12 Best Things To Do In Indian Shores, Florida - Updated 2024

1. Indian Rocks Historical Museum

Indian Rocks Historical Museum is a captivating institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the local community. Inside, visitors can explore a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that highlight the heritage, culture, and evolution of this beachside community. The museum’s displays cover a wide range of topics, from the indigenous people who once inhabited the region to the early settlers and the development of Indian Rocks Beach as a tourist destination.

Visitors can expect to find informative exhibits on local flora and fauna, as well as displays showcasing the historical significance of the Intracoastal Waterway and barrier islands in the area. With its commitment to preserving the past and educating the present, Indian Rocks Historical Museum serves as a valuable resource for both residents and tourists eager to connect with the area’s unique history.

Indian Rocks Historical Museum

Address: 203 4th Ave N, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, United States

Website: Indian Rocks Historical Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun - Tue)

2. Guppy's on the Beach

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Guppy’s On the Beach is one of the best places to eat near Indian Shores, Florida. If you’re a seafood enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to savor a Florida lobster tail or a Gulf grouper piccata For those seeking a taste of the islands, the Bermuda fish chowder is a flavorful and exotic option.

Guppy’s also caters to meat lovers. Their New York strip steak and beef shortribs are prepared to perfection, ensuring that even non-seafood lovers can indulge in a satisfying meal.

Make sure you save room for dessert, as Guppy’s offers an array of sweet temptations. The key lime pie is a zesty and refreshing choice, perfect for the Florida climate. For a unique twist on traditional cheesecake, try the fried banana cheesecake. And for a taste of homey goodness, the apple walnut upside-down pie is a comforting and indulgent way to end your meal.

Guppy's on the Beach

Address: 1701 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, United States

Website: Guppy’s on the Beach

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm

3. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The spectacle of the wild birds perched in the trees is amazing. The injured birds are fortunate to have the sanctuary available to them.

The hospital has many birds and beautiful owls; the only negative point is the smell. The smell is overwhelming at first, but as you get closer to the beach, it airs out. It is fun to watch pelicans feeding at 2:30 pm. The staff are friendly and they educate visitors about all the birds. It is a lovely place for anyone to learn about aviary life.

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Address: 8328 Gulf Blvd, 33785 Indian Shores, FL

Website: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

4. FishTaxi Charters

Taking a FishTaxi Charters boat is a fun way to spend the afternoon. You can see plenty of fish, including the Keeper Red Snapper, Keeper Grouper and Mango Snapper. The captain and other staff are very friendly and helpful. They do everything possible to place you in the best position to catch fish.

If you’re new to fishing they give lots of helpful hints to maximize your fish catch. The Fish Taxi boat is very large and safe and has plenty of shade, as well as a perfect spot to hold up to six anglers. From the fishing area, it’s a long ride, since the boat is docked behind Salt Rock Grill and requires a ride down to John’s Pass to get out into the ocean.

FishTaxi Charters

Address: 12795 Kingfish Drive, Treasure Island, FL, United States, Florida

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5. Mahuffer's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of a kind with low ceilings, artifacts and money tacked or pinned everywhere, Manhuffer’s is the place to go if you want cheap drinks and fun-filled local entertainment. This is truly a dive bar and you will never see another like it. It’s filthy, smoky, humid yet glorious. The atmosphere is dark and gloomy, but the people are awesome and enlightening. This no-frills fun place is so original and cool, it’s a must see.

Mahuffer's

Address: 19201 Gulf Blvd, 33785 Indian Shores, FL

Website: Mahuffer’s

6. Sea N Things, LLC

The Sea N Things cruise is an awesome experience, with dolphins swimming all around. You can stop and hunt for shells at a low tide outcropping. The safety-conscious captain is knowledgeable about the waterway and a wonderful host. From the complimentary mimosas to the many dolphin sightings, coupled with the captain’s knowledge of interesting local fun facts, it is a win-win situation for visitors. Passenger safety is first for him, so he ensures that it is not compromised on a windy day.

Sea N Things, LLC

Address: Indian Shores, FL, USA

Website: Sea N Things, LLC

7. Smuggler Cove Adventure Golf

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Smuggler is one of the most challenging mini-golf places, with a number of fun waterfalls, holes, caves and a ship. The course itself is amazing, clean and incredibly fun to play. The holes are twisting and intertwined, so you cannot see where your ball will end up. The course is laid out up hills, through caves and down waterfalls. Courses are kept in great shape and every hole is filled with excitement. Also, kids can feed alligators.

The clubhouse has drinks and snacks available when you check in or out. You can smell the flowers blooming around you and if you get a hole in one on any of the holes, you can roll for a free game at the end. If you are looking for a family outing, Smuggler is a good place.

Smuggler Cove Adventure Golf

Address: Corporate Office, P.O. Box 20055, 34204 Bradenton, FL

Website: Smuggler Cove Adventure Golf

8. Treasure Island

The town’s 5 kilometers (3 miles) of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico offers ample opportunities for sunning, swimming, snorkeling, shelling, parasailing and more, or simply walking the beach and watching a memorable sunset. Named the “world’s longest waterfront bar,” Gators Cafe & Saloon on the island offers a beautiful view of the sunset. From a tasting room to a tiki lounge, this entertainment hub has everything and is accessible by boat. The numerous beach pubs offer great places to relax and the beautifully poised accommodations cater to all price ranges.

Treasure Island

Address: Florida

Website: Treasure Island

9. The Florida Botanical Gardens

The gardens are beautifully designed, plants carefully labeled with avenues to walk in natural areas. The gardens are grouped by type and origin. The rose garden has different types of roses, varying in color and size, as well as beautiful trees. The butterflies here are relaxed, stayed perched on flowers for longer lengths of time and frequently land on visitors. The tropical area has fragrant gardenias, orchids and many fruit trees, including banana, pineapple and orange.

All plants and flowers are marked so you can plan your round. The covered picnic tables are ideal for a picnic lunch. The aromas from the flowers are intoxicating and the garden has many chairs in the shade to sit in and just enjoy the moment. The Heritage Village, a part of the Botanical Garden, further adds to its beauty.

The Florida Botanical Gardens

Address: Florida

Website: The Florida Botanical Gardens

10. BeachBum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Beach Bums is Anna Maria Island’s best rental shop. They provide a large, meticulously maintained rental fleet of paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, surreys, electric golf carts, beach supplies and electric bikes. They even host eco-tours. They assist with all recreational rental and shopping needs and are recognized by Southern Living and The Sun’s Readers’ Choice Award. They offer free delivery and pick up to Anna Maria for any of their recreational equipment.

BeachBum

Address: Florida

Website: BeachBum

11. Splash Harbour Water Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Florida isn’t just about orange crops and hundreds of miles of beaches. Nicknamed the ‘Sunshine State’, it offers other lively and vibrant destinations. One very popular attraction near Indian Shores, Florida is Splash Harbour Water Park located in Indian Rocks Beach. Great for families and for couples who love water activities, the water park features different amenities like the Great White Lazy River, a 600-ft (183-m) lazy river with a waterfall, mist, and spray. It also has two slides called 'The Smuggler’s Run’, a 42-ft (13-m) tall slide that has twists, turns, and an exciting bowl feature, and 'The Pirate’s Plunge’, where a single rider slides down into the cool water. It also has on-site casual dining restaurants and a tiki bar that serves food and drink for everyone.

Splash Harbour Water Park

Address: Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach S-Harbourside, 399 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, United States

Website: Splash Harbour Water Park

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: from 25.95 USD

12. Heritage Village

For a relaxing and educational afternoon stroll, visit Heritage Village, an indoor and outdoor museum in Largo featuring exhibits about local history. It also showcases live reenactments and has a library. Aiming to inspire both tourists and locals to explore Pinellas County’s story, the foundation designed unique programs and exhibits, facilitated research, and took efforts into preserving local history. Heritage Village features a walk-in historical village and a museum with structures and artifacts dating back to the19th century. There is a total of 33 buildings, each of which is unique and has its own story. Guests especially love the House of Seven Gables tour. There is also a general store with a working cash register, church, sponge warehouse, garage with some well-restored Model T vehicles, and an outhouse replica complete with “rules”. Admission is free but they accept donations.

Heritage Village

Address: 11909 125th St, Largo, FL 33774, United States

Website: Heritage Village

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free

Exquisite beach

If you’re unconvinced and still wondering what to do in Indian Shores, Florida, then you should just visit the town and experience it for yourself. This exquisite beach presents an enchanting landscape of white sand and calm waters, populated with shells and sometimes seaweed. The smaller crowd makes it an ideal destination to watch the Florida sunset. If you are planning a family holiday, Indian Shores is the best place for you. The smaller crowd and calm ambiance make it very family-friendly. Be sure to book one of the beachfront rentals or the beach cottages in Indian Shores to ensure a memorable stay.

Should you also decide to venture out further into some of the neighboring towns and cities, you will find plenty of great hotels to stay in Clearwater for your accommodation needs. The city is only about half an hour’s drive away.