We came here while visiting the area and really enjoyed the learning center!…read more We only stayed for a few hours but there was definitely a lot more to see and do here. We got to see a lot of fish and native Florida wildlife! There were a lot of walking trails, kayak/canoe launches, and tons of information posted around about native Florida habitats! There was also a play area for kids as well. We spent a lot of the time in the aquarium room (and yes it's a room not a super huge space) since it was air conditioned and our daughter really enjoys seeing the fish. They have a touch tank that's open for a few hours throughout the day, but we noticed that if the tank isn't open, there was no staff in the space. The facilities seemed a bit older but overall well maintained. There were summer camps going on while we were there, and felt like they sort of overtook some of the spaces we were in from time to time. Not a super huge deal as we were able to go explore other parts but it did feel somewhat chaotic as a large group of 8 year olds ran into the area. You do have to pay admission, there is a pass available as well if you plan to visit more than once. Parking was not plentiful so be mindful when planing, to come early or during a more "off" time. Overall this was a neat place to go to if you enjoy learning about Florida wildlife and nature.

Stopped into the Environmental Learning Center on a whim after driving past it many times, and now…read moreI'm wondering why I waited so long. This place is one of those hidden little Treasure Coast gems that almost hides in plain sight. The boardwalk trails through the mangroves were peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly immersive. Every turn felt like a mini nature documentary. Within a short walk I spotted a ribbon snake cruising through the water, an orb-weaver spider that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie, and plenty of birds and wildlife along the way. Bring a camera because you'll use it. Bonus points for the rare opportunity to admire a spider web without immediately walking face first into it. The grounds are well maintained, educational without feeling overly touristy, and just plain relaxing. There's a nice balance between nature preserve, learning experience, and quiet escape from the everyday rush. Also appreciated that you can spend 30 minutes here or easily lose a couple of hours wandering the trails and slowing your brain down a notch. We didn't try the kayak rental this time but made a mental note for the future. If you live in or visit Vero Beach and enjoy nature, photography, kayaking, wildlife, or just finding peaceful spots that don't involve crowds and traffic, this place is absolutely worth a stop.

We had a great time at the botanical gardens. It's very peaceful and relaxing being surrounded by…read moresuch beautiful plants. It was free to get in so we gave a donation. It's so important for places like this to exist and get funding. It looks like you can have an event here. They also have different events and provide a lot of information about the plants they have such as where they are native to and the history. They also had a great gift shop with lots of ecofriendly useful gifts for all ages.

We stopped by at the tail end of our honeymoon while visiting family, and volunteer Rick was super…read morenice to talk to. He explained the gardens and gave us a map for us to navigate our way around. Beautiful and nicely kept botanical gardens. We came on a Tuesday and it was nice and quiet with maybe a small handful of other people also visiting. It was a pleasant walk around the grounds, talking in the Floridian sunshine and beauty of the gardens. It's not a large garden but it's still very worth a visit in my opinion!

This park is located in the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood which is one of the oldest…read morecommunities in Fort Pierce. Famous residents have included Zora Neale Hurston, author of "Their Eyes Were Watching God." And the Highwaymen artists, a group of 26 African-American artists who painted Florida landscapes and sold them out of the back of their cars up and down the Florida Coast. They were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004. The Ilous Ellis Park is operated by St. Lucie County in the city of Ft. Pierce. It is an athletic park with a baseball/softball diamond, basketball court, football field, playground, restrooms, and a pool that costs $1.50 entrance fee. The pool is used to give the neighborhood kids swim lessons and for recreation. The park is part of the neighborhood's revitalization effort. The Lincoln Park neighborhood saw it's hey day in the 1950's and 60's and the city of Ft. Pierce is working with the community to make the houses attractive and to bring businesses into the area. Although this park has nice amenities for the residents in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, if you don't live here there isn't anything to draw you in.

Located on North Hutchinson Island, Round Island Beach Park offers recreation while also protecting…read morea historic site. This part of Florida has a lot of WWII history. You can see it all over in the parks named for key events or people who served in the war. During WWII the Germans were sinking ships in Atlantic shipping channels and hiding along the coast of Florida in their submarines. On May 5, 1942, German U-333 torpedoed and sunk the Java Arrow, a United States tanker eight miles off Fort Pierce. Two crew members were killed. A auxiliary volunteer Coast Guard rescued 22 survivors in a fishing boat but two other ships, the Amazone and the Halsey were hit by torpedoes off of Fort Pierce that same night. To protect the shore massive concrete tank traps with steel rails protruding were sunk offshore. The Fort Pierce Amphibious Training Base opened in Fort Pierce on Jan. 26, 1943 to train soldiers for WWII. Round Island became part of this base, a 19,000 acre military installation. The soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day were trained here. Obstacles like the ones the Germans were placing to stop the Allied Forces during the war were put in the water off the shore of Ft. Pierce so boat drivers could practice eluding them and teams could practice blowing them up. At Omaha Beach one Fort Pierce based unit lost 33 men but were able to destroy 5 of the obstacles. More than 140,000 military personnel trained in neighboring St. Lucie County from 1943 to 1945, when at the time there were only 20,000 area residents. The objects remained in the water long after people started using the beach for recreation. Unfortunately some people were injured and in 1991 the government did a national cleanup of former military bases during which time the objects were removed and some were given to the SEAL Museum created by long term democratic Florida senator Claude Pepper. At the museum you can learn more about the part Ft. Pierce played in WWII. You can still see some of the underwater obstacles used for training between the picnic pavilions and parking area along with interpretive signs. In addition to some amazing history, this beautiful 11.36 acre park has free parking, beach access, five picnic pavilions with tables and grills, a playground, shower, restrooms, and a walking trail in the park. Lifeguards are on duty between 9:10 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. daily. Along the beach are areas blocked off to protect sea turtle nests. Across the street is Round Island Riverside Park where you can launch a canoe or kayak on to the Indian River Lagoon where you can see dolphins and manatees. I really enjoyed my time at Round Island Beach Park with its clean beach, clear water, well-maintained facilities, quiet setting. and WWII history.

Pretty & safe beach area that's not too crowded but not deserted either. Lifeguard's, picnic…read moretables, showers & bathrooms for convenience. Even historical/informational areas of interest.

Jared was so awesome. super easy to rent, and very helpful. will be back again soon!!read more

Had a good time riding the waters from the Marriott . Jared was a good instructor explaining the…read morejet ski and area to ride . Water was perfect. For an hour ride , it was a perfect afternoon .