This museum displays the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet history and features different artifacts and a fantastic observation deck with sweeping views of  the Atlantic Ocean.  This small museum paints the ill-fated 1715 fleet of eleven Spanish ships’ story. These ships were laden with riches, gold, silver, and copper, and as they were heading back to Spain, all eleven ships sank during a hurricane close to shore. Inside the museum, visitors can watch The Queen’s Jewels and the 1715 Fleet, an A&E Network production that tells the story of the fleet’s return attempt before a hurricane struck off the Florida coast more than 300 years ago. And still, over more than 300 years later, some salvagers still work offshore, hoping to find or recover the Queen’s Jewels. 

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13180 N A1A, Vero Beach, FL • (321) 984-4852

Mel Fisher’s Treasure museum houses exhibits on archaeology and the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet. Taffi Fisher, Mel Fisher’s daughter, opened the museum in December 1992 in an old abandoned fire station after renovating the building. The museum included a working conservation laboratory used to preserve artifacts recovered from underwater with an observation window for viewing conservation work from inside the museum. Today when visitors enter Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum they join the millions who have witnessed the most spectacular collection of Spanish artifacts and treasure ever assembled. r

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1322 US Highway 1, Sebastian, FL 3295 • (772) 589-0432

A spectacular 64-acre lagoon-island Nature Center located in the heart of the beautiful and diverse Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach, Florida. ELC boasts 2000 gallons of aquariums, touch tank, and live animal exhibits, miles of boardwalk nature trails, and multiple outdoor picnic and play areas. ELC offers daily pontoon tours, and kayak and paddleboard rentals for eco-adventures, as well as guided nature and bird walks.

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255 Live Oak Dr., Vero beach, FL • (772) 589-5050

The Museum is the principal visual arts facility on Florida’s Treasure coast, and serves a three-county area. Its neoclassical structure commands a premiere position in Riverside Park, along the scenic Indian River and serves more than 75,000 residents and visitors annually.  Through its exhibitions, collections, gallery tours, studio art and humanities classes for youth and adults, educational programs, school programs, outreach programs, film studies program, community events, lectures, seminars, concerts, special youth events and cultural celebrations, it is applauded as the cultural heart of the community.

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255 Live Oak Dr., Vero beach, FL • (772) 589-5050

Learn the rich history of Vero Beach and the Indian River Citrus' industry and legacy. In the late 1800's, early Florida settlers began the commercial cultivation of citrus and an industry was born. Indian River Lagoon country, which is along the middle of the eastern coast of Florida, proved to be the prime location for growing the finest citrus in the world.

This fruit would exclusively carry the envied stamp...Indian River Citrus! Discover how citrus seeds made their way to Florida and the story of how area pioneers established the most distinguished citrus fruit in the world. This tiny but engaging museum is located inside the Vero Heritage Center in the heart of downtown Vero Beach and features artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, historic crate labels and a small gift shop.

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3001 Riverside Park Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963 • (772) 231-0707

In 1984, the Indian River County Historical Society purchased of the abandoned 1903 Vero Beach Railroad Station and embarked on its first historic preservation project. Purchased for $1.00 from the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC), it also required that the building be moved to another location.  The Vero Beach Railroad Station was the first building in Indian River County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in January 1987. The decision to restore this humble example of Indian River County history was made to demonstrate that the Society was sincere in its mission statement and that old buildings could be preserved, restored, repurposed, and integral to the future of the community.

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2336 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL • (772) 778-3435

The Museum is the principal visual arts facility on Florida’s Treasure coast, and serves a three-county area. Its neoclassical structure commands a premiere position in Riverside Park, along the scenic Indian River and serves more than 75,000 residents and visitors annually.  Through its exhibitions, collections, gallery tours, studio art and humanities classes for youth and adults, educational programs, school programs, outreach programs, film studies program, community events, lectures, seminars, concerts, special youth events and cultural celebrations, it is applauded as the cultural heart of the community.

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3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963 • (772) 231-0707

McKee is the first and oldest award-winning visitor attraction in Vero Beach.

Garden spans a lush 18 acres of subtropical splendor. Once known as McKee Jungle Gardens, it was originally founded in the early 1930s by Arthur G. McKee and Waldo E. Sexton, who transformed a tropical hammock into a botanical wonderland, with William Lyman Phillips of the Olmsted Brothers firm designing its network of streams, ponds, and trails. Today, the garden is celebrated for its extraordinary botanical collections—boasting over 10,000 native and tropical plants, including one of the largest displays of water lilies in Florida, with over 80 varieties lining lakes, streams, and waterfalls

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​350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL • (772) 794-0601

Dive into the secret world of Naval Special Warfare at The National Navy SEAL Museum and Memorial. Here you can explore the history of these legendary maritime special operations warriors. Inside, you'll find compelling displays that trace the evolution from World War II’s Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) to modern SEALs. The museum features authentic artifacts—everything from obstacle course pieces used before D-Day, to patrol boats from Vietnam, SEAL delivery vehicles. The grounds around the museum offer life-sized displays—including helicopters, landing craft, and agility courses inspired by real SEAL training. Visitors often find these especially engaging—great for both learning and releasing some energy. Knowledgeable staff and volunteer docents—many veterans themselves—bring authenticity and storytelling that elevate your understanding of the exhibits.

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​3300 N. Highway A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 • (772) 595-5845

Discover the wonder of Florida’s gentle giants.  Explore vibrant indoor exhibits, including aquariums, a touch tank, and interactive displays perfect for curious explorers of all ages. Dive into storytelling sessions like ManaTales, engaging talks such as Lunch & Learn, or enjoy casual Creekside Chats on the observation deck. Step outside into the lush butterfly garden, stroll along the covered observation walkway, or climb the two-story observation tower for panoramic views of the creek and surrounding estuary. Look for dolphins, seabirds, and more alongside flora like native mangroves and seagrass, and of course, unscripted manatee sitings on beautiful Moore’s Creek on the Indian River Lagoon in downtown Fort Pierce.

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480 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL • (772) 429-6266

Discover a vanishing landscape through the artwork of Florida’s preeminent painter and Fort Pierce native, A.E. “Bean” Backus. Travel through time in a stunning museum exhibit of Backus originals and discover where Florida Art Began. Browse Backus and Florida Highwaymen paintings for sale. Changing fine art exhibits are featured in the exhibition gallery.

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500 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 • (772) 465-0630

Take a tour of the heavens with a fully immersive digital projection system and state-of-the-art Spitz 512 planetarium projector, which work together to recreate the sky, sun, moon and planets among the stars on the 40-foot, domed planetarium ceiling. View tonight’s sky, see how it appeared thousands of years ago, or look into the distant future for a glimpse of how it may appear from its location or anywhere in the world—or universe! It is the only planetarium on the Treasure Coast! 

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3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34981 • 772-462-4772

An enchanting "living museum" where lush subtropical plantings, winding paths, and themed garden rooms welcome visitors into a serene, immersive experience. Spread across approximately five acres, Heathcote is thoughtfully divided into intimate garden “rooms,” including a Japanese Garden with its elegant teahouse, a peaceful Reflection Garden, fragrant Herb Garden, vibrant Native Plants section, lush Rainforest Display, and a Palm & Cycad Walk. A true highlight is the James J. Smith Bonsai Gallery, showcasing over 100 meticulously maintained tropical bonsai, from an ancient 200-year-old buttonwood to a twin-trunk Jaboticaba styled by the legendary bonsai master John Naka. 

210 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 • 772-464-4672

The Elliott Museum enriches the community through its wide variety of exhibits, collections, classes and lectures, all designed to serve the interests of the people who live in and visit the Treasure Coast. There is something for everyone.  Visitors will find a significant collection of classic cars, trucks, bicycles and boats; baseball memorabilia; local history; Americana; a variety of art; a tribute to actress Frances Langford; and even a Foucault pendulum. From lectures, special programs, featured exhibits, summer camps and more the Elliott Museum is one of the Treasure Coast’s greatest treasures.

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​825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996 • (772) 225-1961

Discover Martin County’s oldest structure and find out more about how Houses of Refuge served as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers. House of Refuge Museum at Gilbert’s Bar was one of ten along Florida’s east coast and the only remaining. Plus, if adventure is what you seek, snorkel or dive to explore the wreck of Georges Valentine, only 100 feet from shore.

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301 Southeast MacArthur Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34996 • (772) 225-1961

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, the 57-acre parcel houses the Society’s headquarters, nature trails, 750,000-gallon Game Fish Lagoon, Sea Turtle Pavilion, Children’s Activity Pavilion, Sea Star Touch Tank Pavilion, Rays on the Reef Ray Pavilion, the Frances Langford Visitors Center, and the brand new Ocean EcoCenter. With its coastal hardwood hammocks and mangrove swamp communities, the site provides excellent opportunities for education and research aimed at increasing visitors’ knowledge of these unique environments. 

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890 Northeast Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996 • (772) 225-0505

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, located in Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, offers kids and families hands-on activities to explore, play and learn. A life-size pirate ship with lots of interactive exhibits is just one of the museum’s many offerings designed to feed curious, active minds. Kids learn through play and the Children’s Museum offers plenty of activities to entertain, spark curiosity, and learn.

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1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach FL 34957 • (772) 225-7575