The Historic Driftwood Resort

3150 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963, Florida Ridge, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.5 / 5

Overview

The Historic Driftwood Resort is a rustic, oceanfront complex in Vero Beach, Florida, constructed largely from driftwood in the late 1930s. Its 3-star, boutique character sets it apart from modern high-rise resorts, with historic artifacts displayed throughout the property and private boardwalk access leading directly to the beach. The building's age and character are a defining feature -- guests describe it as an old but well-maintained and clean seaside retreat rather than a conventional resort.

Rooms & Suites

Accommodations span simple rooms, suites, cottages, and villas, each equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, and either a kitchenette or full kitchen. Many units include a refrigerator and in-room dining table, and some feature separate living areas with pull-out sofas, ocean views, whirlpool tubs, or private balconies. Cooling in some rooms is provided by wall-unit air conditioners, which a few guests have noted can be audible at night.

Dining & Amenities

On-site amenities include a themed restaurant and bar overlooking the water, popular with guests for evening drinks and casual dining. The resort also offers two outdoor pools, a sundeck, and picnic areas, all reported by guests to be well-kept and spotless. Complimentary parking is available for all guests.

Location & Surroundings

The resort sits directly on the ocean with Humiston Beach Park just 159m away and Sexton Plaza Beach only 210m away, making it an easy walk to the sand. The Vero Beach Museum of Art (1.2km) and Riverside Park (1.1km) are close by, while McKee Botanical Garden (5.6km) and the Indian River Citrus Museum (4.5km) offer nearby cultural outings. Guests can also reach South Beach Park, Jaycee Park, and the Vero Beach Art Club within a few kilometers, with Walking Tree Brewery about 6.3km away for those wanting to venture a bit further.

Best for

This resort is best suited to travelers who value historic character, oceanfront charm, and a laid-back beach atmosphere over modern high-rise amenities -- the private boardwalk beach access, two pools, and themed waterside restaurant appeal especially to couples and small groups seeking a relaxed coastal getaway. It also suits guests interested in local arts and history, given the proximity of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, McKee Botanical Garden, and Indian River Citrus Museum.

Travel tips

Bring earplugs or a white-noise option if you're sensitive to sound, as some rooms rely on wall-unit air conditioners that guests have noted can be noisy. Since the resort is walkable to Humiston Beach Park and Sexton Plaza Beach, pack light for beach days and plan to explore surrounding attractions like Riverside Park and the Vero Beach Museum of Art on foot or a short drive. Guests interested in snorkeling or surf fishing near the property's shipwreck site should check conditions and gear rentals locally in advance.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the resort's location right on the beach, along with its food, atmosphere, and attentive service. Many highlight the practicality of rooms with refrigerators and in-room dining tables, and enjoy relaxing waterside with drinks from the on-site bar. Cleanliness and upkeep are repeatedly mentioned as strong points, with the pools and common areas described as spotless despite the property's age. The main recurring criticism is that the in-room wall-unit air conditioning can be loud, though some guests mitigate this with earplugs.

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