Indian River Shores
Indian River Shores, FL
Indian River Shores is a small, affluent town on Orchid Island between Vero Beach and Wabasso Beach, its beaches genuinely welcoming to leashed dogs in a county where most other towns restrict them. Turtle Trail Beach Access, with a boardwalk and parking for about 20 cars, is the main public entry point into an otherwise mostly private stretch of shoreline.
The genuinely dog-friendly policy is a real standout in a county where most beaches restrict pets, though the mostly private shoreline means only one real public access point to know.
How we score beachesApply for the off-leash permit ahead of time if letting your dog run free is the goal, it costs 50 dollars to start and allows off-leash hours early morning and evening. Turtle Trail is the spot to know by name, most of the rest of the town's beachfront belongs to private homes and condos.
Turtle Trail Beach Access has paved parking for about 20 vehicles. The town's small size means limited public access points overall.
Turtle Trail has a boardwalk from the parking area to the beach, flat and easy going.
Leashed dogs are welcome on Indian River Shores beaches within town limits; an off-leash permit is available for early morning and evening hours for 50 dollars to start.
Spring and fall bring the mildest weather for this quiet stretch of the Treasure Coast. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, are the main things to plan around.
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