Attractions for Guests of Indian Rocks Beach Vacation Rentals

Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores vacation rentals are situated on a barrier island on Florida's Central Gulf Coast, just south of Clearwater. Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach vacations offer fun in the sun for all ages. This area features miles of wide, sandy beaches that are ideal for basking in the warm Florida sunshine, swimming, beachcombing, volleyball, snorkeling, surfing, boating, and fishing.

Visitors renting an Indian Rocks Beach or Indian Shores vacation rental can enjoy the slower pace of these small towns and still be just a short drive away from the many attractions of Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, including scenic golf courses, museums and cultural attractions, fabulous shopping, and a wide variety of restaurants. A beach trolley transports visitors to points of interest all the way from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach.

Indian Rocks Beach, resting between Belleair Beach and Indian Shores, is bounded on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and on the east by the Intracoastal Waterway. Largo is located to the east, across the Walsingham Bridge. Vacationers staying in an Indian Rocks Beach vacation rental will find several beach access points along Gulf Boulevard.

Local attractions for guests of Indian Rocks Beach rentals include the arts and crafts festivals held in April and November each year and the Beach Art Center (1515 Bay Palm Blvd., 727-596-4331), which showcases the work of local artists and offers classes and workshops. The Beach Arts Center Gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Saturday; closed on Sundays and during the entire month of August.

The Indian Rocks Area Historical Society (727-593-3861), housed in a historic 1930's beach cottage at 203 Fourth Avenue, portrays the history of the area through photos, exhibits, and artifacts. The collection includes weapons, attire, a doll collection, and handicrafts of the area's native inhabitants. Hours are usually 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with free admission.

Indian Shores is home to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (18328 Gulf Blvd., 727-391-6211), one of the largest non-profit wild bird hospital in America. The sanctuary shelters as many as 500 injured, recuperating, and permanently crippled birds, including pelicans, herons, cormorants, and other local seabirds. The Sanctuary is open daily and admission is free.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (249 Windward Passage in Clearwater, 727-441-1790) is a non-profit facility dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine animals. Guests of Indian Rocks Beach FL rentals can learn about bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, river otters, sting rays, local fish, and coral reefs. The aquarium is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults and $6.50 for children ages 3-12.

In nearby St. Petersburg, travelers staying in holiday villas in Indian Shores will find numerous attractions, including the Salvador Dali Museum (1000 3rd St. South, 800-442-3254), housing one of the world's finest collections of artwork by the late Spanish surrealist, and the famous Sunken Gardens (1825 4th St. North, (727-551-3100), home to a fabulous collection of beautiful tropical plants. The Florida Holocaust Museum (55 5th St. South, 727-820-0100) honors the memory of the millions of innocent people who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The Museum of Fine Arts (255 Beach Dr. N.E., 727-896-2667) boasts an extensive collection of artworks from antiquity to the present.

Just 45 minutes to the east of Indian Shores rentals, Tampa also offers a range of attractions, including Adventure Island (4500 Bougainvillea Ave., 813-987-5600), a fun-filled 30-acre water park. World famous Busch Gardens (888-800-5447) is an African-themed park featuring an exciting zoo with 2,700 animals, thrilling rides, live shows, restaurants, shopping, and games. Busch Gardens is located on the corner of Busch Boulevard and 40th Street, about eight miles northeast of downtown Tampa. Hours vary seasonally. Tickets are $61.95 for adults and $51.95 for children ages 3-9.

Other Indian Rocks Beach activities include walking, jogging, skating, or cycling along the Pinellas Trail, a paved trail which stretches 34 miles from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. Bike racks, bike shops, and refreshments are available along the way.

With so many things to do in Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach FL, you're sure to have a fabulous vacation on Florida's sunny Gulf Coast. Reserve your Indian Rocks Beach lodging today!