10 Things You May Not Know About Indian Shores, Florida | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

*UPDATED DECEMBER 2018

Located in Pinellas County on the breathtaking Gulf Coast of Florida, Indian Shores is a secluded island escape for those longing to be close to the action of Clearwater, Tampa and St. Pete but far away enough to enjoy the peace and tranquility of uncrowded beaches, the blue-green Gulf of Mexico waters, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

How much do you know about Indian Shores, Florida? We have a few lesser-known facts that will intrigue you. After you read these, go ahead and experience this beautiful barrier island paradise for yourself by booking your Indian Shores beach rental today!

Indian Shores Beach | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

1. Indian Shores was once a part of Indian Rocks Beach.

With Indian Rocks Beach to the north and Redington Shores to the south, Indian Shores is located right in between. But it wasn’t always so independent. In 1927 the government filled the pass just north of the present day town limits, joining the upper Sand Key to the lower beaches. Incorporated in 1949 and called Indian Rocks Beach South Shore, the town shortened its name to Indian Shores in 1973. Visit the Town of Indian Shores website to learn more about this barrier island beauty.

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

2. Indian Shores is home to a seabird sanctuary.

The largest non-profit wild bird hospital in the United States, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, is located in Indian Shores and is funded exclusively from private donations. This non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wild birds. The Sanctuary provides a home to non-releasable birds in a safe and healthy environment. It houses and treats injured pelicans, herons, egrets, owls, hawks and other regional birds. Admission to the sanctuary is free. It’s open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so check it out next time you’re in town.

Intracoastal Waterway | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

3. You have access to the best of both water worlds.

Because Indian Shores, Florida is a barrier island located just west of St. Petersburg and Tampa, it is perfectly situated between Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. Not only do you get to enjoy 2.65 miles of pristine beach, but you also get close and convenient access to both bodies of water. That translates into two-times the water fun for you and your family. Make the most of it! Your Indian Shores vacation rental puts you right where you want to be, whether that’s on the Gulf side or the Intracoastal side. Either way, you’re always close to both bodies of water and all the aquatic adventures they hold.

Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf in Indian Shores | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

4. You can golf with the gators.

Smugglers Cove Mini Golf is more than a putt-putt course. It’s an alligator adventure, too! Along with your 18-holes, you’ll navigate through caves, pirate ships, waterfalls—oh and live alligators. Take it up a notch and feed the alligators, if you dare. Try your hand at the cane fishing pole technique and give those gators a tasty snack. You can learn more about Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf in Indian Shores here. Take your family on a golf adventure like no other, if you dare!

Sea turtles love Indian Shores beach | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

5. Sea turtles love Indian Shores beach.

Indian Shores beach is home to nesting sea turtles each and every year. Sea turtle nesting season on Florida’s Gulf Coast brings these amazing aquatic reptiles to our shoreline every year from May through October. They love our soft sands just as much as we do here in Indian Shores. Sea turtles are pretty awesome creatures who fight the odds for survival. How much do you know about them? You can learn more about sea turtle nesting on the Gulf Coast here. Also, check out this sea turtle slideshow for more cuteness overload.

Town Square Nature Park in Indian Shores | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

6. Indian Shores beach is not the only piece of paradise.

Town Square Nature Park in Indian Shores is a nature lover’s dream. Find peaceful bliss in this local park. Walk the 800-foot boardwalk, stroll under the majestic mangroves, watch the egrets, and enjoy the fishing pier. There are family-friendly facilities including free parking, picnic pavilions, restrooms and observation areas. It is a hidden gem and well worth the visit. Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy all the wildlife that surrounds you. Be sure to keep an eye out for manatee and dolphins, too!

Tiki Garden in Indian Shores | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

7. There is a lost Tiki Garden in Indian Shores.

Tiki Gardens was a South Seas Polynesian theme park back in the day in Indian Shores. The park, which opened in 1964, was closed in the 1980s and sold by the owners, “Trader” Frank Byars and Wahine Jo Byars, to a developer who planned to build a hotel on the large property. Pinellas County, Florida bought the property from the developer and turned it into a public parking lot now called Tiki Gardens Beach Access. A little more trivia for you: The LP Exotic Sounds from Tiki Gardens features “Polynesian Fantasy: the Tiki Gardens Theme Song” which was written by Ernie Shreeves, one of the men behind the Tiki Gardens.

Mahuffer's (AKA Sloppy John's) | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

8. Indian Shores has the best worst dive bar.

Mahuffer’s (formerly known as Sloppy John’s) can be found on Gulf Boulevard, just north of the Park Boulevard bridge. It’s self-described as the “wurst place on the beech” with lousy food, warm beer, sometimes live music, and sometimes live food. Mahuffer’s has received numerous accolades from HGTV, the Travel Channel, Travelocity, and has been named Best of Tampa Bay two years in a row. It’s worth a visit, even if you decide you don’t like it. People either love it or hate it. It is the textbook definition of a dive and Mahuffer’s is proud of it.

e Indian Shores Event Calendar | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

9. Indian Shores is a small town with big events.

If you think it’s just about beaches here in Indian Shores, you’re wrong! Though they are the main attraction, you’ll also find some fabulous local events and festivals during your stay. Indian Shores goes all out during the holidays with a St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Holiday Lighted Boat Parade you won’t want to miss. Coastal cleanups are part of the endeavor to keep our area beaches and waters in pristine condition for residents and visitors alike, so join in the action if you can. Take a look to see what’s happening during your stay on the Indian Shores Event Calendar

Indian Shores rentals offer water views | Plumlee Vacations Rentals

10. All our Indian Shores rentals offer water views.

How can you go wrong? You can’t! Whichever way you look, the barrier island beauty abounds with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. You’re perfectly sandwiched in between both. All of Plumlee Realty’s Indian Shores beach vacation rentals and condos offer either Gulf of Mexico or Intracoastal Waterway views, so find which one catches your eye. Peruse our Indian Shores rentals and book yours today! Let us know if we can help.