Ocean Drive and Sexton Plaza
A charming Vero Beach destination offering a clean, sandy beach with nearby shops and restaurants, perfect for a relaxed coastal getaway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Ocean Drive and Sexton Plaza
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Vero Beach destination offering a clean, sandy beach with nearby shops and restaurants, perfect for a relaxed coastal getaway.
"Beautiful clean beach that stretches on for miles! The only down side is parking can be a nightmare at peak times."
👣 Barefoot Beach Bliss
The sand is fine and soft, perfect for walking barefoot. No need for beach shoes here!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Free 2-hour parking is available, but spots go fast. Arrive early or be ready for a short walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Drive Beachfront
Along Ocean Drive
Expansive sandy shores perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and long walks. Enjoy the ocean breeze and the sound of the waves.
Sexton Plaza
Adjacent to Ocean Drive
A vibrant hub with shops, cafes, and restaurants offering convenient dining and retail options near the beach.
Driftwood Resort
Near Ocean Drive
Explore this historic and impressive hotel, a landmark with a unique charm and a glimpse into Vero Beach's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Parking
Beach Essentials & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👣 Barefoot Beach Bliss
The sand is fine and soft, perfect for walking barefoot. No need for beach shoes here!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Free 2-hour parking is available, but spots go fast. Arrive early or be ready for a short walk.
🧼 Rinse Off Station
A handy tap for rinsing feet and footwear is located at the main beach entrance.
🍽️ Dine & Beach
Enjoy food from nearby restaurants and cafes right on the sand.
Tips
from all over the internet
👣 Barefoot Beach Bliss
The sand is fine and soft, perfect for walking barefoot. No need for beach shoes here!
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Free 2-hour parking is available, but spots go fast. Arrive early or be ready for a short walk.
🧼 Rinse Off Station
A handy tap for rinsing feet and footwear is located at the main beach entrance.
🍽️ Dine & Beach
Enjoy food from nearby restaurants and cafes right on the sand.
🐢 Turtle Nest Sightings
Keep an eye out for turtle nests; you might even see hatchlings!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ocean Drive and Sexton Plaza for its beautiful, clean, and walkable beach, with the convenience of nearby shops and restaurants. The free parking and the option to enjoy food on the sand are highlights. Some find the water unusually warm, and parking can be a challenge during peak times.
"Cutsy beach town and beach access. Sand is fine so you don't need shoes to walk the beach. Enjoyed being able to order food and bring back to beach.
Water was oddly warm the day we went. Long walks on the beach can happen!"
Yuuki AsunaYui
"Great beach with a keep clean basket campaign which was great to see and not seen before! A range of shops, cafes restaurants and condos. Parking is free for 2 hours! Walk and visit the Driftwood hotel, a impressive historic hotel!"
Claire Beeson
"The people are friendly for the most park. Long beach with mostly condos as usual. More higher than me stores around with a beauty shop. A seafood restaurant and a American style restaurant next door to each other. Bring your own items to sit right on the beach. Parking is free but limited to two hours and spaces are gone fast, but open up fairly easy as the time limit is in effect."
Vanessa “Evil Lynne” Browne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean Drive and Sexton Plaza are located in downtown Vero Beach, Florida. They are easily accessible by car. Parking is available nearby, though it can be limited during busy periods.
While specific public transport routes directly to the plaza might be limited, local bus services operate within Vero Beach. It's best to check with the local transit authority for the most up-to-date information.
Parking is free for two hours along Ocean Drive and in designated lots. Arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays increases your chances of finding a spot.
Yes, Vero Beach is known for being bikeable, and Ocean Drive is a pleasant route for cycling. There are bike racks available in the area.
Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a day trip, offering beach access, dining, and shopping all in one convenient location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the beach at Ocean Drive and Sexton Plaza is a public beach and does not require an entry ticket. Access is free for everyone.
Operating hours vary by establishment. Most shops and restaurants in Sexton Plaza are open daily, with extended hours on weekends. It's advisable to check individual business hours online.
There is no admission fee for the beach itself. It's a public access area for swimming and sunbathing.
Generally, access is open. However, be mindful of any posted signs regarding hours of operation or specific regulations.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, take long walks on the beach, explore the shops and restaurants at Sexton Plaza, and visit the historic Driftwood Resort.
The water is generally warm and suitable for swimming. Some visitors have noted it can be unusually warm at times.
Restroom facilities are typically available in the vicinity of Sexton Plaza and public beach access points.
The beach is generally described as clean and well-maintained, with initiatives like 'keep clean' baskets observed.
Sexton Plaza offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, including seafood and American-style options.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers beautiful ocean views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The architecture of the Driftwood Resort also provides unique photo opportunities.
Yes, Vero Beach is a nesting ground for sea turtles. If you're lucky, you might spot nests or even hatchlings, offering a unique photographic moment.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, always be respectful of private property and other beachgoers.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting for beach photography. Early mornings are also great for capturing the sunrise.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's recommended to check with the city of Vero Beach for current drone policies before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
🚗 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Beachfront Charm
Beyond the sand, Sexton Plaza acts as a lively hub. It's dotted with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing ample options for dining and souvenir hunting. This proximity to amenities makes it easy to transition from a day of sunbathing to enjoying a meal or a coffee. The historic Driftwood Resort is also a notable landmark in the vicinity, offering a glimpse into the area's past and a unique architectural point of interest.
Navigating Parking and Access
To make the most of your visit, arriving early in the day is highly recommended. This not only increases your chances of securing a convenient parking spot but also allows you to enjoy the beach before it gets too crowded. If you do arrive when parking is full, don't despair; spots do open up as the two-hour limit is enforced. For those who enjoy a bit of a walk, the beach itself stretches for miles, so a slightly longer walk from your parking spot is often rewarded with more secluded areas.
For convenience after a day at the beach, a foot-rinsing station is available near the main entrance to the beach from the main path. This is a thoughtful touch that helps visitors clean off sand before heading to shops or their vehicles.
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