While you can’t always be at the beach when you want to be, you can still be here in spirit. We have some popular favorite Florida Gulf Coast attractions and experiences right here for you to enjoy anytime 24/7. It’s the next best thing to being here! Take a few virtual field trips by watching these videos and getting to know the area better or just revisit your favorite places. There’s something for everyone, and many of these videos are wonderful learning experiences that your kids will enjoy, too. Next time you’re in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida—make plans to visit your favorites. Have fun exploring!
SEE WINTER THE DOLPHIN’S HOME
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has its own YouTube channel, so you can watch all of the behind-the-scenes action as well as catch up on all the episodes of the Rescue-Clearwater series! (Did you even know they had their own TV show?) Head on over and check out their video playlist. Not only can you get to know Winter the Dolphin’s story better, but you can also meet other animals that call the CMA home, watch sea turtle rescue and releases, and so much more. You’ll want to show your kids all of the exciting stuff the aquarium has to offer and the services they provide. Then next time you’re here vacationing, be sure to stop by and visit Winter and meet her in person—and explore the rest of the aquarium while you’re there.
ENJOY BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA
You probably didn’t realize that you could enjoy the rides at Busch Gardens Tampa right from your home, but you can! Their 4K POV (Point-of-View) cameras give you a bird’s eye view of some of the best rides in the park, while making you feel like you’re right there. Amazing! You can even preview new rides before anyone else gets to ride them with their test run footage. Busch Gardens Tampa has a very active YouTube channel, so there’s plenty to watch and enjoy. Check out special events in the park, new rides, and more. Head on over and see what’s happening this year. Don’t forget, discounts to Busch Gardens Tampa are available to you during your next Indian Rocks Beach vacation, so check that out. In the meantime, enjoy the rides!
PARASAIL THE GULF OF MEXICO
If you’ve never been parasailing over the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico before and want to experience it from the comfort of your own home first, then this video is for you! Eagle Parasail offers parasailing adventures at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk in nearby Madeira Beach. Join in on this online parasail adventure, and then start thinking about having your own the next time you’re vacationing in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. You can’t beat the beautiful views, and it’s an adrenaline-inducing experience to embark upon. Are you strapped in? Here we go! You can watch more Eagle Parasail videos by visiting their Facebook page and clicking on the Video tab. Check out even more fun and exciting Florida Gulf Coast adventures on our Things To Do page.
VISIT FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Have you been to the Florida Botanical Gardens, yet? It’s the largest free botanical garden in Florida! Take a quick virtual stroll right now through the 80 acres of beauty and see what they have to offer. (Watch the video!) You’ll definitely want to put it on your Florida Gulf Coast bucket list. If you’re looking for quiet natural beauty filled with both native and exotic plants, butterfly gardens, herb gardens, and nature activities for the kids, then this is the place for you. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s currently in bloom (they capture and share amazing photos). If you click on the Video tab, you can enjoy more garden tours—and even see the holiday light show, which is one of the biggest events of the year here. Happy naturing!
VISIT ZOO TAMPA AT LOWRY PARK
Hey animal lovers, this one’s for you! Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park is always growing and changing. The main goal here is the protection and preservation of amazing wildlife, that is then shared with you. ZooTampa at Lowry Park is home to more than 1,300 animals and famous for having one of the most beautiful, tropical zoological settings in the world. The zoo brings together animals and visitors to create unforgettable, natural connections. They are always introducing new experiences, enhancing the habitats, and telling the stories of their adorable residents. Visit their Facebook page for more of what’s happening each and every day at Zoo Tampa and check out their video playlists for behind-the-scenes animal adventures.
EXPLORE EGMONT KEY
Hop on a dolphin and/or snorkeling cruise to Egmont Key State Park to see some of the most beautiful sights on the Florida Gulf Coast. Dolphins escort the ferry much of the way to Egmont Key, an island that lies southwest of the Sunshine Skyway bridge. This beautiful island is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Wildlife Refuge and a state park. Egmont Key offers the opportunity to go snorkeling in clear water and around the collapsed and sunken ruins of Fort Dade. When snorkeling, watch for wildlife like manatees, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other wildlife, and sea birds and gopher tortoises on the island. Shelling and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches and exploring the ghost town inland can all be done during a half-day Egmont Key tour.
VISIT THE DALI MUSEUM
What a time to be alive! You can explore some of the most popular museums all around the world without ever leaving your home. It’s just amazing! The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida is one of those museums—and thanks to their YouTube page, you can get to know it better by accompanying them on their video tours. Soak in the brilliance as you are surrounded by an unparalleled collection of works by renowned artist Salvador Dali. Enjoy some virtual wandering through the awe-inspiring building and interactive gardens. You can even get a glimpse of “Dali Lives”, which uses artificial intelligence to let visitors experience his bigger-than-life personality in an up close and personal way. Get to know Dali better today!
SEE THE CHIHULY COLLECTION
The Chihuly Collection in downtown St. Pete is a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent space. The displays of his glass-blown creations in all its vibrant colors are simply stunning. Down the road at the Morean Arts Center, you’ll find a glass-blowing workshop and more hands-on artistic fun to explore. You can find more videos to watch on the Chihuly Collection’s Facebook page. Explore more of the cultural district of downtown St. Pete and plan your adventures for the next time you’re here. It’s not far from your vacation rental in Indian Rocks Beach or Indian Shores and well worth the day trip.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH & BEYOND
Maybe you’re missing the beach right about now. We get it. This too shall pass! For now, check out this aerial drone footage of Indian Rocks Beach and beyond that brings you right back to white sandy shores and sparkling Gulf of Mexico waters of the Florida Gulf Coast. There’s also some beautiful sunrise and sunset footage to enjoy, as well as Intracoastal Waterway views. Get your virtual Indian Rocks Beach fix, if only for a few minutes. Remember, you can always view Plumlee Realty’s live Indian Rocks Beach cam whenever you need your daily dose of IRB to get your through until you can be here again. Also, catch up on our blog posts to learn more about the area. Enjoy your mini beach break!
what’s your favorite place to visit on the gulf coast of florida?
Whether it’s online or in real life, we want to know!
