The Best of Summer on the Gulf Coast

It’s always beach season on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but we get excited about the summer, too. It has a vibe all its own with fun for everyone. From the Gulf beaches to the Gulf towns to the Gulf of Mexico itself and everything in between, your summer fun never ends here.

We’re putting the spotlight on summer on the Gulf Coast and highlighting all of the best ways to spend your time. Here’s what you need to know!

Indian Rocks & Indian Shores Beach Report

Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores Average Air Temps

Summer on the Gulf Coast of Florida, including Indian Rocks and Indian Shores beaches has average high temperatures in the mid-80s (Fahrenheit) to low 90s, with average lows in the 70s.

Average Water Temperatures for Indian Rocks and Indian Shores Beach

The Gulf of Mexico water temperatures during the summer season tend meander around the low to mid-80s (Fahrenheit).

Sea Turtle Nesting & Hatching Season on the Gulf Beaches

Sea turtle nesting and hatching seasons begins May 1 and continues through October 31 in Indian Rocks and Indian Shores beaches.

Fishing in Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores

Whether you’re surf fishing, pier fishing or heading out on a chartered fishing trip, there are plenty of fish biting year round on the Gulf Coast, and the summer season is no exception. Drop your line and see what you reel in. Sea bass, grouper, mackerel and many more are biting big during the summer season.

Big Events on the Gulf Coast This Summer

Memorial Day on the Gulf Coast

Spend your Memorial Day on the beach and getting in some rest and relaxation. Don’t forget to make time to stop by a Memorial Day ceremony, too, and remember the true meaning of the holiday.

Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival at Clearwater Beach

Pier 60 is a hub of fun, fishing, festivals and more. The Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival happens every night with buskers, live music, crafters and plenty of fun for everyone—and the views can’t be beat.

Sunset Cinema at Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach

Sunset Cinema is a free outdoor movie theater under the stars. Sunset Cinema is great for family outings, date night, or just to get together with friends! Bring a blanket or low lying lawn chair. Popcorn and concessions available on-site. Movies begin at dusk.

Flag Day Retirement Ceremony in Indian Rocks Beach

The City of Indian Rocks Beach hosts its annual Flag Day Ceremony each June 14 at Chic-A-Si Park. The annual ceremony serves to honor the American flag, as well as collect those which have become torn and tattered in service of the country. Flags may be dropped off at City Hall in IRB. A complimentary lunch follows the program.

Father’s Day on the Gulf Coast

Give Dad the gift of the beach this year. Spend quality time together and do all the things he loves most.

Fourth of July Independence Day Celebrations and Fireworks

Celebrate July 4th with fireworks displays, Independence Day celebrations at our favorite parks, at the beach, or in the comfort of your own vacation rental. Or better yet, all of the above. However you choose to do it, it’s sure to be a memorable one for the books.

Tampa Bay Rays and Other Minor League Baseball

Take your family out to the ball game all summer long. See if the home team can hit it out of the park. Spend an afternoon at the Tropicana ball field for a day of family fun and all-American baseball. Check out some of the best minor league games found anywhere.

Pre-Season NFL Football

Are you ready for some football? Well you don’t have to wait until fall for that. Preseason starts in August, so you can check out what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and other NFL teams have in store for the upcoming football season.

Gecko Fest in Gulfport

Each year, Gulfport, Florida celebrates the end of summer with its largest festival of the year, dedicated to the town’s unofficial mascot and favorite reptile. The festival has grown to become one of Tampa Bay’s most anticipated events of the year.

Labor Day

Celebrate the symbolic end of summer right on the beach. Make the most of summer fun and spend the day in a beautiful place doing what you love most. Sit back, relax and savor the summer days and summer nights on the Gulf Coast.

Cool Ways to Beat the Florida Heat This Summer

Beach Welcome Center

Visit the Beach Welcome Center in Indian Rocks Beach for discounts on your favorite Gulf Coast attractions including Sea World, Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island. They can also help you out with any other area information you need to know.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Visit Winter the Dolphin and all of the other beloved marine life as you get up-close-and-personal with your favorites. You can even create a Dolphin Tale of your very own. It’s a cool family adventure and one you’ll want to put on your Gulf Coast bucket list.

Tampa Bay CityPASS

Stay cool and save money during your Florida Gulf Coast vacation. Save 51% off Busch Gardens® Tampa and four more of the top Tampa Bay attractions, plus skip most ticket lines. Visit Busch Gardens plus one other attraction and you’re paid the price of CityPASS! Valid for 9-days. The costs are Adult $99 (value $202); Child (3-9) $89. Visit citypass.com for more information and to purchase booklets or printable vouchers. Tampa Bay CityPASS includes admission to all of your Gulf Coast favorite attractions including:

Busch Gardens® Tampa
The Florida Aquarium
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Chihuly Collection OR Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)

Indoor Entertainment & Amusements

The same places you go for rainy day fun on the Gulf Coast also offer a nice respite from the sunny days, too. Cool off and enjoy the AC!

Shopping

Shop ’til you drop and have fun while you’re doing it. You’ll find a little bit of everything from mementos and souvenirs and gifts to beach clothing, coastal art and more.

Dining

Gulf Coast seafood and all of your other cravings are sure to be satisfied in Indian Rocks Beach and beyond. From fine dining to casual, sweet treats to savory indulgences, you’ll find everything you’re hungry for all in one lovely location.

Cruises, Tours & More On-the-Water Fun

Take a dinner cruise, see the sights, watch the dolphins frolic, go fishing, become a pirate or take an eco-tour. Rent a jet ski, go snorkeling, or try parasailing and experience the Gulf Coast from the water’s perspective.

Best Gulf Beach Accommodations

Indian Shore Rentals

There is a wide selection of Indian Shores condo rentals to choose from in several condominiums. Enjoy the warm sandy beaches of Indian Shores, FL comprising about 2.65 miles of beaches on the western shores of Florida overlooking the Gulf of Mexico where you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants and is within 30 minutes of Tampa. These Indian Shores condo rentals range from one to three bedrooms, sleeping up to eight and are either Gulf front or with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Indian Rocks Beach Rentals

These Indian Rocks Beach rentals, in this quiet town of 2.7 miles of warm beautiful beachfront overlooking either the Gulf of Mexico or the Intracoastal waterway, include a variety of amenities. Beautiful views, community and private pools, high speed internet, and tennis in many of the condos are just a few of the items you will find in different units. These Indian Rocks beach rentals range in size from one to three bedrooms and sleep up to 10 guests. If you have a larger party, consider renting multiple units in the same Indian Rocks Beach condo complex.

Gulf Beach Condos

Explore all of our Gulf Coast condominium complexes and find the perfect unit for you. With amazing amenities and locations, the hardest part is picking the accommodation you like best.

Plumlee Perks

When you choose to plan your vacation with Plumlee Realty, you get the exclusive benefits that other vacation rental companies don’t provide. From free bikes and free DVDs to gift baskets and beach accessories available for your convenience, we’re here to make your vacation the best it can be. Don’t forget to take full advantage of all of the information that our free Plumlee Vacation App has to offer. It’s like having personalized concierge access at your fingertips every day of your vacation and any time you need it.

What do you love most about summer on the Gulf Coast of Florida? Let us know in our comment section. Happy Summer!

The Best of Summer on the Gulf Coast Pin