Hilton Head vs Vero resort activities

[WDWNewbie]

On another thread I asked about differences between the beaches at HH and Vero and got some great comparisons!

We have been to HH for a Fall week in each of the past two years and we'll be going again this fall. Actually we love it so much we are going for 2 weeks!

We are activity-meisters! When we go to DVC HH we basically spend every day doing every possible activity offered by the resort--Goofy bingo, campfires, treasure hunt, gyotaku, DD does unbirthday party, every Naturalist activity offered etc. Only when there's nothing good going on do we go to the beach. This is our idea of a great vacation, and it's what we love about DVC HH.

So here's a more relevant question--if this is what we like to do, would Vero be a good place to go for 2 weeks (Fall season)? Also, does Vero have tennis courts?

TIA!!

 

[TnRobin]

Yes Vero does have Tennis Courts. they are across the street and can be accessed by a tunnel that goes under the highway.

We too are HH lovers and love to do "stuff." The beach is a nice plus for us, but not our main vacation reason. I found the activities at Vero to be really fun. Plus the on site putt putt course is a very nice touch. The thing I found lacking was the things to do near the resort. Not a lot of nearby restuarants and shopping. But do not let that keep you from trying Vero. It is well worth the stay, but HH will still be my family's favorite.

 

[WDWNewbie]

Tn Robin

Thanks for the info! How far away is the nearest 'hub' of restaurants & shopping?

 

[TnRobin]

There really isn't a "hub". There is a McDonalds on the way to the interstate. If you head up A1A for about 20 minutes, there are a few resturants in Sebastian. Everyone reccommends Capt Hirams. (sp?) But there are two restaurants at the resort. One is family dining and the other is a little more upscale. I am sure the Vero Beach enthusiast know the name.

Vero Beach is a residential area. Not overly commercialize. I believe that it is part of its appeal to the beach lovers. If/When we go back, I will probably get at least a 1BR, stocking the refrigerator more, and cook a few more meals.

The resort itself is very stunning. In my opinion probably the most stunning of all the resorts.

One thing that is not far away is Dodgers Spring training - 5 minutes maybe. If you prefer the Mets, that is only 30 - 45 minutes away. The drive to Port St Lucie is really nice.

 

[Desnik]

We found the "hub of places to go at Vero. There was a mall with a movie theater, and TGIFridays. The usual mall type stores, including a Disney store. Also an Apple Bees near by. We also saw Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC. Also Target(we went there), Walmart, CVS, cluster of stores, can't remember which, but it was an outdoor type mall. I'd have to check my paper work because I did write down how to get to it from Vero. We went in this area 3 times on our trip. Also, we went to a Carvel icecream parlor which was nice and clean.

We went to Vero this past June and we couldn't imagine being there longer than a couple of days. We were there 4 nights and we ran out of stuff to do. We have 2 kids(7&2)and my DSIS who is 13yo was with us. They have to be kept busy. By 2-3pm it was just too hot to be outside. We did have a nice time and relaxing vacation, but we don't feel the need to go back there anytime soon. If we did go back it would be for 2 nights and not in June!!LOL I couldn't imagine being there for 2 weeks, I'd go crazy!!LOL Even in the fall. I'm not sure but I thought in the fall not all activities are offered. I would think HHI would have alot more to keep you busy because of all that's near by the resort. We also went to WDW for 3 days(SSR)and didn't go to the parks. We just enjoyed the resort and I could see doing that for an extended time. We enjoyed all the resort things to do and DtD. It was a great time.

Let me know if you would like directions to where the stores/mall were.

 

[tss2]

My family of 4 just got back from VB. We had a great time and enjoyed some activities, some beach time, pool time, mini golf and relaxing in the room. We didn't have time or want to do everything in one trip. We need breaks from the heat and sun. I think 2 weeks would be too much, though. We were there for 5 nights and that was great with 4 nights at WDW first. I would say if you want a 2 week trip do one week at WDW and then one at VB. But I must say they had tons of activities all day long that you could enjoy at VB. Several nature areas nearby. Never been to HH to compare, but I was wondering if there were lots of activities at HH like there were at VB.

 

[WDWNewbie]

The resort itself is very stunning. In my opinion probably the most stunning of all the resorts.

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OK--I'm psyched!! Thanks for the comments!

 

[WDWNewbie]

We found the "hub of places to go at Vero. There was a mall with a movie theater, and TGIFridays. The usual mall type stores, including a Disney store. Also an Apple Bees near by. We also saw Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC. Also Target(we went there), Walmart, CVS, cluster of stores, can't remember which, but it was an outdoor type mall.

We went to Vero this past June and we couldn't imagine being there longer than a couple of days.

Let me know if you would like directions to where the stores/mall were.

Desnik--do you happen to recall how far this 'hub' area is from the resort? And you mention not staying for more than a couple of days--did you participate in the activities? Were they the same ones over and over?

 

[WDWNewbie]

My family of 4 just got back from VB. We had a great time and enjoyed some activities, some beach time, pool time, mini golf and relaxing in the room. ..... But I must say they had tons of activities all day long that you could enjoy at VB. Several nature areas nearby. Never been to HH to compare, but I was wondering if there were lots of activities at HH like there were at VB.

tss2--there are lots of activities at HH. A full schedule with several activities for all ages every day. We don't even have to leave the resort in HH and we'd be happy. Sounds like Vero is quite similar. If so, we'd have no problem chillin' at Vero for 2 weeks!

 

[tss2]

FYI, the activities at the resort were mostly new every day, except for a few repeats like the snorkel ears class and turtle class which happened twice I think. Infact, we missed a few we might have liked to participate in since they only happened once. But we were only there for a week, so don't know if they cycle the same days the next week.

Hilton Head sounds fun. We will have to try it sometime!

 

[Desnik]

It was hard because of the ages of the kids to do some of the activities offered. DD is 7yo, DS is 2yo, and my sister was with us and she is 13. They had really cute things for 3-5 year olds. DD did participate in the painting an umbrella and craft times. Again because of the kids ages it was tough to have DD doing crafts at 1pm when I felt it was so hot for my 2yo to be out by or even in the pool(which was so warm and not really refreshing) I wanted to stay close to DD. The camp fire was cute. It rained but was held on the back porch. Of course DD liked the one at FW and kept expecting it to be like that. Don't get me wrong it is a beautiful resort. Our room and view were fantastic. We really enjoyed our time here. It's just, for us, we got bored after a few days. And juggling the activities with the big difference in ages of kids, it was hard.

To get to the stores/mall area:
You make a left out of the resort. Make a right onto Beachland Ave., go over the bridge and make a left onto Indian River Blvd. It's the Indian River Mall. I would also double check with a CM at the resort. These roads are on the map they give you. It is about a 15-20min. drive.

No doubt you will love the place. Everyone's different and for our family 3 days would be enough. Some would say 2 weeks is great too.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Obviously you know Hilton Head very well, and maybe you have tried this...but do the Dolphin Discovery tour. They only take 6 people and when we went it was just our family of 5. (Sorry, I have not been to Vero.)

It was a blast. There were a lot of dolphins, and the guide was very knowlegable. You can make reservations down at the pool at the resort.

 

[ccw]

My husband jokes that there is a big difference between a TRIP and a VACATION...I prefer activities and lots of options(a TRIP), he prefers to hang out at the beach and relax(a VACATION). He loved Vero and I did, too, but just for a day ...Hilton Head is definitely more my cup of tea! The only thing that disappointed both of us about Vero was how tiny the beach was, and we were there before the big hurricanes hit. Not sure what it looks like now.

 

[Par8hed]

Not a lot of nearby restuarants

I have to disagree. Check out the book on the check-in desk. There are an array of good options within 15-20 minutes. Granted not on the scale of HH, but plenty of options nonetheless.

CCW: The beach is muuuuuch bigger since the hurricanes.


I could spend two weeks there and you would still have to drag me out kicking and screaming.

 

[donald...really]

If you were disapointed with the tiny beach at Vero, give the resort another chance. It is much improved since the hurricane.

I am not a "gotta stay busy" type person, so I could stay at Vero for a month and still not want to leave. I returned recently from a stay at Vero, the first trip to VB since 2001, and the activity list seemed to be much more extensive than it used to be.