Things to Do in Indian Shores and John’s Pass: A Local’s Guide

Indian Shores is the quiet stretch of Gulf beach between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, and it is where our Beach Cottage II condos sit, right on the sand. You get a calm beach out front, a bird sanctuary down the road, and John’s Pass Village about 10 minutes south for boat tours, food and shopping. Here are the things to do in Indian Shores and John’s Pass that we tell our own guests about.

Things to do in Indian Shores: outdoors and nature

• Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. A free bird rescue center, open daily, where you can see pelicans, herons and other rescued birds up close. Donations are welcome. Guests in Unit 1505 can see the Sanctuary from the balcony.
• Tiki Gardens Beach Access. The main public beach access in Indian Shores, with restrooms and showers. Parking is paid.
• Town Square Nature Park. A boardwalk through the mangroves where you can spot fish and wading birds.
• Chief E.D. Williams Park. Walking trails, picnic spots and good birdwatching.

Staying with us? You can skip the paid beach lots. Each Beach Cottage II condo is steps from the white sand, with free parking, a heated pool and a hot tub on the Gulf.

On the water

• Island Marine Rentals. Boats, kayaks, paddleboards, bikes and scooters, plus drop-offs for kayak tours.
• Green Iguana Rentals. Family friendly bike, scooter and kayak rentals.
• FishTaxi Charters. Fishing trips, including sunset runs.

Family fun in Indian Shores

• Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. Pirate mini golf where the kids can feed live alligators.
• Splash Harbour Water Park. Slides, a lazy river and a zero-entry pool, next door in Indian Rocks Beach.

Where to eat in Indian Shores

• Caddy’s Indian Shores. Two bars, live music and water views.
• Salt Rock Grill. Steak and seafood on the Intracoastal. This is the nicer dinner pick.

Rather cook in? Every condo has a full custom kitchen, and the pool deck has gas grills.

John’s Pass Village, 10 minutes south

John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk in Madeira Beach is the easiest half day out from Indian Shores. Park, walk the boardwalk, book a boat tour and eat on the water.

Boat tours and the boardwalk

• Pirate Adventure Cruise. A 90-minute pirate cruise with water gun battles, a treasure hunt, face painting and music. About $49 per adult. It leaves on time and does not wait for late arrivals, so get there early.
• Hubbard’s Marina. Dolphin tours, shelling trips, sunset cruises and deep-sea fishing.
• The boardwalk railing. Free views of the charter boats, the drawbridge, pelicans and sometimes dolphins.
• Another pirate option. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise leaves from Clearwater Beach, about 20 minutes north.

Food and drinks

• Mad Beach Brewing Company. A local brewery with fried gator and pulled pork nachos.
• The Boardwalk Grill. Burgers, sandwiches and seafood baskets on the water.
• DeLosa’s Pizzeria. Pizza, pasta and wings, an easy pick for a big group.

Shopping

• The Bronze Lady. Jewelry, art and home decor.
• The Spice & Tea Exchange. Spices, salts and more than 75 teas.
• Lori’s Soap & Sponge. Handmade goat milk and olive oil soaps.
• Wild Time Caribbean Trading Company. Margaritaville and Life is Good apparel and gifts.
• Beef Jerky Outlet. Jerky of every kind, including alligator, kangaroo and ostrich.
• Made in the Shade. Sunglasses.
• Paw Paw’s. Local dog treats, toys and gifts.
• Overhead Surf Shop. Surf gear and apparel.
• Beachwear. Cool Style, John’s Pass Trading Company and Tarpon Bay Trading Company.

Sweets

• Kilwin’s. Fudge and chocolate.
• Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop. Saltwater taffy.
• House of Sweets. Candy.
• Ice cream and frozen yogurt. Meyer’s, Ice&Cream Creamery and Yogurt City.

Getting around

• Suncoast Beach Trolley. Runs the length of Gulf Boulevard, so you can leave the car parked.
• John’s Pass Park. Parking, restrooms and beach access across from the village. It fills up on busy days, so go early.
• Beach shuttles. Tip-based rides between Treasure Island and John’s Pass.

Where to stay in Indian Shores

Our Beach Cottage II condos are directly on the Gulf in Indian Shores. All three are 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo rentals that sleep 11, with an elevator, a private balcony, a washer and dryer, beach chairs and towels, and a free covered parking space.

• Unit 1214: 2nd floor on the pool side, with Gulf and pool views and an easy walk to the elevator.
• Unit 1411: 4th floor on the pool side, with panoramic Gulf views.
• Unit 1505: top floor on the quiet Sanctuary side, with Gulf and Seabird Sanctuary views and a big balcony.

Book directly on our website to skip the platform service fees. Compare all three Indian Shores condos.

Indian Shores FAQ

Where is Indian Shores, Florida?

Indian Shores is a small beach town on the Gulf in Pinellas County, between Clearwater Beach to the north and St. Pete Beach to the south.

How far is John’s Pass from Indian Shores?

About 10 minutes south by car. You can also take the Suncoast Beach Trolley down Gulf Boulevard.

Is the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary free?

Yes. It is free and open daily, and donations are welcome.

What is there to do in Indian Shores with kids?

Feed the alligators at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, spend a day at Splash Harbour Water Park, visit the birds at the Seabird Sanctuary, or take the Pirate Adventure Cruise at John’s Pass.

Where should we stay in Indian Shores?

Our Beach Cottage II condos are right on the beach, sleep 11, and share a heated pool and hot tub on the Gulf.