The Environmental Learning Center was voted Best Tourist Destination on the Treasure Coast by Indian River Magazine. Just 20 minutes from downtown Vero Beach, ELC offers something no other destination can: an immersive blend of wildlife, outdoor adventure, art, and quiet moments in nature. From paddling through mangroves and spotting gopher tortoises to exploring local art and open trails, ELC delivers experiences that are both memorable and meaningful
Here are a few of the reasons the Environmental Learning Center continues to stand out as a Treasure Coast favorite.
Sit back, relax, and let an ELC naturalist guide you through the serene waters of the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the nation. Our award-winning pontoon tours, voted the best on the Treasure Coast, offer unforgettable views of Pelican Island, the nation’s first wildlife refuge, and an incredible bird rookery. Trips also explore Sebastian Inlet, nearby spoil islands, and the St. Sebastian River, with private charter options available. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and more along the way.
2. Take a Guided Kayak Tour or Rent Your Own Kayak or Paddleboard
Prefer to paddle with an expert? Join a guided kayak tour and explore hidden mangrove tunnels while learning about the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem. No experience? No problem! We have kayaks right by the water to rent! The ELC’s kayak launch gives you instant access to the Indian River Lagoon, one of North America’s most biodiverse estuaries. Kayak and Paddleboard rentals are available 7 days a week!
3. Meet a Gopher Tortoise
ELC is home to over 60 of Florida’s favorite slow-moving landscapers. Gopher tortoises dig deep burrows that shelter over 350 species, making them a keystone species. Spotting one in action is a real treat for nature lovers and your probability of seeing one is high at the ELC!
4. Let the Kids Run Wild at the Nature Playscape
Kids need nature time too! Our Nature Playscape is designed for unstructured outdoor play, where kids can climb, balance, dig, and explore the way nature intended.
Attend one of our weekly playdates on Wednesday and Saturday.
5. Camps for the Kids
We also offer holiday, spring break, and summer camps that give kids the chance to explore nature, learn about the Lagoon, and spend their school breaks outdoors in a fun, hands-on environment.
6. Visit the Only Touch Tank in Indian River County
Get up close and personal with marine creatures you’d normally never touch! Horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, sea stars, and other local species offer a hands-on experience you won’t find anywhere else in the county.
7. Explore over 2000 gallons of Aquariums & Interactive Exhibits
ELC’s aquariums bring the lagoon to life with native fish, crabs, and other fascinating aquatic creatures. Watch them swim, learn their names, and see why the Indian River Lagoon is called the “cradle of the ocean.”
8. View & Buy Local Art in Two Galleries
Nature inspires creativity, and ELC’s two art galleries showcase stunning works from local artists. From vibrant paintings to local nature photography, it’s a perfect spot to find something unique.
9. Meet the Artists Themselves
Art lovers, rejoice! Our artist meet-and-greets let you chat with the creative minds behind the work. Hear their inspiration, ask questions, and maybe even take home a one-of-a-kind piece.
10. Shop Florida Native Plants for Your Garden
Want to attract butterflies and birds to your yard? Our Native Plant Nursery has a variety of plants perfectly suited for Florida’s climate—plus, they require less water and maintenance!
11. Wander the Trails & Boardwalks on a 64-Acre Lagoon Island
With extensive trails and boardwalks, you can wander through mangrove forests, salt marshes, and oak hammocks on ELC’s beautiful 64-acre island. It’s the perfect way to unwind in nature.
12. Plan a Field Trip that’s Actually Fun
Whether it’s a school group or a homeschool adventure, ELC’s field trips bring learning to life through hands-on experiences in nature. Squid dissections, water sampling, and meeting wildlife? Sign us up!
13. Host Your Next Meeting in a Nature-Inspired Setting
Ditch the fluorescent lights! ELC offers meeting spaces with lagoon views, fresh air, and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether it’s a business retreat or a community gathering, nature sets the tone.
Find your inner peace surrounded by nature. Join one of our many wellness programs to stretch, breathe, and connect with the world around you.
15. Celebrate Your Birthday Party in the Heart of Nature
Uniquely celebrate your child’s birthday in Vero Beach with custom birthday party packages, where kids learn through play, make lasting memories away from screens, and parents enjoy a stress-free, no-cleanup experience!
16. Join a Guided Bird Walk
ELC is a birdwatcher’s paradise! Join a bird walk and learn to identify herons, mockingbirds, ospreys, and more.
17. Take a Nature Walk with a Guide
Love nature but not sure what you’re looking at? Join a naturalist-led nature walk to uncover the hidden stories of plants, animals, and ecosystems along the trails.
18. Find Unique Eco-Friendly Gifts at the Local Eco Boutique
Shopping with a purpose! The Eco Boutique is packed with sustainable, locally made products, from reusable goods to handmade jewelry. It’s a great place to find gifts that give back to the planet.
19. Let the Kids Cool Off in the Pond
Kids + water = guaranteed fun. Pond play lets little explorers get hands-on with nets, water critters, and the thrill of outdoor discovery. (Bonus: it’s a great way to beat the heat!)
20. Visit the Atala Meditation Garden
Butterflies everywhere! The Atala Butterfly Garden is a sanctuary for one of Florida’s rarest butterflies, the Atala. Stroll through and watch these brilliant blue-and-black beauties flutter around.
