of trips to Vero Beach, my list is packed with activities that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. So grab your raincoat, because we’re diving into a downpour of things to do in Vero Beach when it rains.

1. Admire art in Vero Beach at the Vero Beach Museum of Art (VBMA)

The Vero Beach Museum of Art is one of my favorite indoor things to do in Vero Beach, so it’s perfect for rainy days (or even just those crazy hot muggy summer days). The permanent collection here is an absolute stunner. With art from the early 20th century to more contemporary wonders., the museum has hundreds of works on display. Most of it is American Art, but the diversity within that realm is nothing short of captivating. From paintings to sculptures to digital media, there’s a piece of art that will strike a chord with just about everyone.

Some of my favorites include some gorgeous Dale Chihuly’s glass art (both Las Vegas and Columbus Indiana are other places I’ve visited with his art on display), an original Andy Warhol, and some beautiful sculptures. The Museum typically has several rotating exhibits too – a recent favorite of mine is an M.C. Escher exhibit. Since I have a foam copy of his “Lizards” above my mantle, I’m a big fan of his work.

If you time your visit right, the museum offers classes, special programs, and so much more. Whether you want to brush up on your art history, dabble in some painting, or engage in insightful conversations, there’s always something happening.

Vero Beach Museum of Art, 3001 Riverside Park Dr. Vero Beach, FL

2. Enjoy a movie at The Majestic 11

For those times when the rain just won’t quit, what could be better than losing yourself in the magic of cinema? Enter the Majestic 11, Vero Beach’s state-of-the-art 11-screen theater.

Every theater in the Majestic 11 features stadium seating, ensuring you get an unobstructed view no matter where you sit. And the screens? Wall-to-wall so you’re getting a full, immersive experience here, with no squinting required.

We don’t go to the movies too often at home because they are so expensive, but at the Majestic 11 tickets range from a budget-friendly $3 to $10, making it an affordable option for the whole family. I remember one summer my daughter, SIL, and I went to a Disney movie while we were on vacation in Vero Beach, and it’s STILL something we have fond memories of. Quality entertainment without breaking the bank? Yes, please.

So, if you’re caught in a rain shower and are looking for an indoor activity that’s both entertaining and comfortable, the Majestic 11 has got to be on your list of things to do in Vero Beach when it rains. It’s more than just a movie theater; it’s a fun family experience.

Majestic 11, 940 14th Lane, Vero Beach, FL

3. Catch a live performance at Riverside Theatre

Maybe live theater is more your jam? If so, then look to see what’s happening at Riverside Theatre if you encounter a rainy day (or night) on a Vero Beach vacation. We love to check out live shows when we are at home or traveling, and so every time we visit Vero, one of the first things I look for is what’s playing at Riverside.

Riverside proudly holds the title of Florida’s largest professional theater, and trust me, it lives up to its reputation. This isn’t just a venue; it’s a cultural hub, rich in diversity and bubbling with energy. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a first-timer, Riverside Theatre offers something for everyone.

One of the standout features of this theater is its annual Broadway series. These productions often feature top-notch talent and are executed with the same dedication and flair you’d expect from a Broadway stage in New York. But if musicals aren’t your thing, Riverside Theatre has a regular comedy lineup that will leave you laughing in the aisles.

But the variety doesn’t stop there. Riverside Theatre also hosts outdoor concerts, making the most of Florida’s balmy evenings. And for the kiddos? Yep, there are shows designed specifically for kids, ensuring that the theater becomes a family affair.

So, whether you’re dodging raindrops or simply looking for a cultured way to spend your evening, Riverside Theatre offers a compelling and varied menu of artistic experiences. It’s a cornerstone of Vero Beach’s vibrant cultural scene and well worth a visit.

Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL

4. Get your groove on at the Skate Factory

Talk about a blast from the past with a modern twist. Imagine those nostalgic memories of roller skating from your childhood and then sharing them with your kids! What a fun vacation memory.

The thing I absolutely adore about the Skate Factory is the variety it offers. Open for several sessions a day, you’ve got themes galore. Whether you’re in the mood for glow skating, family fun, or just an all-skate session, there’s a vibe for you.

But let’s talk about affordability because we all know how those rainy-day activities can add up (versus time spent on the FREE beach). Admission ranges from just $7 to $10, and skate rentals are only an additional $3. Just like when we look for ice skating options when we travel in the winter, roller skating is a fantastic and fun family adventure when it rains on our trips to Vero.

So, when the rain clouds roll in and you’re pondering what to do, don’t underestimate the Skate Factory. It’s way more than just a skating rink—it’s an experience, an adventure, and above all, an awesome way to spend a rainy day in Vero Beach.

Skate Factory, 485 27th Ave SW Vero Beach, FL

5. Search for treasure at McLarty Treasure Museum

Do you have kids who like pirates? Or maybe you just enjoy a little history. Either way, on your next rainy afternoon in Vero Beach, head over to the McLarty Treasure Museum. Located within the Sebastian Inlet State Park, this museum transports you back to an era of maritime misadventures and lost treasures.

Picture this: It’s the year 1715, and a fleet of ships laden with riches meets a disastrous fate—a hurricane. The survivors and salvagers found themselves stranded near an inlet, hastily setting up a camp with the hopes of diving back into the sea to recover as much gold, silver, and jewels as possible. But let’s be real, life wasn’t all sunshine and seashells. They had to battle harsh conditions and even pirates—yes, pirates!—as they worked to reclaim their lost treasures.

Today, the camp’s location is the site of the McLarty Treasure Museum, where the fascinating tale of the 1715 fleet unfolds. The museum also dives deep into the area’s prehistory, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the region’s layered past. Artifacts and clues left behind by the camp’s inhabitants serve as poignant reminders of their struggles, dreams, and the unpredictable turns that life can take.

So if you like a little history on your vacation, or just want to learn more about the area, a visit to the McLarty Treasure Museum should be on your list of museums near Vero Beach to visit.

McLarty Treasure Museum, 13180 North A1A Sebastian Inlet State Park, Vero Beach, FL

6. Try to escape at Escape Room Vero Beach

We love visiting an escape room while we are on vacation, and the Escape Room Vero Beach is a really fun one! Right now they have three different rooms each with its own theme. What makes this escape room stand out is that the rooms are a bit suspenseful, some with fog, flashing lights, and even jump scares. So, probably a better experience for adults or older kids (my daughter loves this, my son not so much!).

This escape room is locally owned, and the owner pays a lot of attention to detail – so it’s going to feel a little different than escape rooms you might have visited in the past – in a good way.

The rooms handle 2 – 10 people, but 4-6 is the ideal group size for working together. So, if you’re visiting Vero with your family, and the forecast is full of rain, head over to the Escape Room’s website, book a room, and make it one of your Vero Beach rainy-day activities.

Escape Room Vero Beach, 836 S US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL

7. Find your own treasures at Wildwood Antique Mall

I love a good antique mall, and Wildwood Antique Mall in Vero Beach is a fun one. You can easily waste away a few hours exploring, so it’s a place I like to save for a rainy day. The Wildwood Antique Mall is a treasure hunter’s paradise. With a sprawling 35,000 square feet, it’s like stepping into a different era—or multiple eras, to be precise.

Made up of over 130 antique dealers, this antique haven offers an eclectic range of goodies that promise to tickle your nostalgia and spark your curiosity. Whether you’re a fan of vintage artwork, classic furniture, or retro accessories, you’ll find it here.

The dealers don’t just bring items; they bring stories, characters, and a touch of history. And get this, they’re open nearly all week, Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, and even on Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Whether you’re an avid collector or just looking for a unique find, this antique mall is a must-visit when you’re in Vero Beach.

Wildwood Antique Mall, 720 S US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL

8. Grab a drink at Walking Tree Brewery

One of my favorite things to do in Vero Beach when it rains for adults, is to visit a local brewery, and Vero has a few excellent choices!

The first time we decided to check out breweries in Vero Beach we headed over to Walking Tree Brewery. It was love at first sight. The brewery is found in an old 1945 Naval Supply Warehouse, so the atmosphere is just “plane” cool (pun intended).

The building is open with plenty of places to sit and hang out (maybe even play games if the kids are with you) and enjoy some tasty craft beer. As always we got a flight so we could try a variety. I loved the sour as well as a few of the ales. They also have guest taps, so there is always something unique.

In addition to the large indoor seating area (perfect for a rainy Florida afternoon), there are several outside areas for seating. If you decide to go, you might be lucky enough to enjoy a local food truck or live music, but even if nothing big is happening, it will still be a lovely experience.

Walking Tree Brewery, 3209 Dodger Rd. Vero Beach, FL

9. Enjoy food & beer at American Icon Brewery

Our other favorite Vero Beach Brewery is American Icon Brewery. It’s become one of my first stops when we pull into town if it’s Spring through Fall as I always want to pick up a four-pack of my favorite Florida Heat (their award-winning fruited Citrus Sour). And, if it’s a rainy day, American Icon is another excellent choice for something fun to do.

American Icon Brewery is located in the old Vero Beach Diesel Power Plant which was built in 1926. Along with how interesting and cool the building itself is, the brewery has kept a bit of history by using one of the old generators as part of the bar. It’s really something to see.

There is plenty of seating (inside and outside), terrific gastropub food, and of course plenty of beer. If we are in the area without the kids, we like to settle in at the bar, share a flight and an appetizer, and chat with the friendly bartenders. It’s a wonderful way to relax if the weather isn’t cooperating.

American Icon Brewery, 1133 19th Place, Vero Beach, FL

10. Indian River Citrus Museum

One of the things I love about visiting Vero Beach is all the fresh seafood and produce. And especially the citrus! The area is home to some of the best oranges and grapefruits around.

The Indian River Citrus Museum in Vero Beach is a fun way to learn about that tasty produce and enjoy your time in Vero even if the weather isn’t ideal. Plus, it’s one of the best free things to do in Vero Beach when it rains!

The museum itself is pretty small, but the docent is fabulous! You will learn so much interesting history about the area, the growth of citrus in the region, and more. It’s really a terrific experience.

Indian River Citrus Museum, 2140 14th Ave. Vero Beach, FL

11. Enjoy a family competition at Vero Bowl

A family outing to the bowling alley used to be one of our standard yucky weather day activities, but somewhere along the line the kids got busy and we stopped going regularly. Which honestly makes it all the more fun to visit a bowling alley like Vero Bowl when we travel and the weather is iffy.

Vero Bowl has 32 lanes, plenty of options for bumpers (to keep the little ones having fun), and a full lounge. You can even order food off their extensive menu if you want to spend an entire afternoon or evening at the lanes. There is also a small arcade with games that give out tickets that the kids can redeem for prizes.

Vero Bowl, 929 14th Lane, Majestic Plaza, Vero Beach, FL

12. Shop til you drop at the Vero Beach Outlet Mall

One of our favorite indoor things to do in Vero Beach is to shop at the Vero Beach Outlet Mall. We almost always make a trip over there and my daughter even got her ears pierced while we were there one year over fall break – talk about making a vacation memory!

It’s not a huge outlet mall so you can definitely visit all of the stores in an afternoon, and I’ve found that the variety of stores is perfect for our family – there are stores we all enjoy visiting and we’ve found great deals over the years.

Make sure your first stop is at the Guest Services Center. It’s actually a beautiful space and you can pick up a free cup of Nespresso, learn about the VIP savings program, and just relax while you plot your shopping agenda.

Vero Beach Outlet Mall, 1824 94th Dr. Route 60, Vero Beach, FL

13. Chill out in your room with a movie & popcorn

Sometimes you just want to relax on vacation, and especially when the kids were younger, a popcorn and movie night in the room was a bad weather standard for our family. It’s one of the easiest of the kid friendly things to do in Vero Beach when it rains.

Many hotels have a library of DVDs to borrow, but honestly these days, you can just pull up Netflix or Hulu on your laptop and get pretty much any movie. If you want to make the experience extra special, run over to Majestic 11 pick up a bucket of popcorn, and then grab some sodas from the gas station or McDonald’s. This makes for a fun and inexpensive rainy-day activity. Little kids will love piling into the bed together with snacks and enjoying a good show.

🍿 Pam’s insider tip: if you stay at the Kimpton, they have a free popcorn and wine hour every evening!

Things to do near Vero Beach Florida when it rains

Located along the Atlantic Ocean, Vero Beach Florida is part of the Treasure Coast and there are quite a few other interesting little beach towns in the area.

14. Sebastian Area Historical Museum

Since we ALWAYS enjoy a dinner or two in nearby Sebastian, it just makes sense to head over a little early if the weather is rainy and spend some time in the Sebastian Area Historical Museum.

Sebastian Area Historical Museum is like a time capsule, it’s housed in a 100-year-old restored school building, and every single item in the museum is a donation from local residents, making it a genuine representation of community history.

There’s something incredibly touching about knowing that every artifact, be it an old photograph or a household item, has a personal story attached to it. It’s like getting a guided tour of the past from the very people who lived it. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique, local experience, the Sebastian Area Historical Museum provides a rich, community-driven journey into the past.

Sebastian Area Historical Museum, 1235 Main St. Sebastian, FL

15. Sebastian Fishing Museum

The Sebastian Fishing Museum is located in the same state park as the McLarty Treasure Museum (just far enough away from each other in the park to have a different address). So, you could plan on paying for admission to the park once and then visiting both museums during the same visit.

This hidden gem is devoted to celebrating Sebastian’s deep-rooted fishing culture. The museum pays homage to the inseparable bond between the people of Sebastian and their fishing industry. Lives here have been deeply interwoven with the lagoon’s tides and treasures. It’s not just a livelihood; it’s a heritage. And this place does an exceptional job of capturing that essence.

Inside the museum, you’ll find a lifelike replica of an original fish house and dock that transports you back in time. You can almost smell the salt in the air! Plus, they’ve got a homemade fishing boat, nets, fishing gear, and evocative photos of fishing in the Indian River Lagoon. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the backbone of this coastal community, the Sebastian Fishing Museum provides a glimpse into a world that’s as authentic as it is intriguing.

Sebastian Fishing Museum, 97000 A1A Highway, Melbourne Beach, FL

Where to Stay in Vero Beach Florida

For all the many years we’ve visited Vero Beach, there are only two places we have stayed, and we love them both! Although I prefer the Disney resort for family visits and the Kimpton for adults-only trips, honestly you’ll be happy with either one regardless of who is with you!

How to get around Vero Beach 

If you stay at the Kimpton, you could probably get by without a car, but you’d miss out on a lot of the fun activities that aren’t directly downtown. So, I’d highly recommend renting a car.

👉 Check car rates at Kayak to get the best deal!

We typically fly into Orlando, rent a car, and then drive to Vero. Not only is it an easy drive (about an hour and a half), but it’s a good excuse to spend a day or two at Disney before or after our beach vacation.

Map of Rainy Day Activities in Vero Beach

You can see from the map below how spread out the activities are – nothing is more than a twenty-minute drive, but they are all over the area.

FAQs: Rainy Day Activities in Vero Beach FL

Conclusion: Fun Things to Do When It Rains in Vero Beach Florida

So there you have it, Vero Beach is way more than just its sun-kissed beaches and gorgeous ocean views. Even when the skies are gloomy, my favorite beach town offers a deluge of delightful indoor activities that can make any rainy day feel like a new adventure.

Whether you’re filling your day with art and history, stepping back in time with roller skates, or challenging yourself in an escape room, you’ll find that Vero Beach is brimming with possibilities. In short, don’t let a few raindrops spoil your day; in fact, you may just discover that these are the days that create some of the best memories.

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