GETTING AROUND TOWN
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Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the main airport hub for the region over the Howard Frankland Bridge in Hillsborough County. All major airline carriers fly in and out of this growing regional hub.
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St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is physically closer to Indian Rocks Beach in Pinellas County, but offers a select range of flights, mostly by discount airline Allegiant Air. That said, it’s a small and quick airport to navigate.
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Indian Shores is accessible by car from all major metro areas in Tampa Bay. It is about 10 minutes south of Clearwater Beach, and 30 minutes north of St. Pete Beach.
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Two popular entry points are bridges: Walsingham Bridge located at the end of State Road 686 to the north. That connects to State Road 699, the main drag on the islands known locally as Gulf Boulevard. The Park Boulevard Bridge, meanwhile, is the end of State Road 694, and connects to the center of Indian Shores.
You’ll likely need a rental car to get around if you plan on exploring. If you’re sticking close to the area you have some options, as parts of town are easily walkable or bikeable.
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There’s a walkway and a bike path along Gulf Boulevard.
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The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority operates its Suncoast Beach Trolley service along the length of Gulf Boulevard, with stops clearly marked.
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BEACH SCENE
Similar to other beach towns in the Sunshine State, there’s a good share of condominiums along Gulf Boulevard, but you won’t see the mega resorts or high-rise hotel towers. The island may be narrow here, but the beach is relatively wide, peaceful and without the shadows those bigger developments bring.
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On most days, the Gulf of Mexico is calm in comparison to the beaches on the Atlantic side of the state, so paddleboarding and kayaking are popular.
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There is a series of iconic restaurants and a few strip malls, but development is tamer than you may expect. The beach near the county operated Tiki Gardens and boat ramp parking lots can get crowded.
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Indian Shores is renowned for its wildlife, birds and active waters. A beachgoer should be on the lookout for herons, ibis, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, dolphin and manatees.
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THINGS TO DO
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SEASIDE SEABIRD SANCTUARY
Formerly the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary and now under new management, this refuge for injured birds has been well known throughout Tampa Bay since the early 1970s. The avian rehabilitation center allows the public to walk through the outdoor location to view healing shorebirds. There’s a shaded path out to the beach, which is smack dab on the border with Redington Shores to the south.
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SMUGGLERS COVE ADVENTURE GOLF
A nod towards yesteryear and 1970s-style roadside attractions. Kids of all ages are invited to come out and play 18 holes of old-fashioned goony golf. You’ll travel through caves, under waterfalls and onto a pirate ship. All the while, alligators will be giving you the once-over. Open until 11 p.m. daily, so the tykes can stay out late.
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TOWN SQUARE NATURE PARK
Across the street from the Park Boulevard Boat Ramp, this park boasts a boardwalk through some mangroves, restrooms and picnic facilities. It’s a popular spot for neighborhood folks winding their way to and from the beach access point across Gulf Boulevard.
WATERSPORTS AND FITNESS
PARK BOULEVARD BOAT RAMP
This is an easy access point to launch watercraft both big and small into the Intracoastal. There’s a public park with parking meters.
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ISLAND MARINE RENTALS
If visitors arrive without a boat, kayak or SUP, they can rent watercraft from the Kirkman family. They’ve owned this business renting SUPs, kayaks and bikes for 14 years.
If you go a few towns south, there are areas to rent personal watercraft in Johns Pass and other locations down the beach.
DINING OUT
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SALT ROCK GRILL
Known for its steaks and clever, tasty seafood recipes, the Salt Rock has patio dining with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s been considered one of the fancier options around these parts for years.
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MAHUFFER’S
A landmark bar opened by John Susor, who aimed to bring a little bit of Key West’s Duval Street to Pinellas County. The Ernest Hemingway lookalike kept zany notes and decor on the walls, dogs and cats near the bar and bras and panties hanging from the walls. Susor died in 2008, but his daughter Lynn Rogacki still operates the bar. You can eat before you go, or order from the stack of to-go menus from nearby restaurants that sit on the main bar. There’s live music on Sunday outside at the tiki bar section. A lot across 192nd Avenue allows overnight parking if you need it.
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CADDY’S PUB
There’s nothing better on a Sunday morning than to sit and eat on Caddy’s lengthy deck or at a window seat, watching boats motor down the Intracoastal. This local institution (there’s another on Treasure Island) also serves as a great sports bar with more than a dozen televisions inside and out. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, but breakfast is a weekend-only affair.
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INDIAN SHORES COFFEE CO.
Visit for coffee, a light meal, music and patio dining. They open early at 7 a.m. so you can get your joe to go, and close at 6 p.m.
SHOPPING
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INDIAN SHORES TRADING CO.
There are a limited number of shops on this barrier island, so this shop is a lifesaver. It has everything a beachgoer may have forgotten or would like to take back home — t-shirts, flip-flops, bathing suits, beach toys and sunscreen. It’s open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
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NEKTON SURF SHOP
Although it is not in Indian Shores officially, a worthwhile store to visit on vacation is Nekton, a surf shop founded by Indian Rocks Beach’s first family of surfing, the Lopez clan. Brothers Corey and Shea have spent years surfing on a global scale; Corey ranked No. 3 in the world in 2001 and Shea ranked No. 11 in both 2000 and 2002. Along with their surfboards and gear, this place is all about the latest in surf fashion. You can also rent all manner of human-powered watercraft and bicycles.
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If you don't find what you like here, there are shops all the way down Gulf Boulevard. John's Pass in Treasure Island is also a great place to stop, with lots of options for shopping.
