In this blog, I introduce you to a peaceful, hidden gem on the Gulf of Mexico, Florida – ‘Indian Shores’. Learn all about this laid back beach town and discover the best things to do in Indian Shores and the surrounding area.
Contents
- About Indian Shores
- Where we stayed
- How to get around Indian Shores
- Indian Shores things to do
- Restaurants in Indian Shores
- Our overall thoughts
- Useful Links
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About Indian Shores
If you are looking for a relaxing beach stay in Florida then Indian Shores is the ideal location. Situated between St Pete’s and Clearwater, Indian Shores benefits from its peaceful surroundings, good restaurants and is close to major attractions – just a short drive or bus ride away.
Indian Shores and Indian Rocks are very close to each other. The name comes from a legend about a native Indian chief, who after contracting a terrible illness, visited a healing spring on the coast there. Later, early settlers to the area observed Indians paying pilgrimage to the rocks, and hence it was named ‘Indian Rocks’.
Indian Shores and Indian Rocks are connected by Gulf Boulevard. The communities here are located on barrier islands, which means you have a water front on one side and a long stretch of beach and coast on the other.
Where We Stayed
We found a wonderful condo in an apartment complex called Sea Club Condos, which has a score of 9.8 in Booking.com. We absolutely loved the condo. It has 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a huge open plan kitchen/diner lounge and a balcony with a view of the water way.
The swimming pool is directly outside the front door and the beach is a 2 minute walk. It is well appointed – a home from home, with bath towels, toiletries and condiments and even nice touches like beach chairs, umbrellas, pool floats and beach towels.
The nature surrounding is so peaceful and we saw rabbits, racoons and dolphins. I can’t say enough complimentary things about this place and I would definitely book it again.
👉 See availability for Sea Club Condo
How to Get Around Indian Shores
If you want a break from driving, a handy trolley bus regularly goes from Clearwater to St Pete’s, stopping at all the places along Gulf Boulevard. The Suncoast Beach Trolley costs a couple of dollars and runs from early morning to late at night.
Indian Shores Things to Do
There are loads of things to do in Indian Shores and the surrounding areas. Rent a boat or paddle board from Island Marine Rentals, visit the Indian Shores Bird Sanctuary or have a round of crazy golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.
St Pete’s beach has some lively attractions such as John’s Pass Boardwalk and St Pete’s city has the Salvador Dali Museum. Clearwater is home to the famous CMA Aquarium and Pier 60. Indian Rocks is only a few minutes away and has a water park and many restaurants too.
We only had 5 days here and wanted to relax so these are the activities we chose.
Indian Shores Beach
Indian Shores and Rocks beach stretches for a couple of miles. It is a natural beach, which is used by sea turtles to lay their eggs. If you are lucky you might get to see them hatch. Unfortunately for us, they hatched the week after we had left. However, we did get to see lots of sea birds like pelicans, herons and egrets. Bars and restaurants are located on the Boulevard behind the first row of beach properties. A perfect beach to relax, sunbathe, swim in the warm water, collect shells and admire the spectacular sunsets.
Dolphin Spotting Cruise
If you are taking a day to explore around St Pete’s beach, why not book a dolphin spotting cruise from the marina there? We found a tour with Salty Pelican Cruises. They are a laid back friendly 2 person team. They offer private cruises, sunset tours and group cruises. We enjoyed an 1 1/2 hour group cruise and spotted 2 lots of dolphins and a quick glimpse of a manatee.
👉Book a dolphin spotting cruise on Viator
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is famous for its resident dolphins, Hope and previously Winter, who starred in the film Dolphin Tale. CMA’s motto is Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release. They are effectively a hospital for sea life creatures and believe in enabling the preservation of sea life and education of humans about the sea. You will see them patrolling the beaches along Indian Shores. Your visit contributes to the very important work they do and you get to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, otters, sting rays, sharks, pelicans and more.
👉 Book tickets with Get Your Guide for CMA Aquarium
Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach is close to St John’s Pass and Boardwalk. The beach is beautiful and the water is often visited by passing dolphins. We enjoyed a lunch overlooking the beach at Dockside Dave’s before our dolphin cruise.
Indian Rocks
Indian Rocks is only a few minutes from Indian Shores. Here you will find Splash Harbour Water Park, Botanical Gardens and a number of restaurants. We caught the trolley bus and ate at Crabby Bill’s. Crabby Bill’s is a seafood restaurant and has an outdoor bar area and live music.
Busch Gardens
For fans of white knuckle rides, Busch Gardens has some of the best, state of the art roller coasters in Florida. Busch Gardens is near Tampa and takes about an hour to drive there.
👉Book tickets with Get Your Guide for Busch Gardens
Restaurants in Indian Shores
There are a few restaurants and bars to choose from at Indian Shores and it is easy to catch the trolley bus if you fancy venturing further. The following are within walking distance of Sea Club Condos.
Salt Rock and Grill
Salt Rock and Grill is a fine dining experience frequented by Hulk Hogan the retired WWE superstar. It overlooks the intercoastal waterway and while we were dining, we saw a dolphin passing by. The restaurant is know for its fabulous sea food, fantastic service and amazing wine cellar. www.saltrockgrill.com
Caddy’s Indian Shores
A fun dining experience only a 2 minute walk from Sea Condos. Caddy’s has the option of outdoor dining over looking the water. There is great choice of food and cocktails and live music in the evenings. www.caddys.com
Aloha To Go
Aloha specialises in authentic Hawaiian cuisine. It offers inhouse dining or takeaway service. www.alohatogo.com
Indian Shores Coffee Company
This fab little coffee place served the best coffee that I had in the whole time we were in Florida. You can enjoy delectable muffins and croissants, smoothies and iced coffees too.
Our Overall Thoughts
We were very lucky to find this laid back coastal town in Florida. The locals we met told us that Indian Shores is a special place and very precious to the people who know it well. If you are looking for a place to unwind and relax after a hectic Orlando experience or simply a wonderful, quiet beach stay in Florida, we would highly recommend you come here and explore this stretch of the Gulf of Mexico.
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