15 Best Things to Do in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.

If you’re looking for a place on Florida’s Gulf Coast that’s all about pure relaxation, Indian Rocks Beach might just be your slice of paradise! It has a laid-back vibe that makes it the perfect spot to unwind, but don’t worry—there are also plenty of exciting things to do in Indian Rocks Beach that will keep you happily busy.

Unlike the bustling scenes of Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, IRB is a bit of an underrated gem—quiet, laid-back, and full of local charm. Beyond the beach, IRB offers awesome restaurants, fun boat tours, and fantastic day trips to nearby gems! I lived in the area when I first moved to Tampa Bay, and I still love visiting—it’s truly one of my favorite spots for a peaceful day by the water!

Fun Things to Do in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

1. Relax at the Beach

The beach is rightfully the main attraction in Indian Rocks Beach! With soft white sand, crystal-clear waters (on good days), and often fewer crowds than nearby spots like Clearwater Beach, it’s great for catching rays and unwinding.

Don’t forget to spot the sweet little sign at 5th Avenue Beach Access Park, reminding everyone to “leave nothing but your footprints”—a perfect motto for this tranquil beach!

2. Do a Private Boat Tour With A Boat Day

For an epic boat day in Indian Rocks Beach, look no further than A Boat Day! They offer private charters that cater to you and your crew. Choose from deck boats or funships, I recommend the funship option—it includes a waterslide!

With a capacity for 6-10 guests and a friendly captain to guide you (shoutout to Captain Marcos!), you can island-hop, snorkel, or search for dolphins. If you’re up for an adventure, don’t miss the slide—it’s a blast once you get going!

This is hands down my favorite activity on this list of things to do in Indian Rocks Beach.

3. Rent a Yacht

Elevate your experience with a luxury yacht! Renting Magic Moment through Florida Yacht Life feels like a dream day on the water. This 75-foot yacht offers 2-8 hour charters for up to 12 people, perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself and your friends to a fantastic day.

Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette, or just a fun day out, this yacht gives a touch of luxury to your beach adventure in IRB.

They have so many add-ons too if you want to take the experience to the next level. From DJs to bartenders to a private chef! They even can have Pop, Sip, & Celebrate Planning deck out the boat for your special occasion!

4. Have a Beach Picnic

Nothing beats the charm of a beach picnic! We booked ours with Picnics Perfected, and they absolutely nailed it. Imagine wine, charcuterie, and a sunset—no detail was overlooked.

You can even add a photographer like Aleisa Sigmon to capture the fun! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a random Tuesday, it’s one of those “treat yourself” moments worth experiencing.

5. Check Out a Local Coffee Shop

For the perfect beach coffee break, Pipo n Betty’s is a local gem! Located right by the shore, this cozy spot serves Joffrey’s coffee (a Tampa Bay fave) and offers everything from fresh-baked pastries to smoothies. It’s the ideal place to fuel up before hitting the beach or to refresh after a yoga session.

I also have to shout out Grove Surf Cafe, one of my absolute favorite St. Pete coffee shops that opened its second location on IRB. While their main location is temporarily closed due to hurricane damage, I’m so grateful their second location has kept things running strong.

Their coffee is absolutely amazing, and I can never resist their dreamy coffee cake. If you’re in the mood for more of a bite, their chicken Caesar wrap is a must-try—the homemade Caesar dressing takes it to the next level!

6. Yoga on the Beach

Speaking of yoga. Stretch it out with Yoga on the Beach every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 PM or Saturday at 9 AM. Saturday classes even come with a coffee meetup afterward, making it the perfect combo of fitness and community.

Plus, once a month, they host a sunset potluck with food and wine—it’s laid-back, local, and the ideal way to meet fellow beach lovers.

7. Check Out an Indian Rocks Beach Bar

For an essential beach bar experience in Indian Rocks Beach, look no further than Crabby Bill’s. Known for fresh seafood and a breezy vibe, Crabby Bill’s is perfect for a casual night out with live music, tropical cocktails, and a crowd that knows how to keep things fun.

With its inviting ambiance, fresh catches of the day, and relaxed backdrop that seamlessly fuses with the rhythms of coastal life, Crabby Bills is more than just a bar – it’s a cherished local gem that captures the essence of Indian Rocks Beach and invites you to unwind, connect, and relish in the simple pleasures of beach town living.

8. Visit a Local Brewery

Just a short walk from the beach, Anecdote Brewing Company brings together a chill vibe and unique beer flavors that’ll satisfy any craft beer lover. With creative beers like the fruity Blackberry Gose, tangy guava-infused Pink Paradox, and the adventurous “That Morning Taco” lager, Anecdote’s variety is anything but boring!

I don’t typically do lagers, but how could I resist with a name like that? That particular beer was brewed with lime, cilantro, and smoked ancho peppers! The flavors were subtle and nice. My favorite was the Pink Paradox though (the guava Gose)!

It’s a family-friendly spot too, so you can kick back, try a flight, and soak in the beach town atmosphere.

9. Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve

If you’re craving a change from beach scenery, Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve is a scenic gem! Located near Kooky Coconut, this half-mile boardwalk trail winds through lush mangroves and leads to stunning views of the Intracoastal.

It’s a quick, easy walk where you might spot birds, crabs, and maybe even a few reptiles. And if you’re in the mood for more, the beautiful (and free!) Florida Botanical Garden in nearby Largo is worth the trip.

10. Splash Harbour Waterpark

Splash Harbour Waterpark, right next to the Holiday Inn, offers slides, a lazy river, and play areas for a splashy day of fun. It’s a hit for all ages, and Holiday Inn guests score a discount on admission. With lively attractions and a carefree vibe, this spot is perfect for families and friends looking for some water-filled excitement!

11. Kayak or Paddleboard

Get on the water with a kayak or paddleboard rental from Island Marine Rentals! They have a range of rentals, including bikes and scooters, with flexible timeframes from one hour to a week. Want to explore other areas? They provide transport straps and dollies to make it easy to bring your gear to nearby parks or beaches.

12. John’s Pass

Just a short drive from Indian Rocks Beach, John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is the perfect spot to soak up some waterfront charm. This historic fishing village is packed with quirky shops, tasty seafood restaurants, and fun activities. Stroll along the boardwalk for stunning views, pop into unique boutiques for souvenirs, or indulge in fresh grouper sandwiches.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can book a tiki boat tour, pirate adventure cruise, shelling cruise, or even try your luck with a deep sea fishing adventure. Whether you’re exploring the shops, enjoying the waterfront, or just taking in the lively atmosphere, John’s Pass offers a laid-back yet entertaining vibe that’s hard to beat!

13. Enjoy Fresh Seafood

There are plenty of amazing Indian Rocks Beach restaurants to choose from! Guppy’s on the Beach is one of my favorite lunch spots, and PJ’s is a great option if you’re looking to have a seafood feast!

If you want to switch things up, get one of the best Cubans in Tampa Bay from the Kooky Coconut! And be sure to get coffee from Pipo n Betty’s.And if you don’t mind heading a little further down the beach, check out the restaurants in Belleair, or Sweet Sage Cafe on Redington Beach it’s the cutest, most whimsical, eclectic cafe. Who doesn’t want to enjoy their breakfast in a garden oasis? To see more of this spot’s charm click here.

14. Go Jetskiing

Take off from the Holiday Inn at Indian Rocks Beach for a guided jet ski tour that’s equal parts scenic and exhilarating! Cruise along the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway before hitting an open stretch where you can ride freely. Enjoy stunning views of Indian Rocks and Clearwater Beach while soaking up the thrill of the ride.

If you’re looking for a little thrill during your trip, be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Indian Rocks Beach!

15. Take a Day Trip

Take a day trip to Clearwater Beach, and start at one of their amazing breakfast spots. While IRB has some boat tours and water activities, Clearwater Beach has a lot more options. And if you’re in the area and have never been, Clearwater Beach is worth spending a day at! Check out this post for the best Clearwater Beach activities!

If you have more than a couple of days in Indian Rocks Beach, you should explore some of the other awesome areas in Tampa Bay! St. Pete, Tampa, and Dunedin are a few of my favorites, and each is so different from the last!

Where to Stay in Indian Rocks Beach

Because this is more of a local’s beach, the accommodations in this area are often a little… dated. Some of my favorite rentals in the area can be found here! The beachfront condo is stunning, has panoramic views of the Gulf, and sleeps 5. Click here for some hotel options.

We enjoyed our stay here. The location was perfect (tucked right behind Crabby’s), and it had putt-putt, a waterpark, and a restaurant in it. Putt putt and Jimmy Guana’s (the restaurant) came in handy when it was raining! The rates were also affordable. (I just love staying at IHG hotels, as I usually book with points from my IHG rewards card!)

Check out my ultimate guide to travel credit cards to learn how to unlock and rake in all of the benefits and perks!

Are you ready to experience the best things to do in Indian Rocks Beach?!

Indian Rocks Beach may be small, but it’s packed with charm, fun activities, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the local shops, enjoying water adventures, or simply relaxing on its soft sandy shores, there’s something for everyone to love. I hope this guide inspires your next visit to this coastal gem—don’t forget the sunscreen and your sense of adventure!

Check out my Florida packing list and some other posts before you go:

Free things to do in Tampa

Fun breweries in Clearwater

Best restaurants in Clearwater Beach