Vacation rentals in South Beach

Not to be confused with the South Beach neighborhood of Miami, South Beach is a quiet waterfront community on the sheltered west side of North Hutchinson Island, a barrier island in the Sebastian-Vero Beach Metropolitan Area along the scenic Florida coast. You’ll find just one access route from the mainland at Fort Pierce — Seaway Drive, which becomes A1A — leading to Jetty Park at its furthest north point, and Blue Heron Beach to the south. The area is popular for its marinas and some of the best beaches for surfing, diving, and snorkeling.

You’ll discover a variety of activities in South Beach, including kayaking and paddleboarding as well as cycling and hiking along beautiful nature trails. South Beach sits just five minutes north of Avalon State Park, where the Avalon Nature Trail leads to an observation platform for spotting egrets and herons in their natural nesting environment. Fort Pierce is less than 20 minutes away and a well-known fishing village on the Indian River Lagoon that hosts fishing tournaments. You’ll also find self-guided heritage walks in Fort Pierce, including the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail, a tribute to the author’s life in the town, and the Highwaymen Heritage Trail, commemorating local African American landscape artists.

South Beach’s temperatures range from warm to hot. The best time to stay in a vacation rental is from March through May, when the weather is sunny with little chance of rain. This is also prime time for enjoying the beach as well as the many walks and nature trails in the area.

During summer and fall, you’ll want to carry an umbrella with you in case of afternoon showers. Be aware that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. If you are visiting for water sports during this time, you may find some activities restricted if the water is rough.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Just north of Fort Pierce Inlet, this state park is popular for surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling over the reef about 100 yards from the beach. Other activities include fishing, bird watching, and picnicking. Several hiking trails are on Jack Island State Preserve off the A1A; Marsh Rabbit Run Trail has an observation tower with views of the Indian River and Jack Island.

McKee Botanical Garden

The McKee Botanical Garden features one of the most diverse collections of flora and fauna in the area. You’ll find a spectacular waterlily garden and a variety of exhibitions and garden shows, as well as an annual Festival of Lights. A dedicated children’s garden offers plenty of interactive activities.

A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery

The A. E. Backus Museum in downtown Fort Pierce celebrates the work of the self-taught artist, whose paintings depict the life and times of South Beach and the surrounding area of Hutchinson Island and Fort Pierce over the past 70 years. From the glades, sandy beaches, and dunes to the rivers and nature trails, the artist’s landscapes show how the area has changed and grown.