Nothing caps off a great day at Indian Rocks Beach like enjoying some great seafood at one of the great locally owned restaurants in the area. Whether you’re looking for a memorable night out to celebrate a special occasion or a tasty meal at the neighborhood seafood shack, you’re sure find the perfect place located just down the street from one our beautiful Indian Rocks Beach rentals.

Guppy’s on the Beach

If you want to know where the locals go to get their seafood fix, you owe it to yourself to pop into one our favorite Indian Rocks Beach seafood restaurants, Guppy’s on the Beach. Guppy’s is known for excellent fresh fish, terrific key lime pie and family-friendly atmosphere. They’re particularly popular as a lunch destination, during which the parking situation can get a little messy. Guppy’s is located at 1701 Gulf Blvd and can be reached at (727)593-2032.

Keegan’s Seafood Grill

When it comes to memorable evenings out, Keegan’s Seafood Grille has established itself as a local dining institution for locals and visitors alike in the 25+ years that they’ve been open. This casual, family-friendly restaurant is located a short walk from the beach and specializes in creating some of the best seafood dishes in town. Menu items like their char grilled grouper, crab cake sandwiches and she crab soup have earned Keegan’s national recognition on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives as well as many local awards. Keegan’s Seafood Grill is located at 1519 Gulf Boulevard and can be reached at (727)596-2477.

PJ’s Oyster Bar

Nothing quite says “island time” like the atmosphere of an authentic beachside oyster bar like PJ’s. You can expect to find outstanding oysters on the half shell available at a very reasonable price with a cool atmosphere that’s perfect for capping off a fun day at the beach. If raw oysters aren’t your bag, you’re sure to find something for just about every palette too, such as garlic butter scallops to their fall-off-the-bone ribs. PJ’s Oyster Bar is located at 500 1st Street and can be reached at (727)596-5898.

Convenient: Cottages have many of the conveniences of home such as full kitchens and living areas. Some have patio’s and garden areas for relaxing. Some allow pets so that no family members have to be left behind. The cottages are stocked with useful items such as rafts, fishing poles, pails and shovels, umbrellas, coolers, grills, and hammocks. One even provides a kayak. This affords you the opportunity to pack less and save money on purchases or rentals during your vacation.

Location: The cottage rentals on Indian Rocks Beach are close enough to all the area’s tourist attractions, shopping and restaurants, yet still far away enough to capture that “old Florida” feeling. The trolley ride, which allows people to explore many miles of the beach, is just minutes away. Visit the original Crabby Bill’s restaurant while you are there and taste one of the largest, most delicious lobster tails you will ever be served.

Quiet & Peaceful: Cottages on Indian Rocks Beach and the area in general is still one of Florida’s best kept secrets. Less crowded than the more popular destinations such as St. Petersburg Beach or Clearwater Beach, you will never have trouble finding a spot to lay your beach towel or to fish in the surf.

Beautiful: Stroll right out your cottage door and you will see one of the most beautiful, pristine beaches in the world. Soft, white sand, the clear, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the famous, vibrant, West Coast sunsets. Watch long enough and you will be sure to see dolphins playing in the surf or a Manta Ray swimming by.

Renting a cottage on Indian Rocks beach will be sure to bring together the best of what a vacation is about.

One of the best attractions is the beach itself. What beach vacation would be complete without some time in the sun? There are several areas along the Indian Rocks Beach line where families can enjoy the ocean spray. One place vacationers can park their cars is at the Indian Rocks Beach Access, located at 1700 Gulf Blvd. This particular spot provides beach-goers with luxuries such as a restroom and outdoor showers.

For some truly superb lobster families should visit Crabby Bills. Crabby Bills has been providing residents and tourists alike some of the best seafood for the last 27 years. They also provide live entertainment and outstanding happy hour specials.

Another great restaurant to try while at Indian Rocks Beach is Guppy’s on the Beach Grill and bar. This is a slightly more upscale establishment that is still family friendly. Guppy’s on the Beach is located across the street from the actual beach but does have outdoor seating with magnificent views of the ocean.

The Museum of the Indian Rocks Area Historical Society is located at 203 4th Avenue. The Museum is housed in the historic Carl and Caroline Moseley 1930s beach cottage. Their exhibits circle around the Indian Rocks heritage. They feature exhibits that are centered on the storied and intriguing heritage of the town.

The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is the largest wild bird sanctuary in the United States. It offers visitors the chance to observe how the sanctuary provides care for injured wild birds. They are open from 9 a.m. until sunset year round with free admission.

The Beach Art Center showcases local art. They have three gallery shows. One is in October, another is in February, and one is in April. They also provide art classes such as watercoloring, basic drawing, and pottery making.

For a truly relaxing and peaceful time Indian Rocks Beach is the place to visit.

According to legend, the name of this beach town comes from a sulpher spring that was surrounded by rocks. A tribal medicine man is said to have healed an ailing chief with water from the spring. After that, the Indians would go there in a group for more medicinal water, and the early settlers would say “The Indians are on their way to the rocks.”

The first European to land in the area was the explorer Panfilo de Narvaez, who infuriated Chief Hirrahigua of the Uzita tribe by cutting off the Chief’s nose, and having his war dogs tear the Chief’s mother to shreds in order to find out where the gold was hidden. Getting no information, Narvaez marched to the north looking for gold, and finding eventual death in the wilderness.

But one of Narvaez’s young officers, Juan Ortiz, had become separated from the expedition. He was taken prisoner by Chief Hirrahigua, who began taking his revenge by torturing him. But before he killed Ortiz, the Chief’s eldest daughter pled for his young life. Then knowing her father would change his mind, she enlisted the help of her fiancé, Chief of the Mocoso tribe, to protect him. And with the Mocoso he stayed for ten years, until Hernando de Soto came through the area. All this 80 years before the John Smith and Pocahantas story is said to have taken place.

The first serious settling in Indian Rocks Beach was the mid 1800′s. The Hendricks and Lowe families are mentioned among the earliest to live there. After a road was made to more populated areas, it became a favorite picnic spot. And when a bridge was built to the mainland in 1916, it developed into a beach house area for the well off people of Tampa.

Growth in the area continued slowly until after World War II, when people from the north east and Canada realized it provided an excellent winter retreat. Today it has a population of over 5,ooo, and it’s primary industry is tourism.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit facility that is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured marine animals. You can learn how everyone can help to protect dolphins, otters, and sea turtles. It is one of the only eight aquariums in the U.S. that is authorized for the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals.

A great place for the whole family, you can learn about bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, river otters and coral reefs through the presentations that staff holds. They offer opportunities for everyone to be “hands on” with daily feedings.

Pier 60 is another great destination to visit while in Indian Rocks. It features a covered playground under two large blue pavilions. There is play equipment suitable from ages pre-school to 12 including slides, monkey bars, swings, and one of the world’s largest sand boxes. The playground is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and each evening two hours before the sun sinks into the ocean there is a street festival hosted by local artisans and performers.

The fascinating history of Indian Rocks is on display in the Indian Rocks Area Historical Society. Hosted in the original and historic Carl and Caroline Moseley beach cottage that dates back to the 1930’s there are pictures, exhibits and artifacts on display. The history of the area can be traced from its founding to the present day through this informative exhibit. There is an Indian Room that contains weapons, clothing, doll collection and hand crafted items to shed light on the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the region.

A wooden bridge was built to connect the barrier island to the mainland and there are many photos of the bridge tender sitting in his chair, his lantern swaying beside him on display. These and other fascinating items await those who make the trip to the museum.

Because of its proximity with some of the most enjoyable and well-known tourist attractions in Florida, this State West Coast’s beach has been a favorite travel location for many. If you never thought finding the best rentals could be easy, think again. It’s simpler than you’d ever imagined.

Because of the visibility this particular beach has gained over the past years, rentals are cheaper. The competition has given tourists more options. Hotels and lodging are more comfortable so they can accommodate all of those willing to enjoy every bit of their vacation time. There are many online guides that are specialized in Florida rentals that may help you to find the best and cheapest rental option for you and your family, any time of the year.

The Indian Rocks Beach also has canals on the Intercostals Waterway, where you can also find different locations for your holidays and even town homes available. Short or long term, the options for this area are more than broad. Type in the location and the Internet will give you what you are looking for.

As mentioned before, a quick search online will give you the most affordable and why not say, coziest options in beach cottages, condominiums, hotels and homes but there are also periodicals that gather information on lodging all over Florida. Off or online, you may even find the businesses that are getting locals’ attention and making tourists feel even more welcome.

The point is that no matter how long you would like to stay or how many people you’re willing to bring along, your favorite online or offline tool of travel and lodging guide will have all the different options for you to feel safe and comfortable about your choices.

Fortunately enough Florida has some of the most popular beaches in the great United States and that only adds to the quality of rentals in the Indian Rocks Beach.

Indian Rocks and Clearwater Beach offers tons of jewelry and fashion stores to pick up gifts for yourself or loved ones. You will find gourmet candy shops and wineries along the way. There are many book stores to stop and relax at, or to browse through to find something to take home with you. You will come across many “beach” stores, if you need to pick up a swimsuit or some swimming accessories, also.

There are many different shops for tourists. You will find t-shirts, nic-nacs, hats, sunglasses, and accessories that say something about visiting Indian Rocks Beach Florida. If you are visiting Indian Rocks or Clearwater, on vacation, you have to take something home that says you have been there. Even if you do not buy anything while in the beach shops, you should still do a little window shopping. There are so many things to look at and enjoy the scenary. Indian Rocks Beach is definitely a town of its own. It is a one-of-a-kind place that everyone should get to experience.

The stores and shops on our beaches are set up so that you do not have to drive to every one. They are located in the same area. You can park your vehicle and walk to each and every shop. There are cafe’s and restaurants placed throughout the shops just in case you get hungry along the way. While in Clearwater or Indian Rocks Beach, make sure to take the time to walk and enjoy the shopping and gourmet eateries. You will not be disappointed that you did. I know that I enjoyed it, myself.

The first thing you might notice during a search of rentals is that many of the hotel rooms are set up like condos, with complete kitchens and sitting areas. These vary greatly in price depending on location and added amenities. Easy to find on any travel website (i.e. Travelocity, Obits) which often provide an easy reservation process and varied customer reviews.

Indian Rocks has an abundance of condos available for rent. These condos vary in location, price, and amenities. There are many small sites online, offering a few rentals, and larger sites with properties numbering in the hundreds. A good place to start your search for this particular type of property may be the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, or the Clearwater/St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce website. These listings and reviews are definitely things to consider before making any reservation. Everyone wants the best vacation experience possible.

For larger travel groups, the best rental option may be a beach house, or cottage. While these are listed on many major travel sites, established real estate agencies also have listings. When renting a larger property you want take into consideration the needs of those in your party. Pets, toddlers, the handicapped, are all special considerations you may need to mention as you make your reservation.

The variety and number of rentals in Indian Rocks Beach is astonishing. If you know what your needs will be while on vacation, a little internet research can go a long way in helping you find your perfect place.

Reason #5: Nature

Besides all the untouched beauty of our Beaches, there are also several wildlife preserves and botanical gardens nearby. Watching the wild birds, seeing the sea life and experiencing the sunsets on the beach are all a must when visiting Clearwater Beach.

Reason #4: The Attractions

Getting bored here is not an option. Climb aboard for a Pirates Cruise, travel the short distance to see Universal Studios Florida, or stay close for local museums and natural exhibits. There are numerous festivals throughout the year to keep you wanting to come back. Renting a quaint cottage would be ideal during one of the festivals so you can see all the sights then return to all the comforts of home.

Reason #3: The Food

If you want it, you will find it in Indian Rocks Beach. Enjoying the local fare seems to be made better by the beautiful sunsets. Open air patios in several restaurants let you experience them while sipping a frozen beverage and dining on fresh food. The very best food to experience is the sea food. The Gulf of Mexico is renowned for its seafood and Indian Rocks Beach has it all. Although if you rent a cottage you could cook, why do that when you can enjoy a new culinary experience every night of your stay?

Reason #2: The Weather

All year around the Gulf Beaches have great weather, you could really rent a cottage any month of the year. Cold up North? Too hot in the South West? Come to Indian Rocks Beach where even in the summers it rarely hits above ninety degrees and doesn’t ever dip below 50 even in the dead of winter.

Reason #1: The Beaches

They are clean and they are gorgeous. Hands down the number one reason to rent a cottage and stay a while in Indian Rocks Beach are the award winning beaches. Grab a cottage right on the beach and everything else that’s been mentioned may loose importance. Clean blue ocean and perfect white sand combine to make these the only beaches you’ll ever want to see again.