12 Best Things To Do In And Around Indian Rocks Beach, Florida - Updated 2024

things to do in indian rocks beach florida
Venkateshwar
Venkateshwar 
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Located on the gorgeous Gulf Coast of Florida, Indian Rocks Beach offers nearly three miles (4.8 kilometers) of beautiful and accessible beaches, with 27 beach access points along Gulf Boulevard. The gorgeous Gulf of Mexico sunsets, pristine shorelines, white stretches of sand, calm clear waters and fewer crowds make Indian Rocks Beach a favorite destination for tourists. The dune-lined stretch, dotted with small motels, Vrbos as well as other comfy vacation rentals provides a family-friendly atmosphere to tourists.

The abundance of fish and wildlife, availability of fresh water from the springs, and a favorable climate for agriculture made the area attractive to early settlers in the region. Here, you can immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the beaches, and in addition to setting up camp on the beach. If you are planning to visit Indian Rocks Beach, don’t miss out on these top attractions and other best things to do in and around Indian Rocks Beach, Florida.

1. Beach Art Center

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

Bring out your creative side by signing up for a workshop or class at the Beach Art Center. Activities at Indian Rocks Beach doesn’t just involve partying, although the classes certainly have a festive mood to them as well. The Beach Art Center offers a wide variety of options for activities. Children can try all sorts of season-themed arts & crafts sessions, such as for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas. Grown-ups can learn painting, mixed media, and even pottery.

For vacationers who want to bring their memories back home, the Art on the Rocks classes will let you do so. There are also limited classes with more involved styles and subjects, such as for watercolors, acrylics, and even playing a ukelele.

Beach Art Center

Address: 1515 Bay Palm Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, United States

Website: Beach Art Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: from 35 USD for weekly class

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2. Yoga on the Beach

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

Ever thought of trying yoga but couldn’t find the time to back home? Make it part of the things you want to do while at Indian Rocks Beach. Classes are at night, every sunset, and perfect for unwinding after a hectic day. The instructors will teach you Hatha Yoga, which focuses on postures and physical exercises. With it, you will be able to exercise your muscles and bones, as well as improve your skin and also help with your breathing.

Yoga on the Beach

Address: 22nd Ave N, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, USA

Website: Yoga on the Beach

Opening hours: Tue and Thu: 5pm - 7:15pm (Mar 12 – Nov 5, 2023); Tue and Thu: 5pm - 6:15pm (Nov 6, 2023 – Mar 10, 2024)

Price: 10 USD

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3. Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve


With pristine white sand and loads of shells, this is a beautiful quiet beach and a fantastic place to watch an amazing sunset, over the sea. It’s also one of the best free things to do in Indian Rocks Beach. The beach is well maintained, and you can see several bird species and dolphins. There are chair rentals, restrooms, and a place to shower off, before getting back in your car.

It’s a great beach to walk on in the early morning and enjoy the beautiful sunrise, amidst the cool, calm atmosphere. It’s also a great place to take the kids, for a visit with nature.

Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve

Address: 900 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, USA

Website: Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preservee

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4. Indian Rocks Historical Museum

FL Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 4.0

An old house with rooms furnished as they would have been at the time of building and a 50s style kitchen, this small museum is well organized and attractive. The exhibits containing lots of antiques and old pictures of the area are quite informative and throw light on the history of the area and the orange growing areas.

The museum narrates the changes in IRB, from beginning to present time, including the presence of the Native Americans, changes in residents, fishing and how families have survived here, over the years. It has a nice variety of American history, from WWI to Vietnam and some fantastic photos depicting life in the 40’s and 50’s.

The spirit of the people in this small city, who take extra efforts to preserve its heritage, is laudable.

Indian Rocks Historical Museum

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

Website: Indian Rocks Historical Museum

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5. Kolb Park

Indian Rocks Beach, Florida - Kolb Park Sign
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jackdude101 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kolb Park is a nice park, with two shaded playgrounds, a tennis and handball court, along with swings, a merry go round, and picnic areas, located next to the library and community art center. The park is clean, safe and a nice alternative to the beach, with good ice cream and candy shops around the corner. This place is also the location of many local festivals and is an asset to the whole community.

Kolb Park

Address: 1508 Bay Palm Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, USA

Website: Kolb Park

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6. Splash Harbour Water Park

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

Posted by Splash Harbour Water Park on Friday, April 27, 2018

Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, this water park offers a nice break from the sun and sand of the beach. It’s a nice little waterpark, with a lazy river, a few slides, a small pool and swimming areas for both age groups, and a children’s play area. It’s not a large park, but there are enough things to keep kids occupied, for several hours.

The park also offers various deals: you can take advantage of Jimmy Guana’s Restaurant’s Wednesday deals, where, for every 25 USD you spend, you get a free pass for the water park. If you stay in in the attached condos you also get free passes. With a snack bar and restaurant, it’s a good place for a fun family day.

Splash Harbour Water Park

Address: 399 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, USA

Website: Splash Harbour Water Park

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7. Contagious Fishing Charters

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

Hoist the Sails! #letsgo #flfishing #indianrocksbeachflorida

Posted by Contagious Deep Sea & Sport Fishing Charters on Monday, April 5, 2021

The short trip and day long charters of Contagious Fishing Charters, are fun filled, with an abundance of fish caught by the end of the trip. In the case of bottom fishing, you may catch red grouper, triggerfish, gray snapper, red snapper, lizard fish, toadfish, and other ocean dwelling species. The sight of dolphins on the way in and out, coupled with the bonhomie generated by the Captain and his staff, make for a pleasant experience.

At the end of the trip, the Captain cleans the fish for you and often, the price of the caught fish is worth more than the cost of the trip.

Contagious Fishing Charters

Address: 401 2nd St, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, USA

Website: Contagious Fishing Charters

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8. Guppy's on the Beach Grill & Bar

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


Guppy’s is a higher end restaurant with very delicious food. You have to come and eat at Guppy’s if you are in the Clearwater area - the food is amazing. The lobster appetizer and shrimp sauté, Kona dusted sea scallops, lobster bisque, filet and more - the mouth-watering flavors are the best you have ever tried.

The drinks are very flavorful, with good variety, for those who like to complement their meal with a glass. Don’t forget to leave some room for dessert and try the upside down apple pie with cinnamon ice cream or the flourless chocolate torte and caramel sea salt cheesecake, it’s to die for. The cooks take pride in their work and the food is meticulously prepared and seasoned.

Try to sit outside and enjoy the sea breeze, as the inside can be a little overcrowded and boisterous when it gets busy. They have a reasonable early bird menu (order by 5:15).

Guppy's on the Beach Grill & Bar

Address: 1609 Gulf Blvd. Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785

Website: Guppy’s on the Beach Grill & Bar

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9. IRB Boat Rentals

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

SUMMER IS HERE! You can experience a perfect day out on the water on anyone of our boats, including “Jax” our 22’ Robalo Dual console. Call now to book your day out on the water!

Posted by IRB Boat Rentals on Monday, June 8, 2020

IRB Boat Rentals is quite professional - James is very knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. His boats are meticulously prepared to ensure you are fully prepared, with all the operational and safety features, navigation and charts. The travelers are given a very thorough run down of the navigation system, prior to departure, and pre-prepared charts make navigation of the popular spots very simple. His charts are customized to the area and the boats are exceptionally outfitted with VHF radio, flares, life preservers, and everything needed for safe boating.

James will make your boating day a joy, his preparation with each customer, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, is appreciable. You will see dolphins and beautiful scenery along the way and the price is fair and reasonable.

IRB Boat Rentals

Address: 401 2nd Street, Slip 10, Indian Rocks Beach, USA

Website: IRB Boat Rentals

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10. Slyce Pizza Bar

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


Is pizza your comfort food? Have a heavenly slice of stone-baked artisan pizza at Slyce Pizza Bar. With a relaxed and comfortable environment, you will definitely have a fun time here. Be sure to try The Slyce Special, which is topped with green olives, pepperoni, and heaps of mozzarella. Besides their pizza, they also offer great appetizers and salads that will surely make your tastebuds happy. Does beer with pizza sound good to you? Try different local craft ales to really complete the experience.

Slyce Pizza Bar

Address: 311 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, United States

Website: Slyce Pizza Bar

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

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11. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (from USD 35.95)

things to do in indian rocks beach florida | clearwater marine aquarium

Focused on marine life, the aquarium is, in fact, a marine educational center that rescues and displays a variety of marine animals. Real-life star of the “Dolphin Tale” movie, a tail-less dolphin named “Winter” is here and you can watch the aquarium staff feed and take care of sharks, dolphins, sea turtles stingrays, and otters.

Through underwater viewing areas, see the animals, attend the daily shows and take a round of the aquarium’s hospital. The aquarium also offers 90-minute safari boat tours, that take you on the Intracoastal Waterway, to a shell island.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA

Website: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Clearwater: Eco-Certified Marine Aquarium General Admission

88 reviews

12. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

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

If you are an animal lover, you will definitely want to see the different types at birds Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, in Florida. This attraction in Indian Rocks Beach houses birds that have been rescued or treated for injuries, though their main goal is to nurse the birds back to health so that they can return to their natural habitats.

They also have a store that sells merchandise, so go ahead and show your support to the organization’s mission by purchasing a souvenir or two. If you are passionate about the well-being of birds, then you should witness how Seaside Seabird Sanctuary helps make sure these magnificent creatures are rehabilitated. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Address: 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785, United States

Website: Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

Price: Free

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Gorgeous Gulf Coast of Florida

Indian Rocks Beach - Gulf of Mexico Sunset (6)
Source: Photo by user Jared used under CC BY 2.0

The pristine beauty of the beaches, museums, the aquarium, fish charters and great seafood at Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, will enthrall you with its mesmerizing beauty. Here, you can immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the beaches and have a good time with friends and family.

Stay a while and spend the winter away from the cold and under the Florida sun by booking a cozy monthly rental. If you’re here with friends or family, enjoy the sand and surf at a lovely beachfront hotel.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in and around Indian Rocks Beach


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Journalist and a freelance writer based in India, traveling for K.Venkateshwar.Rao means exploring the world in search of arts and culture, interesting people, great food, and hidden gems. He has...Read more

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