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    Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum

    4.4 (42 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Gabi Y.

    Cool museum to learn about treasure! Mel's story six fascinating and inspiring. You start off with a short video and then can walk around and look at all the finds. There's also a gift shop. The staff is friendly and kind!

    Inside the museum. It's air-conditioned... It was a pretty muggy day so that alone works.
    Steve L.

    Very nice collection of artifacts... If you're into this kind of history... It set up well and a very enjoyable walk-through. Leesa and I dropped in to check it out... 45 minutes to an hour should do... To really read through and look at everything. They have a gift shop.

    Some of the relics found by Mel Fisher.
    Jan-Michael T.

    It is amazing how many museums I am finding on my treasure hunting adventures. Yes, I too try to follow underwater currents and streams and read ledgers to determine where ships may have sunken. My success rate however is almost zilch. On the other hand, I still look up to Mel Fisher as he is the original treasure hunter who was successful, finding many treasure ships off the Treasure Coast, including the Atochaa. Now all that history and all that lore is being shared through a museum called the Mel Fisher Treasure Museum. Located along US1 in Vero Beach, the building is not hard to miss as it is on the eastside of the highway and stands out with all the anchors and pirate statues. Parking is free but there is an entrance fee of $10 with certain discounts for veterans and senior citizens. I believe children up to a certain age (can't remember) are free. The tour is short but packed with a lot of information. You'll start with a movie showing Mel's adventures which includes how he setup shop to find said treasure ships. After the movie, you get to walk around on your own seeing mutliple cases of items found on the four shipwrecks Mel Fisher found. There are coins, ingots, and everyday jewelry and gear that would be seen on a ships. Before leaving the museum part, you can feel the weight of a gold ingot, sign the visitor's ledger, then puruse the store. Ultimately, this museum is well-priced for a one-and-done, but there is so much you can learn and observe. I am definitely putting this place as a must-see, at least once, if you live in Brevard County.

    Michelle B.

    Nice place to check out giving a glimpse into one family's commitment to finding lost treasures of the deep particularity the Nuestra Señora de Atocha which wrecked in 1622 as a result of a hurricane. Interesting perspectives into the process into recovering and claiming these treasures. Something I found quite interesting was the legal battles to keep the treasures found in international waters. Although the state of Florida attempted to keep these treasures, Mel Fisher won all battles but does donate 20% of all findings to the state museums. Nice way to spend about an hour in Sebastian. Worth a check out!

    Explorers club
    D S.

    Great little museum - a little dated but it is packed with so much treasure and information. If you're interested in treasure or the Fisher family you should go. Besides finding all that treasure they led quite an interesting life.

    Rachel C.

    So this place was a big "meh" for me. Anyone who knows me knows I love going to unique places and museums, but unfortunately this was not one of them. I was also hoping to be able to see more jewelry pieces (or at least replicas of the jewelry pieces they uncovered) but was sorely disappointed. Though the glass rooms they had with the badly displayed CPR mannequins, showing them diving or whatnot, cracked me up. Like I don't think you need to go through the hassle of recreating them diving, complete with a blank-faced dummy in scuba gear... we all know what it it looks like when someone goes scuba diving The only highlight was getting to lift the gold bar, and that almost made the $15 admission worry it, because I don't imagine I'll ever hold a gold bar ever again. In conclusion, if you're bored in this town on a rainy day and have nothing better to do, come to this place (though I assume if you bring young kids here they'll be pretty bored).

    Pirates life for this little dude
    Kathryn C.

    My son was dying to go here, he wanted to see pirate booty and gold coins. The museum is small but jam packed with treasure and historical information. A cute film takes about 20 mins to watch about Mel's journey and finds over the years. Cute gift shop too. My step father reminded me we went to the sister museum in Key West.

    Ariel W.

    Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum tells the story of one mans passion for diving, history, and treasure hunting. Mel Fisher became famous for his 16 year search for the Nusetra Senora de Atocha which sank off the Florida Keys in 1622. As he searched for the ship Fisher would start every day with his quote "Todays the Day!". The ship was located in 1985 with treasure worth 450 million dollars. Fisher also found the sister ship of the Atocha, the Santa Margarita, the slave ship the Henrietta Marie lost in 1700, and treasure from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet that lost several ships off the coast of Sebastian in a hurricane in 1715. This museum was opened in 1992 by Mel Fisher's daughter Taffi in what was an abandoned fire station. Normal museum admission admission is $7 for adults but there is a $5 off coupon on the museums website making admission just $2. Parking is free out front. Your visit starts with a 20 minute movie. The museum is small but the treasure and artifacts they have from Fishers different expeditions is amazing. Most of it is from the 1715 treasure fleet. You can even lift a gold bar from the Atocha. The rest of the museum is rounded out by information on diving and some personal items that belonged to Mel Fisher who died in 1998. If you have serious cash to drop you can buy actual coins from the Atocha in the gift shop. I knew a lot about the Atocha and Mel Fishers quest for it so I was excited to finally get to see this museum. Mel Fisher also has a museum named for him in Key West. This museum is a great place to visit and learn how the Treasure Coast of Florida got its name.

    Roadside sign
    Ward D.

    A good older museum telling Mel Fisher's story. This museum is located right off US1 on the east side of the road. It took me 3 times to find it since there was road construction being done right in front on the day I decided to visit it. I recommend approaching this from the Indian River Drive side. You will find it at the corner of This road and Jefferson street. The parking lot in front (next to the US-1 side) only has about 10 spaces. The entrance is on Jefferson street side. It may look dated but the story it tells about Mel Fisher is worth the visit. You enter and pay the fee (tickets are $8/person for adults). There is a film that explains the Mel Fisher story in a theater on the left. Once complete you exit the museum proper. It is a set of displays describing his treasure hunting, supreme court fight for treasure hunter rights, and his life and legacy. The authentic displays lead you into the gift shop where you can buy a piece of history. It is a great tribute to Mel Fisher, his history, his legacy, the treasures he found, and his fight to keep them against the government. The staff was great. The price was reasonable. If you want to learn about this fascinating person, this site is a diamond in the rough.

    Timsamstravelusa S.

    Step inside this small museum and learn about why this is called the Treasured coast. World-renowned treasure hunter Mel Fisher's story of selling everything to put his dream on the line to find his treasure comes true. The intimidate museum starts with a short movie to explain his humble beginnings of leaving his business to start a new gold venture. The story continues today, and you can even invest or go diving with his team to try your luck. The gold and silver bars are real, and so is the astounding amount of just how much have been found. If you love this place, make sure you visit the main museum in Key West, Florida. Stop on your way out and get a postcard to send a friend of your newly found trip of history. #TimSamsTravelUSA Live Life Today, Travel USA!!!

    Interesting odds and ends displayed and explained.

    Outstanding learning experience and great staff. Well worth the visit. The history of the "find", the focus on the search and all the side stories are worth seeing the short film explaining all they went through before, during and after finding the treasure.

    Lots of interesting books and memorabilia.

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    7 months ago

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    3 months ago

    It was cool seeing Spanish treasure and learning about the shipwrecks that Mel fisher found.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Very interesting and educational, plenty to read and see. I was taken back how people were able to buy the treasure they wanted.

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    4 years ago

    This is such a cool spot. Indulge your inner pirate and check out the discovered treasure!

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    11 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Very interesting place to go to see all of the treasures of the lost seas. Enjoyed our time!

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    Nichole J.

    Glad the Kids enjoyed it! Today's the Day. Thanks for the review.

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    Thanks Shona, glad you liked the video! Today's the Day!

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    12 years ago

    Touch a GOLD BAR, learn about the sunken treasures off the coast here (named treasure coast) & how their retrieved.

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    Ask the Community - Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum

    Review Highlights - Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum

    I knew a lot about the Atocha and Mel Fishers quest for it so I was excited to finally get to see this museum.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    McLarty Treasure Museum

    McLarty Treasure Museum

    3.8
    (24 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    The McLarty Treasure Museum is located in Sebastian Inlet State Park. A late July hurricane in 1715…read moresank a Spanish treasure fleet near here as they were sailing from Havana, Cuba to Spain. Eleven of the twelve ships filled with gold, silver, jewels, and other goods from the New World sank off the coast between present day Melbourne Beach and Vero Beach. 1,000 lives were lost and the cargo was scattered over a 40 mile area. Approximately 1,500 men, women, and children who survived the disaster reached the shore and made a camp along the barrier island near the place where the fleet's flagship had sunk. The treasure was mainly salvaged by Spain over the next four years and taken back to Havana Cuba. In the early 1940's, amateur archaeologist Charles Higgs discovered evidence of the salvage camps in the dunes near the Sebastian Inlet. A hurricane in 1955 washed away some dunes around the camps, revealing many artifacts and silver coins. The wreck was eventually rediscovered by treasure hunters in the 1960's. Salvage efforts by local builder Kip Wagner and his Real 8 Company recovered thousands of coins, pieces of jewelry, and several cannons. These discovery led to the establishment of a State Park and the McLarty Treasure Museum. The McLarty Treasure Museum was created by Mr. Robert McLarty, a retired attorney from Atlanta who lived in Vero Beach and donated the land. The museum has a large exhibit room with displays on Ais history, the ancient first inhabitants of this area and the history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet including artifacts, displays, and a 45 minute movie by A&E, The Queen's Jewels and the 1715 Fleet. Not to be missed is the display of Kangxi porcelain, a delicate Chinese blue-and-white pattern that was packed in mud for protection during the journey. There is also a gift shop. Behind the museum is an observation deck modeled to look like a pirate ship that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean where the ships are believed to have sunk. During storms, the treasure has been known to wash ashore to this day. Admission to the museum is $2 and while small it is engaging and worth a visit. Especially when combined with a visit to nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park and Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

    What fun! A very small but interesting museum covering the 1715 treasure fleet located on what used…read moreto be the survivors' and salvagers' camp. It's part of the Sebastian Inlet State Park and there's a nominal admission fee. There's a short movie which was interesting enough, observation deck (without beach access, though there's plenty nearby), and enough interesting things to see in about an hour if you run through it and don't watch the movie. I think my favorite exhibit was the scrap book of articles, letters, and testimonies of treasure hunters who've actually found treasure on the beaches here. Really makes you want to start hitting the beaches hunting for bobby dazzlers! lol. We also thought we'd hop across the Indian River and also visit the Mel Fisher museum but this was enough treasure fever for one day. Another time. Super friendly helpful staff rounds out the experience.

    Photos
    McLarty Treasure Museum
    McLarty Treasure Museum
    McLarty Treasure Museum

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    Indian River Historical Society

    Indian River Historical Society

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    12.9 mi

    This place is small, quiet, and absolutely stacked with real history. The Indian River Historical…read moreSociety doesn't try to entertain you, it educates you. You'll find Vero Beach before it was condos and brunch. Railroad maps that explain how the coast was built, citrus groves and train lines in miniature, WWII Naval Air Station artifacts that don't sugarcoat the cost of training, and Dodgers history that proves this town once mattered on a national stage. The class photos alone feel like flipping through the town's original family album. No flash, no gimmicks. Just well-preserved stories, artifacts, and context. If you care even a little about how this place became what it is, this is worth your time.

    The Indian River Historical Society is a non profit 501c founded in 1983. Their mission is to…read more"save, preserve, and restore the historical and environmental resources of Indian River County." The Historical Society owns two properties. The Halstrom House was built in 1909 by Swedish immigrant Axel Hallstrom, who farmed pineapples on this farmstead. The house is a museum and the surrounding 100 acres is being restored as a conservation area. The Historical Society also owns the Vero Beach Railroad Station & Exhibit Center. In 1984 they purchased the 1903 railroad station from the Florida East Coast railway for $1, moved it, and embarked on their first restoration project. There are only 8 of Henry Flaglers railway depots left in existence. There is one in Sawfish park in Jupiter and another one in the St. Lucie County Regional History Center in Fort Pierce. The stations are easy to spot because of their bright yellow color. The Vero Beach Railroad Station and grounds opened in 1987 and serves as the office of the Indian River County Historical Society and as the Exhibit Center. 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 of 1987. The Historical Society hosts events throughout the year including movie nights, high tea, ghost hunts, and a Swedish Christmas at the Halstrom House. I recently caught up with them at the Tangelo House in Vero Beach where they were running a tour of the historic 1920's Tangelo apartments that were recently restored. They gave me a great map of the different historical sites in Indian River County. Staffed by volunteers I appreciate everything they are doing to keep history alive for future generations.

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    Indian River Historical Society
    Indian River Historical Society
    Indian River Historical Society

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    Vero Beach Museum Of Art

    Vero Beach Museum Of Art

    4.2
    (29 reviews)
    13.2 mi
    $$

    Needed a post-run dose of culture and decided to drop by the Vero Beach Museum of Art--and…read morehonestly? I'm glad I did. From the moment you walk past that fierce lion sculpture guarding the entrance, you already feel like you're stepping into something bold and inspiring. Inside, the "French Moderns" exhibit totally pulled me in. We're talking Monet, Matisse, Degas, Cézanne--all the greats flexing their brushstrokes. I loved seeing the timeline from 1850 to 1950, watching styles shift like gears in a Tour de France sprint. That Robert Delaunay garden scene? Looked like brunch with vibes. Shoutout to the Rodin sculptures--especially the marble one that looked like a dream trying to escape a rock. Dude's work is raw, real, and somehow emotional without saying a word. There were some wild surprises too. Like a hyper-detailed, slightly spooky modern portrait that made me feel like I was being watched by a ghost who shops at Hot Topic. And a worn-out baseball cap that had more character than some people I know. Bonus: The staff kept things flowing, it wasn't overly crowded, and there's plenty of space to walk and soak it all in without bumping elbows.

    Could be unlucky as this beautiful building to be knocked down late 2026 and replaced with two…read morestory space with two floors. Until 2028 do not consider a visit. People very friendly but nothing there to see. Limited galleries. Mostly meeting spaces for fund raises and talks? Very little on display. Special current exhibit shows wonderful water colors of "trout" and grasses but other than that really nothing except one or two impressionist pictures. Outside garden closed " in preparation for Hurricane season"

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    Vero Beach Museum Of Art
    Vero Beach Museum Of Art
    AI art

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    AI art
    Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

    Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

    4.7
    (50 reviews)
    45.3 mi

    I remember the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center fondly from my childhood, and it's good to see…read morethat they've expanded on their property for a nice little afternoon outing. Admission is $20 for adults, with child and military discounting. There's a lot of outdoor walking space around the main lake/lagoon where you can see the nurse sharks and sea turtles amongst the many other fish there. The weather was really nice the day we went, so we took a stroll through the nature trails. They are mostly boardwalk trails with a few covered stops with benches. The main trail is a 1 mile loop but there is also a 1/3 mile loop that is good for kids. The main trail will take you to the Indian River Lagoon for some nice storefront views! The main building has some cool artwork made of reclaimed beach litter that makes you really think about proper waste disposal. There's also a few tanks with cool fish and such to see. The entire center has a few different spaces for bathrooms that are easy to access. I'd recommend coming here for a nice day in the fresh air and sunshine to enjoy the flora and fauna of Florida!

    We visit the Oceanographic Center every time we're in the area, and it never gets old. No matter…read morehow many times we come, there's always something to enjoy, and our kids absolutely love it. The new water play area is a fantastic addition. It was a huge hit with the kids, but honestly, the adults enjoyed it just as much! We could have easily spent hours there alone. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to share information about the exhibits and local wildlife, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. The nature trail is another favorite and offers a great opportunity to experience the area's natural beauty. One tip for future visitors: bring bug spray, as there can be quite a few mosquitoes along the trail. This is a wonderful family-friendly attraction that's both fun and educational. We look forward to returning every time we visit the area.

    Photos
    Trail through the mangroves
    Trail through the mangroves
    Learn about sea turtle biology and ways we can protect these majestic creatures
    Learn about sea turtle biology and ways we can protect these majestic creatures
    Scale replica of a manatee.

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    Scale replica of a manatee.

    Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum - museums - Updated July 2026

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