South of Sebastian, Vero Beach is citrus country. At the Indian River Citrus Museum (2140 14th Ave.; 772-770-2263) the story of citrus in Florida, beginning with the Spanish introduction of oranges, comes alive. One block away in the 1903 train station is the Railroad Museum (2336 14th Ave.; 772-778-3435), which has exhibits on the early history of Indian River County.

Fort Pierce was originally the location of a Seminole War fort. At the turn of the century it called itself the "Pineapple Capital of the World." Its fascinating history is presented in the St. Lucie County Historical Museum (414 Seaway Dr.; 772-462-1795). The restored 1907 Gardner home provides a glimpse of life along the Indian River in the early 1900s.

The UDT-Seal Museum (3300 N. A1A, Ft. Pierce; 772-595-5845) is located on the site where World War II Navy frogmen trained. This museum displays diving gear, weapons, uniforms, photographs and artifacts from every military conflict since World War II.

Even more unique is the Urca de Lima Underwater Archaeological Preserve (Ft. Pierce). Discover the wreckage of a Spanish treasure ship for yourself. Divers in the waters off Ft. Pierce can see the remains of the Urca de Lima, which sank in 1715. To find the shipwreck, follow A1A north from the Ft. Pierce Inlet to Pepper Park and walk northward along the beach about 1,000 yards from the park boundary. The wreck is about 200 yards from shore on the first offshore reef, in about 10 to 15 feet of water. Local dive shops can provide a laminated underwater map to this archaeological preserve.

The Maritime and Yachting Museum in Jensen Beach (3006 NW Federal Hwy; 772-692- 1234) displays boats, maritime artifacts and instruments with exhibits on the history of boating and sailing in the area.

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