15 Best Things to Do in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

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Indian Rocks Beach was one of my go-to spots when I lived in the area, and I still come back when I want a quieter beach day. Some of my favorite things to do in Indian Rocks Beach are as simple as grabbing coffee at Grove and heading straight for the sand. If I’m making a day of it with friends, though, I’m booking the boat with the waterslide.

It’s generally quieter here than at Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, and that’s what keeps me coming back. Between the beach access spots, the local restaurants, and the Intracoastal, you can fill a weekend pretty easily. Here’s what I’d put on the list and where I’d stay.

Fun Things to Do in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

1. Relax at the Beach

A few hours on the sand is usually what brings me back to IRB. The sand is soft and white, the Gulf can get really clear on calm days, and there’s usually more room to spread out than at Clearwater Beach.

I love the little “leave nothing but your footprints” sign at 5th Avenue Beach Access Park. It’s an easy landmark to look for on your way down to the sand.

2. Do a Private Boat Tour With A Boat Day

Of all the things to do in Indian Rocks Beach with friends, a private charter with A Boat Day is my favorite. You can pick a deck boat or a funship with a waterslide. I’d go with the funship.

The boats fit up to 8 guests, depending on which one you book. Captain Marcos was great, and you can spend your time island-hopping, snorkeling, or keeping an eye out for dolphins.

3. Rent a Yacht

For a bigger group, Florida Yacht Life charters Magic Moment, a 75-foot yacht that takes up to 12 guests. Charters run from two to eight hours.

This is the one I’d look at for a birthday or bachelorette when you want the boat to be the main event.

You can add a DJ, bartender, or private chef. Pop, Sip, & Celebrate Planning can also decorate the boat if you’re celebrating.

4. Have a Beach Picnic

We booked a sunset picnic with Picnics Perfected, and I loved having the wine and charcuterie set out for us. It was nice to just show up and sit down in time for sunset.

If you want photos of the group, you can also book a photographer like Aleisa Sigmon.

5. Check Out a Local Coffee Shop

Of the coffee shops in Indian Rocks Beach, Pipo n Betty’s is a convenient stop on your way to the sand. They serve Joffrey’s, a Tampa Bay favorite, along with pastries and smoothies.

Grove Surf Cafe is one of my favorite stops in IRB. I first knew Grove as one of my favorite St. Pete Beach coffee shops, so I was happy when they opened a location here.

I usually go for coffee and a slice of their coffee cake. If you’re there around lunch, get the chicken Caesar wrap. The homemade dressing is what makes it for me.

6. Yoga on the Beach

If you’re up for a slower start to your Saturday, Yoga on the Beach holds an all-levels Hatha yoga class right on the sand at the 22nd Avenue North beach access.

Classes are $10 and run Saturdays at 9 AM year-round. There are also Tuesday and Thursday evening classes at 5 PM in winter and 6 PM in summer. The group gets together for a potluck after class once a month, too. Check the schedule before you go since the evening start time changes with the season.

7. Check Out an Indian Rocks Beach Bar

Crabby Bill’s is where I’d send you for seafood, tropical cocktails, and live music after a day on the beach. It’s casual enough to go straight from the sand.

8. Visit a Local Brewery

Anecdote Brewing Company is a short walk from the beach, so it’s easy to stop in for a flight. The lineup when I went included a Blackberry Gose, a guava gose called Pink Paradox, and a lager called “That Morning Taco.”

I don’t usually order lagers, but I had to try one brewed with lime, cilantro, and smoked ancho peppers. The flavors were more subtle than I expected. Pink Paradox was still my favorite.

9. Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve

The half-mile boardwalk at Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve is one of my favorite things to do in Indian Rocks Beach when I want a break from the sun. It’s near Kooky Coconut and winds through the mangroves to the Intracoastal.

Look for birds and crabs along the boardwalk. If you want a longer walk, the free Florida Botanical Garden in nearby Largo is one of my favorite botanical gardens in Tampa Bay.

10. Splash Harbour Waterpark

Splash Harbour Waterpark is right next to the Holiday Inn. There are slides and play areas for kids, plus a lazy river if that’s more your speed. If you’re staying at the hotel, ask the front desk about waterpark admission.

11. Kayak or Paddleboard

Island Marine Rentals rents kayaks and paddleboards if you want to spend a couple of hours on the water. They also rent bikes and scooters. If you’re taking your rental to another launch spot, ask about straps and dollies.

12. John’s Pass

A short drive south takes you to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, a historic fishing village in Madeira Beach. I’d give yourself time to browse the shops and grab a grouper sandwich by the water.

A tiki boat tour is an easy add-on. You can also book a pirate adventure cruise with kids, head out on a shelling cruise, or spend the day on a deep-sea fishing charter.

13. Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Of all the Indian Rocks Beach restaurants, Guppy’s on the Beach is one of my favorite lunch spots. I’d go to PJ’s when everyone’s in the mood for a big seafood dinner.

For a break from seafood, Kooky Coconut makes one of my best Cubans in Tampa Bay. If you’re eating outside IRB, there are some great restaurants in Belleair. I also love the eclectic garden at Sweet Sage Cafe in North Redington Beach. My video of Sweet Sage gives you a feel for the place.

14. Go Jet Skiing

This guided jet ski tour leaves from the Holiday Inn and follows the Intracoastal before reaching a more open stretch where you can pick up speed. You’ll get a look at Indian Rocks and Clearwater Beach from the water along the way.

15. Take a Day Trip

For an easy day trip, head north to Clearwater Beach. I’d start at one of my favorite breakfast spots in Clearwater Beach and then pick from the Clearwater Beach activities. There are more boat tours and water activities to choose from there if you want a busier beach day.

If you have a few extra days, there are plenty of other day trips around Tampa Bay. I’d pick St. Pete for a day downtown, Tampa for the Riverwalk, or Dunedin if you’d rather spend the afternoon browsing shops and stopping at a brewery.

Where to Stay in Indian Rocks Beach

If you’re traveling with a group, I can’t recommend Magnolia by the Sea enough. The house sits right on the Intracoastal, and the water views you wake up to in the morning are unreal. It sleeps up to 10 across four bedrooms and has a private heated pool right by the water. You can launch the included kayaks and paddleboards from the private dock or hop in the golf cart for a quick ride to the beach or Grove Surf Cafe, one of my favorite coffee stops!

If you’re looking for a hotel, a lot of the options in Indian Rocks Beach feel a little dated, but we enjoyed our stay at Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach S-Harbourside. You can walk across the street to the beach, Splash Harbour Waterpark is right next door, and there’s even a little mini golf course in the middle of the hotel.

Ready to Visit Indian Rocks Beach?

My favorite part of Indian Rocks Beach is how quickly I settle into a slower pace here. There are plenty of things to do in Indian Rocks Beach, but I’d leave a little room in your plans to see where the day takes you. That’s how I like to spend my time here, and it’s a big part of why I keep coming back.

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:

Free Things to Do in Tampa

Fun Breweries in Clearwater

Best Restaurants in Clearwater Beach