The Intracoastal Waterway is an Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores favorite for residents and vacationers alike. Why? Well, there is a long list of reasons. We’re only zeroing in on 10 of the best today, but there are plenty more reasons to choose an Intracoastal Indian Rocks Beach vacation rental for your next Florida Gulf beach vacation. 

1. FOR THE HISTORY

The Intracoastal Waterway is a popular choice when Floridians—and those who visit and vacation here—want to get out on the water. The ICW actually stretches along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico from Boston all the way to Florida and continuing to Texas. 

The 3,000-mile inland waterway of today was originally the solution to shipping hazards that were created by travel on the Atlantic coast. When the US first became independent, it was a time when the commercial and military use of the Atlantic coast was very important. It was the best option for transportation without governmental control like there was so much of on the coastline. Inland transport wasn’t taking place yet, and the river systems became the solution to a free transportation policy.

You may have heard of the Great Loop, the improved ICW that allows for a circumnavigation of the water in the eastern continental US without much ocean travel involved. The evolution of the Intracoastal Waterway is really quite fascinating. You can read more about its history in Part 1 and Part 2 of these blog posts. 

Would you like to immerse yourself in history during your vacation? Plumlee even offers a  historic boathouse rental for you to consider!

2. FOR THE WATER VIEWS

The Intracoastal Waterway views are one of the biggest reasons vacationers choose vacation rental on the ICW. You can boat watch, dolphin watch, and manatee watch right from your vacation rental deck or patio. You can also look out the window and take in the views anytime you please. There’s something new to see each and every day of your vacation. 

3. FOR THE WATER ACCESS

If you’re a water lover, then of course you want the closest and most convenient access to it. Choosing a vacation rental that’s right on the Intracoastal means you can walk out your door and be steps away from the water. Whether you want to sit dockside to relax and read, drop a line in the water, or paddle out into adventure—you are right where you need to be.

4. FOR THE BOATING

Some Indian Rocks Beach Intracoastal vacation rentals come with their own boat dock making it easy for you to pull up, tie your line, and step off the water and right to your rental. Did you know that Indian Rocks Beach allows boaters to dock for free during the day at its public docks on the Intracoastal Waterway? Within two blocks of the docks, you’ll find more than a dozen restaurants, shops and attractions. So even if you aren’t staying here, you can still stop by and enjoy IRB! 

5. FOR THE FISHING

Oh yes, fishing is a kind of a big deal around here. Whether you have your own boat or choose a chartered fishing excursion, you will definitely enjoy Gulf Coast fishing of all kinds. If your Indian Rocks Beach rental has its own dock, then you can fish whenever want. If not, there are plenty of other options for you. You can read more about fishing in Indian Rocks Beach here.

6. FOR THE BOAT DOCKS & MARINAS

Speaking of boat docks, there are plenty of them in Indian Rocks Beach. As we’ve already mentioned, there are vacation rentals that have their own boat docks and there are public ones that you’re free to use. Don’t forget about the local marinas, too. The Harbourside Marina in Indian Rocks Beach is a popular one, as is Hubbard’s Marina at John’s Pass in Madeira Beach.

7. FOR THE WATERSPORTS

You can find every kind of watersport rental you desire here in Indian Rocks Beach. Whether you’re heading out on the Intracoastal Waterway or the Gulf of Mexico, your on-the-water adventure is easy when you have what you need to get out there and enjoy it. Our local watersports rental outfitters and surf shops are a great place to explore your options. 

8. FOR THE WILDLIFE

Oh the wildlife you’ll see as you look out over the Intracoastal Waterway. From soaring shorebirds to playful manatees to pods of dolphins, you never really know what you will observe on any given day. Gaze out over the water and take in all the views. Just make sure to have your camera nearby in case you need it.

9. FOR THE LOCATION

Just because you choose to stay on the Intracoastal Waterway doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico too. If you zoom in on our Indian Rocks Beach vacation rental map, you’ll see that you’re still close and convenient to the shoreline. In fact, some of our rentals offer both Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway views, so that’s a win-win. 

10. FOR THE VACATION RENTALS

We’ve already mentioned some of the amenities that come with an Intracoastal Waterway vacation rental. But since each one is different, you should explore all of your options. From pools and spas to lush landscaping and tropical walkways to Intracoastal condo complexes and stand-alone vacation rental selections, you have a lot to consider. Water you waiting for? (Pun intended.)