Nestled along the sparkling Atlantic coastline, Riomar stands as one of Vero Beach’s oldest and most beloved neighborhoods. Its winding oak-lined lanes, stately homes, and storied golf club have earned it a reputation as the heart of the barrier island. Whether you’re a local or a curious visitor, the history and heritage of Riomar offer a fascinating glimpse into the soul of Vero Beach.
Origins: From Untamed Coast to Flourishing Village
At the turn of the 20th century, much of what is now Vero Beach’s barrier island was a wild tangle of palmetto and oak, with only a handful of pioneers daring to call it home. That began to change in the 1910s, as Florida’s land boom drew visionaries southward. Among the most notable was Waldo Sexton, a legendary figure whose love for the land helped shape Riomar’s character.
In 1919, a group of forward-thinking investors purchased acres of oceanfront property along what is now A1A. Their dream? To create a picturesque seaside neighborhood—complete with a golf course and elegant homes—that would attract residents from across the nation. They named their creation “Riomar,” a fusion of the Spanish words for "river" (río) and "sea" (mar), perfectly capturing its location between the Indian River lagoon and the vast Atlantic.
Founding Footsteps: The Birth of a Community
The Riomar Company, led by C.W. McNabb and Dr. R.W. LaPointe, began laying out streets and parcels in the early 1920s. Riomar Drive, a wide, gracefully curving avenue, became the community’s central spine, soon dotted with charming Mediterranean and Spanish-styled cottages.
At the neighborhood’s heart stands the Riomar Country Club, established in 1920. Its lush golf course quickly became a hub of island life, as residents gathered for friendly games and cocktails under the swaying palms—many of which were planted by Sexton himself. A walk down Club Drive today invokes nostalgia for an era of horsedrawn carriages and roaring twenties glamour.
Key Milestones: Growth and Preservation
Over the decades, Riomar weathered the ups and downs of Florida’s history, from the collapse of the 1920s land boom to hurricanes and economic change. Yet, its spirit endured. Some of the most significant milestones in Riomar’s past include:
- 1921: The Riomar Inn opens, welcoming northern visitors drawn to Florida’s balmy winters and ocean breezes.
- 1924: Construction of the Riomar Country Club’s original clubhouse, a landmark of Spanish Revival architecture.
- 1940s-50s: Substantial growth, as post-war prosperity fueled a new wave of homebuilding. Many mid-century residences can still be glimpsed along Polo Grounds Drive and Painted Bunting Lane.
- 1994: Riomar is designated a historic district by the Indian River County Historical Society, recognizing its unique contributions to local heritage.
Landmarks and Architectural Gems
Riomar is renowned for its architecture, blending old-world charm with tropical whimsy. Some standout sites and buildings include:
- The Riomar Country Club: Set at 2106 Club Drive, it remains a gathering place for residents, known for its classic fairways and iconic white stucco.
- The Sexton House: Built in 1925 by Waldo Sexton, this home at 500 Riomar Drive showcases the eclectic “Old Florida” style, with eclectic found objects and vibrant gardens.
- Old Riomar Cottages: Wander along Date Palm Road or Banyan Road to spot beautifully preserved early-20th-century cottages, many draped in bougainvillea.
Bordered by the Indian River Lagoon to the west and shimmering Atlantic beaches to the east—including the tranquil Riomar Beach Access at 4100 Ocean Drive—residents enjoy both sunrise strolls and peaceful river kayaking.
Evolving with the Times
While Riomar treasures its heritage, it has also grown and changed gracefully. Over the past few decades, renovations and careful redevelopment have ensured that new homes fit seamlessly alongside their historic neighbors. The Riomar Civic Association, founded by locals in the mid-20th century, continues to protect the community’s character and promote neighborhood gatherings.
Institutions like Saint Edward’s School, just south of Riomar on A1A, draw new families, while Riverside Park—home to the Vero Beach Museum of Art and Riverside Theatre—provides cultural and recreational delights for all ages. These anchors, along with the barrier island’s renowned restaurants and boutiques along nearby Beachland Boulevard, make Riomar a vibrant hub year-round.
Why Riomar Remains Special
Ask any longtime Vero Beach resident what makes Riomar special, and you’ll hear stories of neighborly get-togethers beneath ancient oaks, children biking down peaceful lanes, and sunset picnics along the riverfront parks. There’s an abiding sense of tradition here, passed down through generations and celebrated in community events—from holiday boat parades on the Indian River to perennial golf tournaments.
Riomar’s beauty isn’t just in its picturesque streets and palm-fringed homes. It’s found in the commitment of its people to preserving the old, welcoming the new, and sharing the simple joys of life by the sea. Whether pausing at the corner of Ocean Drive and Riomar Drive to watch the waves, or meandering beneath the tabebuia trees in springtime bloom, you’ll catch echoes of a storied past and the warm embrace of a proud, enduring neighborhood.
Plan Your Own Discovery
If you’re visiting Vero Beach or considering a stroll through local history, make time for Riomar. Start at the public access to Riomar Beach, then wander west along Riomar Drive. Marvel at the architecture, the tranquil beauty of the Indian River, and the timeless charm that has made Riomar a cherished piece of the Treasure Coast for over a hundred years.
For those lucky enough to call it home—or simply return season after season—Riomar isn’t just a neighborhood. It’s a living story, one that continues to shape Vero Beach’s identity for generations to come.