Disney's
DVC Resort is just fabulous and laid back. Actual ocean views from your room may be difficult to come by. There is a protective dune that makes seeing the ocean difficult except from the Cottages and most of the Inn rooms. If possible request an Ocean View or better yet ask for a direct ocean view (yes, there is a difference). Note you will not see the ocean from the ground floor because of the dune.
DVC Vero has a nice pool area. At the beach you can rent umbrellas, beach chairs and jet ski They often have some fun things to do like nature watching (manatees, dolphins and turtles), kayaking on the intercostals waterway(fishing and sight seeing), Mel Fisher's treasure museum looks like an interesting half day, they run excursions to Kennedy Space Center, organized "teen nights out" where they take kids bowling or Pizza and a movie. I would suggest too call a few days in advance to check on their VB activities schedule. To find out what is scheduled call Eb & Flo's (the activities location there) to make your reservation.
You might want to try to rent a bicycle and ride the "jungle trail" along the nearby river. It is a very old, unpaved road, with swamps, old orange groves, and new condominiums under construction. Beautiful views and very old Florida. Eb and Flos can give you a map and tell you how to find the trail.
One of the best places at VB resort is the Green Cabin Room on the upper level. We had dessert there one evening. They serve themed drinks, specialty coffees and their own micro brewed beer. Dinners in Shutters and the breakfasts are very good. Shutters has some less expensive selections than the other on site restaurant (Sonya's). Shutters serves Pizzas, Pasta entrees, seafood, steak, prime rib, meatloaf and Conch Fritters. Sonya's serves fine steaks and chops.
Around Town
One restaurant that is a favorite is The Patio. It is located in town, is reasonably priced and has fantastic fresh seafood.
The Ocean Grill right on the water in downtown Vero. It's not inexpensive but great food. Kids are certainly welcome but it may not be exactly the place for a family dinner. You might try asking for a window seat.
A recommendation for seafood would be Captain Hirams, Ocean Grill is pretty neat too. Be sure to ask for a seat near the windows to gaze upon the ocean during your meal. Both are short driving distances but Capt Hirams is a little farther (Sebastain), both restaurants are on the map they give you at check-in. Capt Hirams is a more casual restaurant and it seems a place the locals go too. Vero Resort has a big black binder near the DVC area that has all the local restaurants and menus.
The Mall is close by and has movie theaters. Also, you will find less expensive dinner choices around and in the Mall. You can do some window shopping at the Mall or take the tour of the Piper Aircraft factory (Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m., Reservations Required, Dial (561) 567-4361 & press #5 or x2499).
