20 Attractions to Explore Near Indian Rocks Beach

Heritage Village, is an outdoor living museum which seeks to bring the past to life. Across its 8 acres of lush grounds, visitors can experience displays from early Florida settlers: wooden houses from the 1880s; a two-room school house; a country store with artifacts and tin signs; and even a cemetery. In addition to these historic landmarks, Heritage Village also offers visitors educational programs on local history and cultural heritage.

Spanning over 175 acres, the Florida Botanical Gardens is one of the area’s greatest treasures. Here visitors can explore natural wildlife, a world-class collection of palms, and breathtaking butterfly gardens. A variety of workshops and classes, such as botanical illustration, are offered for those looking to learn more about plants and ecology. Additionally, there are 11 distinct displays including a bromeliad garden and showcase herb garden highlighting aromatic greenery.

Central Park of Pinellas county is a park featuring activities for both children and adults alike, this large park is home to 500 acres of green space and many recreational activities. From picnics, to hiking, golfing, and even zip-lining across its lush landscape, there are plenty of activities inside the park's boundaries. In addition, visitors can also find two lakes where swimming and fishing are allowed. The lakefront also offers beach access due to its soft sandstone shore.

Sand Key Park is a beautiful place to visit if you're seeking adventure and relaxation. With its miles of sugar sand beaches, visitors can soak up the sun or explore the vibrant coral reefs just off shore. Whether you're out for an afternoon stroll on the beach or for a fishing expedition on one of their many boats, Sand Key Park promises an exciting day at sea. For those looking for something more, amenities such as picnic areas, paw parks, bike trails, and kayak rentals are also available.

Clearwater Beach is an excellent holiday destination known for its spectacular sunsets, sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters. Its award-winning beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, sailing or simply watching the dolphins which play in the surf. There's also plenty of shopping, seafood restaurants and entertainment to enjoy - from athletic events to Broadway shows - all located along lights-filled streets lined with boutiques, galleries and nightclubs.

Eagle Lake Park, is a stunningly beautiful and serene place that offers visitors plenty to do. Its 844 acres are filled with activities like hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds for children. It also has an observation tower with a 360 degree panoramic view which is the ideal spot to watch stunning sunsets. In addition to enjoying the park on their own terms, everyone can attend the annual events that take place at Eagle Lake such as Bird Fest in March and Paddlepalooza in October.

Pier 60 Park, is a stunning destination for nature-lovers and beach-goers alike. This park sits on the white sand beaches of Clearwater Beach, surrounded by the bright blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can take part in activities such as snorkeling, boating, kayaking, as well as fishing off the park’s iconic 1,080 foot long pier. Additionally, there are plenty of walking trails throughout the park that guests can explore to admire the natural beauty of wetland habitats and wildlife.

Lake Seminole Park is an outdoor oasis that locals and visitors alike flock to. Its trails, which wind around the lake, provide ample opportunity for wildlife viewing - expect to spot dozens of different bird species while you walk! The park also features a disc golf course, picnic spots, and boat launch areas that cater to both experienced anglers and those wanting to learn more about fishing.

Dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine animals, public education, conservation, and research. Numerous forms of marine life are permanent residents at the aquarium, all of which have serious injuries that prevent their return to the wild.

St. Petersburg, is a stunning coastal city that offers year-round sunshine and fantastic beaches. it's an ideal location for those looking to escape the bitter winter months. The downtown area is filled with stately brick buildings, a variety of delicious restaurants, and activities like the waterfront downtown market. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation options – from kayaking and paddle boarding to fishing and swimming in the clear waters of Boca Ciega Bay.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a popular walking, running and biking trail Spanning 38 miles, it offers spectacular views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding area, passing through all of the major cities in Pinellas County. The trail is well maintained with regular mowing, pruning, and damage repair. Several rest areas feature signage explaining the history of the area and various features along the pathway. It is part of the United States’ East Coast Greenway system.

A three-mile nature trail, a marina, picnic pavilions, bathhouses, a park concession stand, and a beach is what you will encounter in Caladesi Island State Park. The Caladesi Island beach was listed as the best beach in United States by Dr. Beach in 2008.

John's Pass Village & Boardwalk is the perfect vacation spot. With attractions such as pirate cruises, deep sea fishing charters, parasailing experiences and water sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The boardwalk itself offers a host of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues with stunning views of Madeira Beach. From the best beach wear to souvenirs, over 130 merchants have something that will capture your interest.

John's Pass, is an incredible and unique spot full of fun activities. Located just south of Madeira Beach, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Florida's Gulf coast. Visitors here can explore the galleries and shops where they'll find everything from souvenirs to fishing gear, enjoy a variety of fabulous water activities including jet skiing, take a sunset Cruise along Boca Ciega Bay or spend the day deep sea fishing.

Caladesi Island State Park, is a beach lover's dream come true. With crystal clear turquoise waters, white sugar sand beach and an array of activities available to do, this park promises to be an unforgettable experience. From kayaking through the mangrove forest to catching the ferry and exploring neighboring islands; nature observing with its abundance of water-birds and wildlife; swimming in the warm gulf to fishing off the Caladesi Pier - there’s something for everybody.

The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing a unique journey into the history of cars. Home to an array of automobiles from some of the earliest models through to the present day, this museum celebrates the evolution and ever-changing advancements in automobile technology. It traces over one hundred years of vehicular innovations and gives visitors the chance to explore these fascinating cars while learning about their historic background.

The Dunedin Causeway is a beautiful bridge that connects downtown Dunedin to Honeymoon Island in Pinellas County, Florida. The two mile long causeway created as part of the construction of U.S. Highway 19 was built in 1925 and has been used ever since by both locals and visitors alike. Not only does the causeway provide an easy path for vehicles to reach the island, but it also provides a stunning view of St Joseph's Sound which sparkles any time that sunlight hits the water.

Sunset Beach, is an idyllic beach getaway with a plethora of fun activities both on land and in the sea. This picturesque beach offers great swimming, fishing, and even snorkeling - so you can take in the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico's crystal blue waters. There is also a long pier which allows for miles of unobstructed sunset viewing. Those that prefer to stay on land can enjoy the many shops, restaurant options and amenities available here year-round.

The park is 385 acres (1.6 km2) in land area with 2,400 acres (10 km2) submerged and 4 miles (6 km) of beach. Consistently receiving more than one million visitors each year, it is the most-visited state park in Florida.

St. Pete Beach in Pinellas County is a vibrant and bustling vacation mecca. Filled with miles of white-sand beaches, sparkling aquamarine water and plenty of activities to enjoy, St. Pete Beach has something for everyone from the avid sun seekers to outdoor explorers. Of course the beach itself is a must visit, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, kayaking and more; but nearby there are lush parks, historic landmarks and even art galleries for visitors to explore.