Family Vacation Activities in Indian Shores, Florida

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Indian Shores is a small town located just northwest of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County. Most well-known as the home of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, a refuge that shelters up to 500 injured, recuperating and permanently crippled birds. This non-profit organization is open daily to the public and admission is free. The town of Indian Shores has a variety of shops, restaurants and accommodations that cater to the wintertime visitors who come here each year. The permanent population of the town is approximately 1500, but grows to over 5000 in winter. Indian Shores has over two miles of sandy beach to enjoy, along with the other 28 miles of beaches in Pinellas County. Activities include swimming, shelling, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and fishing. For more excitement, you can rent jet skis, wave runners or powerboats. Two county parks are located in Pinellas County near Indian Shores; both are located right on the Gulf of Mexico. The parks offer fishing piers, nature trails for hiking, picnic areas, swimming and camping. There are several golf courses in the area, and nearby Tampa Bay area boasts 34 challenging and reasonably priced courses. With over 350 lodging choices in the area, including hotels, bed&breakfasts, vacation homes and condos, you are sure to find exactly what you're looking for in the beautiful town of Indian Shores.

John's Pass Historic Fishing Village and Boardwalk is Pinellas County's #1 tourist attraction and is located 10 minutes south on Gulf Blvd. This quaint turn-of-the-century fishing pier features more than 100 unique shops, inviting eateries, and an 1,100-foot long pier.

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary located right in Indian Shores is a nonprofit organization and largest wild bird hospital and rehabilitation center in the United States. Open 365 days/year; free admission.

Tiki Gardens, located right across the street on Gulf Blvd, offers nature and equestrian trails, fishing, canoeing, observation tower, pier, and umbrella/cabana rental.

John's Adventure Island, a 30-acre water park offers water-drenched fun in the sun featuring the combination of high-speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for groups of all ages. In a soothing Key West atmosphere, experience an unrivaled blend of corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children's water playground and other attractions such as outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, gift shops, a championship white-sand volleyball complex.

with its theme parks is approximately 1.5 hours drive. , in and the bay areas attractions are all within an hour's drive.

Clearwater Attractions (less than 15 minutes)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a nonprofit working aquarium dedicated to public education, marine research, animal assisted therapy, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured marine animals. See dolphins, sea otters, sea turtles, stingrays, and estuaries.
Largo Mall

Tampa Attractions (less than 45 minutes)

Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, provides real excitement for guests of every age.

Lowry Park Zoo features more than 1,600 animals in lush habitats. There are rides, water play area, shows, and restaurants. A new Rhino Reserve opened in March 2005.

Florida Aquarium
MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) w/ an IMAX Theater

St. Petersburg Attractions (less than 20 minutes away)

Florida International Museum
Florida Holocaust Museum
Salvador Dali Museum
Sunken Gardens
Derby Lane (Greyhound Racing)
State Parks in the surrounding area

Orlando Attractions (less than 1? hours away)

Walt Disney World
EPCOT Center
Universal Studios
Disney MGM Studios
SeaWorld
Fantasy of Flight
Cypress Gardens (Reopening July 2005)

Perfect Florida Golf Vacation

There are more than 50 public golf courses in the Florida West coast area.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS:

The Pub - a casual seafood restaurant located on the serves great seafood inside and also on its patio. Located at , , 595-3172.

Guppy's - a casual seafood restaurant offers great atmosphere and great seafood while you dine inside or outside on the patio. Located at , , 593-2032.

Salt Rock Grill - probably the best restaurant in is upscale and dressier, but also maintains a casual friendliness. The outstanding food and service make this a special dining treat. Located at , , 593-7625 (make sure to call ahead for reservations.)

Crabby Bills - eat great seafood in a rustic, casual atmosphere where you can enjoy stone crabs (in season), oysters, conch fritters and wonderful creamy clam chowder. Great place to bring the kids. Located at , , 595-4825. Get there early or be prepared to wait.

PJ's Oyster House - another great restaurant to bring the kids. A very casual, reasonably-priced seafood restaurant. Located at , , 596-5898.

TJ's Italian Café –A casual "Old Italian" cuisine with authentic pastas, brick oven entrees, fresh seafood, and homemade desserts. They even deliver!! Located at , Indian Rocks 596-1515

The Lobster Pot - Casual seafood restaurant offering a wide variety of fresh seafood and steaks. Call ahead for reservations to avoid a long wait. Located at , Redington Shores 391-8592

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