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Florida and winter go hand in hand like Christmas and mulled wine, except it’s more likely you’ll be rockin’ a Hawaiian shirt sippin’ margaritas poolside than bundling up with a hot drink.
The Sunshine State may be known for some of the strangest headlines in the U.S., but if there’s one certainty, it’s Florida which is always reliable for winter sun.
As travelers flock South and East to Florida’s beautiful shores, the only question mark is where to go.
Many vacationers have their go-to’s lined up year after year, but one lesser-known beach city is on the rise with new flights as one of America’s newest fleets has turned a minimally used airport into a busy hub for budget travel.
With easier access and numerous beachfront stays, Vero Beach makes for a perfect winter escape to relax and recharge in a laid-back paradise away from the hustle and bustle of Florida’s major cities.
Reaching Vero Beach Is A “Breeze“
Between Orlando and Palm Beach lies Vero Beach, a blip on the map many would skip over, but one airline has taken notice as well as many tourists who love paying a visit.
Not often does the U.S. see new airlines launch, but at the turn of the decade, we saw Avelo and Breeze take flight.
The former has consistently been the most reliable airline, making quite an impression penetrating the low-cost market, while Breeze has left their own mark by rapidly expanding coast to coast, serving 66 cities in just a matter of years.
Vero Beach has been one of their biggest success stories with an expected 244 flights during the holiday season.
Just don’t tell Spirit. Yikes!
Seeing a surge in travel from cold weather cities (obviously!), Breeze is proud to announce even more routes launching this winter:
Here are Breeze’s flights to Vero Beach, including upcoming routes:
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Islip, New York
- Providence, Rhode Island
- White Plains, New York
- Newburgh, New York (New)
- Washington D.C. (New)
- New Haven, Connecticut (Launching December 13, 2024)
No other airline serves Vero Beach (VRB) at this time. Otherwise, your best bet is to fly to Orlando and make the 90 minute drive.
Grand Beach Stays, Including A Disney Resort
You may have known there’s Disney amusement parks in such places as Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo, but did you know there’s an official Disney beach resort right here in Vero Beach?
If you thought you had to fight the Disney crowds in Orlando, think again! You can unwind on Vero Beach’s pristine shores instead, and without the screaming children.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is nestled along the scenic Atlantic Treasure Coast with many rooms just steps from the sand along the vibrant blue waters.
Rooms average $245 per night and you need to book quick as they get scooped up more and more as frigid weather blankets the U.S.
There are plenty of fun activities for all ages, but one unique aspect is that the resort’s location is a shared space with the nesting grounds of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, where every morning, you may be lucky enough to witness baby turtles take their first swim.
No matter how you spend your time here, the bottom line is guests love it. The resort holds rave reviews on TripAdvisor with one recent visitor stating, ‘Disney really does everything best. They always treat you like a VIP’.
And make sure to make time for the Disney’s world-class spa to decompress from the kiddos. Although, the spa welcomes kids(age 6 – 12) for ‘Tween Services’. It is Disney after all…
Here are 3 other great options for beachfront hotels in Vero Beach:
- Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
- Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa
- Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel
Don’t Skip Vero Beach’s Charming Downtown
Fitting in with much of the South, Vero Beach’s small-town charm is the real deal.
Unlike other historic towns with storied buildings you wish could talk, Vero Beach is more reminiscent of a pint-size Miami with pastel architecture and Latin flavor.
The biggest surprise might be how artsy it is, such as First Friday Gallery Stroll, taking place, you guessed it, every first Friday of the month.
If art galleries aren’t your jam, that’s okay; surely you’ll appreciate side-alley street murals. You can also enjoy downtown’s cigar shop, boutique shops, multiple cafes, breweries, and restaurants.
Just remember where you are – seafood is king.
Travel Tip: For a hidden gem, book a fun Tiki Boat Tour through the Indian River Lagoon for up-close dolphin sightings.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.