Please help me pick - Vero Beach or Clearwater?

[northwenald]

My DH and I are already booked for 4 nights the beginning of May for the AKL. I have the next 3 nights booked at VB (OVIR) but part of me would love to see Clearwater beach because it gets great reviews. We have never been to either place. I have read that VB is very quiet. We are not real late people but someimes it is nice to walk around somewhere after dinner. I think Clearwater has more to do and a nicer beach but part of me really wants to try Vero. We really only have 2 full days. Is Vero a good choice for 2 adults? Please help me pick one. Many thanks for all your help.

 

[Minniemama350]

I grew up on Clearwater Beach back when it was not so populated with businesses. It is a great beach. It was always known for being clean with obviously clear water. It has become very commercial in the last 20 years, much like so many others. I have not been to Vero, but the pictures make it look very beautiful and NOT commercial (please correct this image if it is wrong anyone). It boils down to what you are looking for. Vero and HH have been lookng very attractive to me too!

 

[backyardponder]

DW and I LOVE VB. It is quiet and relaxing. I'd recommend checking it out for a couple of days.

Other than the beach, there's nowhere in the immediate area to take a stroll. Note that the beaches are all public, so you could walk for miles and miles from VB via the beach. In May, however, people are encouraged to stay off the beaches after dark due to turtle nesting. With your OVIR, you will also be asked to keep your curtains closed after dark so the light doesn't scare the turtles. We have, however, turned off the lights in our room and quietly sat on the balcony at night, listening to the ocean.

Part of the beauty of VB is that it is somewhat isolated. Of course, many eat their meals off site, so you could wander around where ever the restaurant is.

I urge you to check it out as planned.

 

[szymcl]

I think you will like either one, but in my opinion, the traffic is much easier to navigate in the Vero area. If you are driving, you can go out to restaurants, there are plenty of magazines/brochures around to give you pointers. If you like to walk, you can walk under the highway and stroll though a path that is fun. The beach if nice, not powdery white like Clearwater, but more natural looking.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

We have never been to Clearwater, but if it is anything like Sanibel we love the silky sand and being able to see the sea life in the water. That said, if you only have 2 days you really should give VB a try. It is hard to beat hearing the waves crashing from your OVIR and the morning sunrise is priceless. Not sure what you consider late, but the pool is open until 10pm and across the street they have tennis courts, basketball courts, a small lake where you can fish (catch and release). You can also rent bikes and ride along the Jungle trail that runs (8 miles) up to Pelican Island and down to VB proper. They have a grill and picnic tables at the lake too. May is a great time to walk the beach if there is good moonlight (no flashlights allowed), and we love walking the beach in the morning to see the new turtle nests and the environmentalist checking/counting the eggs in the nest. The Green Cabin room in the building you will be in has some sort of live entertainment most evenings. For 2 adults I think you will not become bored at VB in 2 days.

 

[La2kw]

My DH and I are already booked for 4 nights the beginning of May for the AKL. I have the next 3 nights booked at VB (OVIR) but part of me would love to see Clearwater beach because it gets great reviews. We have never been to either place. I have read that VB is very quiet. We are not real late people but someimes it is nice to walk around somewhere after dinner. I think Clearwater has more to do and a nicer beach but part of me really wants to try Vero. We really only have 2 full days. Is Vero a good choice for 2 adults? Please help me pick one. Many thanks for all your help.

We enjoy Vero, but prefer the beach in Clearwater. The water is warm and those white sand beaches are much prettier than the Vero beaches. I also like the funkiness of the little tourist district there. Vero beach is a lovely resort, but it is pretty boring when the sun goes down.

 

[HsvTeacher]

My DH and I went to Vero Beach in June after an end-of-May trip to WDW. We had only planned on staying two nights, but we loved it so much that we added another day. It was so nice to be able to relax after a nonstop Disney trip.

We loved last year's trip so much that we are going again this summer!

 

[northwenald]

Thanks everyone !!!!!! I am thinking that since we will only be there for 3 nights that VB might be the way to go. I almost think that there is too much to see in Clearwater and not enough time. We only have two full days so it almost makes sense to drive to VB and just relax on a quiet beach. Clearwater beach looks very big - is it? Plus if we stay at VB we can use points and not have to pay for a hotel. Thanks again everyone !!!!!

 

[DMKaren]

I Love Clearwater Beach, but tried Vero Beach (OVIR) in Sept '09. I loved it so much we returned in Oct '09.

I have to admit I like the beach itself better in Clearwater, but the beach in Vero was nice and the resort itself was fabulous. I would give Vero a try as long as you already have reservations. I think you will really like it.

 

[Mich123]

We loved Vero Beach! It was the most relaxing vacation. Ever. We're heading back in a month and I just can't wait. DH preferred to eat dinner off site, I agree that the food is better off site, but I personallly prefer Disney Immersion. Would recommed Squid Lips, if you do venture off premises.

On premises, breakfast is awesome and we had lunch by the pool every day. Along with a frozen concotion or two.

We also enjoyed the Green Cabin room for drinks and appetizers. The view is awesome, so if it's a nice night, I recommend venturing outside to sit on the porch.

 

[k-wa]

We love the Undertow Restaurant in Vero Beach. It's funky and romantic with great food.

http://www.undertowcafe.com

 

[LoverofDisney]

We love love love Vero Beach!! We go every year during the first full week of June. Disney style at the beach, what more could you ask for?! They have activities starting early in the morning until late at night. You will get a schedule of the activities and times when you check in. Some of them fill up fast so you may want to check it out and go ahead and sign up for the ones you want to participate in. The mini-golf course by the pool is fun, as is the campfire (on certain nights) and you get to make a s'more. It is not commercialized at all--some may like that some may not. We like that fact. We go to the beach to enjoy the beach! It is a very relaxing place and I am sure you will love it!

 

[photobob]

We went for five nights to Vero last year with our traveling firends and had a great time as did the three teens we had with us. We are going again this June for the second year in a row instead of going to WDW!

We really enjoyed the change of pace from our WDW trips. We had been to WDW so many years in a row that DW and our friends were really wanting a change. I believe the laidback atmosphere of Vero really was a hit with us all. We really enjoyed a break from buying park passes too!

My DD has made it clear that we WILL be going back to WDW in June of 2011 when she graduates high school. I look forward to many more years of WDW and Vero!

 

[northwenald]

Thanks for all the replies. If we want to go offsite for dinner, how far away would we have to drive? I read that Ocean Grill was good and Squid Lips. How are the restaurants at the resort? Also, will I see turtles the first week in May or is it too early? Thanks everyone !!!!!!

 

[avamadison]

My vote would be for VB. It is such a wonderful and beautiful place to relax after a busy WDW trip. Have fun!