The Best Hotel & Waterpark In Indian Rocks Beach, FL

There are many wonderful parks right in the Indian Rocks Beach area.  However, should you decide to venture into Largo for the day to visit Heritage Village or the lovely Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo Central Park is certainly worth a visit.

The park includes an eye-catching green space, located on 70 acres in the heart of Largo.  Set apart from other area parks by the clock tower and fountains, the park boasts a unique playground. Known as the only park in the Bay area catering to disabled users, the Rainbow Rotary Playground is top-notch! 

Here, you can ride the miniature Central Park Train each Saturday between 10AM and 4PM around a 1 mile loop in the park.  Journey through a tunnel and across a picturesque pond. Riders must be one year of age or older, wear shoes, and sign a waiver.

Also on site, find 8 picnic pavilions, picnic tables, benches, and a .75 walking loop.  There are restroom facilities and ample parking as well.

The Largo Central Park and railroad are only 6 miles from Harburside at Marker 33.  Be sure to check their website for upcoming events.

Editorial photo credit: Drew Horne / Shutterstock.com

This public park is filled with many different walking and jogging trails, a full disc golf course and beautiful scenery. 

Take the family for a relaxing day out while having a nice picnic. Their hours of operation everyday are 7:30am-8:30pm. 

Sand Key Park is a barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast. It has fishing and many areas for your family to picnic. It has a nature trail and a lot of free parking for guests. 

The Florida Botanical Gardens are open 7 AM to sunset, seven days a week including holidays and offers FREE admission!. Filled with beautiful flora, fauna, and natural resources, stroll the nearly 2-1/2 mile pathways that meander through lush tropical landscape and natural habitats. 

This tropical paradise situated on 92 acres, includes the East and West gardens. To the east, explore colorful azaleas, palms, cactus and succulents, a vinery, and enchanting bromeliad gardens.  Plus enjoy the tropical walk past a bubbling creek and take the boardwalk through a wetland ecosystem to view wildlife and birds.

To the west, explore the herb garden, tropical fruits, vegetables, a special garden showcasing plants native to Pinellas county, and view the colorful butterflies in the butterfly garden.

Seeking something extra-special?  For smaller children, follow the whimsical 'children's trail' and visit several interactive and fact-filled stations.  Or, wander through a 0.7 mile unpaved footpath into a natural wildlife habit.  There is also a wedding garden here showcasing a variety of roses, topiaries, and an old-fashioned 'cottage garden'.  

Visit the Florida Botanical Garden for more information.  Please note that garden may close periodically for weddings and special events.  Donations are greatly appreciated!

Turn it into a full day of outdoor fun and visit Heritage Village right next door to the gardens!

This peaceful park covers more than 250 acres, it is filled with walking trails, water sports, a boat ramp and many places to have a nice picnic. 

Also, if you're in the mood to play some volleyball or softball there are courts available for guests to use. 

Be sure to visit picturesque Heritage Village, located in Largo and just minutes from Harbourside at Marker 33. Situated on 21 beautiful acres of unspoiled natural pine and palmetto landscape, the site includes both an open-air and indoor museum.

Stroll at your leisure through over 30 structures including 19th historic homes, a sugar cane mill, barn, log cabin, church, school, firehouse and train depot, and capture a glimpse of local history. These quaint buildings originally built in other areas of Pinellas County, have all been carefully relocated to this property for enjoyment of the community and tourists.

While here, attend living history demonstrations, explore the museum and it's many artifacts, and pick up a memento of your visit in the gift shop.

Open Wednesday through Saturday 10 AM to 4PM and Sunday 1 PM- 4PM, this unique museum offers FREE admission, however donations are greatly appreciated. Check out Heritage Village to find out more information.

Do you like bird watching? Boca Ciega Park is the perfect spot for that with plenty of walkways and an observation tower to get the best view. 

It also includes a great dog park so you can bring your furry friends along too!

This beautiful park in Seminole Florida includes a dog park, botanic garden and pond to go fishing.

Are you into fitness? Well you can make sure to get your work out in with a loop around park great for walking, kayaking, jogging or biking. 

Bring the family out, have fun and have a nice picnic at Walsingham Park!

The Indian Rocks Area Historical Society (727-593-3861), housed in a historic 1930's beach cottage at 203 Fourth Avenue, portrays the history of the area through photos, exhibits, and artifacts. The collection includes weapons, attire, a doll collection, and handicrafts of the area's native inhabitants. Hours are usually 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with free admission.

Splash Harbour Water Park is designed with everyone in mind and harbors attractions including slides, multiple pools, a lazy river and more. Spend a day at this fabulous family-friendly water park!

Splash Harbour features exhilarating water attractions including two 42-foot plunging slides which adults and children over 48" tall will absolutely love! The Pirates Plunge whirls through nearly 400 feet of tubing and circular turns before splashing the rider into the pool.  Or, if you prefer to ride on a water tube, Smuggler's Run will send you into an enormous circular bowl before launching into the water.

The also park boosts a 600-foot winding Great White Lazy River.  Enjoy sprays, mists and waterfalls throughout the river ride to help keep you cool.

The 'Treasure Cove Splash Zone' appeals to youngsters with a humongous drenching bucket, three kid-sized slides, and numerous interactive water features.

Plus, find a smorgasbord of options for tasty snacks, a full-service restaurant and a bar that specializes in rum drinks. 

The water park is open daily 10 AM to 6 PM, weather permitting.  Lockers and cabanas are also available and discounted when staying at Harbourside at Marker 33.

To find out more information, check out Splash Harbour Water Park's website. Come make a splash today!

Note:  Guests staying at Harbourside at Marker 33 in both one and two bedrooms will receive two (2) free Splash Water Park adult passes per day to be used during your stay. Additional tickets may be purchased at a reduced rate of $16.95 per ticket.  All guests have FREE use of the large swimming pool (located IN the park) before 10 AM and after 6PM.  Park admission and wristbands are  required between the hours of 10AM and 6PM.

The Beach Art Center located in Indian Rocks Beach offers many different art classes including painting & pottery classes for all ages. It is a great family activity or perfect just for a girls night out. Make sure to visit the next time you are in Indian Rocks Beach!

Visit their website to find out daily classes and their membership program. 

Visit Harbourside at Marker 33 and play 18 holes of miniature golf for a small fee. Wind your way through a tropical paradise and sink your putts to win!  The course is indoors and is engaging for all age groups.

Visit Gecko's Game Room and play games to win tickets, then cash in tickets for your favorite prizes!

There's also a great gift shop next to the game room so be sure to check it out should you need sunglasses, apparel, flip-flops, sunscreen, a quick snack, or sand pails and toys. Pick up a t-shirt, mug or special memento of your visit to Harbourside at Marker 33.

Have fun!  Note:  These three facilities are located just past Jimmy Guana's restaurant in the Holiday Inn structure and are available to all Harbourside guests

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization that takes in marine animals and rehabs them back to life. It is a great, fun experience for all ages and perfect for a family outing. Best of all Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to Winter the Dolphin from Dolphin Tale. Winter was recused by the aquarium in 2005 after she had a crab trap attached to her tale. 

There are many different activities to do such as, feeding the animals, a spectrum theater showing documentary's on Winter, behind the scene tours, and even boat and kayak tours. 

You are in for a treat, as this stunning nature center is just a stone's throw away from Harbourside at Marker 33.

From the property, cross the bridge over the Intracoastal (via way of Walsingham) and turn left onto 146th Street. The George C. McGough nature park offers free admission, though donations are graciously accepted.  Be sure to pick up a map near the entrance so you don't miss the main, shell or boardwalk trails.

As you enter, you'll see the 'turtle pond' surrounded by benches and areas to relax while viewing
numerous creatures. Turtle food is available for purchase at the center's entrance if you'd like to get a closer look.

Wander through a community garden, enjoy the playground, and discover several picnic pavilions along your journey.  Throughout the park, identification signs will help you spy various birds, mammals, and marine life. 

Along several paths, explore pine flatwoods, a lush hardwood hammock, mangroves and discover a scenic 1,200 foot boardwalk opening out to a 289 foot pier.  Take a break from walking and relax on the benches overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.  You may catch a glimpse of the draw bridge opening and closing and will see Harbourside in the background.

Behind the nature center, stop to see several birds of prey in enclosures and stroll through the indoor exhibits.  There's a few items for purchase as well.

Open sunrise to sunset, the park does not allow alcohol and pets are prohibited.  The picnic shelters, fire ring and special event room can be rented. Visit the website for more information.  Phone:  727-518-3047

Are you looking to explore a variety of merchants right in one place? John's Pass Village & Boardwalk (just 8 miles south on Gulf Blvd), offers an upbeat vibe filled with shopping, dining, family entertainment, water spots and boat rentals.

If you are hungry, find anything from coffee shops, donuts, and a cigar café, to bars and lounges and full service restaurants.  Order up fresh seafood, grab a pizza, or head to a grill.  With nearly twenty eateries, satisfy any appetite then head off for some ice cream, candy or snacks for dessert at one of the many sweet shops.  Or, stop in to the Florida Winery for a quick tasting.  There's a walk-in humidor for cigar aficionados too!

Need some beach apparel, accessories, or a gift to take home?   You'll discover plenty of great items in the multiple clothing stores and specialty shops.

Entertainment anyone?  Visit the Alligator attraction, Beach Fun N Games, or choose from on-the-spot parasailing, Waverunners, and fishing charters.

The large village includes several ATMs, a change machine, elevator access, the Florida Fisherman Lost at Sea Memorial, clean restrooms, and a visitor information booth.

Visit the website for more details about John's Pass Village.

Visit Kolb Park whether you have kids in tow or are looking to curl up on a bench to read a can't-put-it-down book in the shade.  This lovely tree-filled park has several soft play pads with twisty and straight slides, rock climbing walls, forts, swings and a merry-go-round.  Also on premise are picnic tables, tennis courts, a baseball field, and clean restrooms.

What's even better, is this serene park is located next to the Indian Rocks Beach Skate Park, across from the Beach Art Center, Library and City Hall and is centrally located in Indian Rocks Beach.  There's also a community recycling center on premise too.

Walk right out the door of Harbourside at Marker 33 and cross the street to Chief Chic-A-Si park.  Located next to our Welcome Center on 2nd Street, the small park plays host to a colorful butterfly garden, boasts a lovely gazebo, several benches, and is right on the Indian Rocks Beach bus route.

Take an engaging novel over to the gazebo or watch the butterflies and squirrels romp through the park. Or, perhaps select a family board game or children's books from the Welcome Center and take a few snacks to the park for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

Located directly next to Harbourside at Marker 33 and within the 'Narrows Shopping District' of Indian Rocks Beach, is a quaint waterside park.  

Known as Keegan Clair Park, this park also plays host to Indian Rocks Beach Public Boat Docks.  Whether you are staying at the property or boating in for the day, it's a great location to stop with Splash Water Park and Jimmy Guana's restaurant nearby.

The park boasts a small pavilion with a picnic table, several walkways to the docks and a comfortable wooden deck for viewing manatees.  You may even catch a glimpse of an interesting jellyfish or marine life swimming here.

If you plan to spend a full day at the beach, prefer convenient parking for toting gear, and having restroom and shower amenities, consider visiting the Pinellas County 17th Avenue Beach Access point (cross streets are Beach Trail and Gulf Boulevard)

Drive in and pay a small fee for parking (coins or credit card), walk in for free, or ride the beach trolley and exit at 17th street.

The beach is quite lovely here, plays host to 80 parking spots and is open dawn til dusk daily.

Wow! --- what a spectacular hidden gem right here in Indian Rocks Beach!  From Harbourside at Marker 33, head north on Gulf Boulevard and journey a few blocks north to the vicinity of  9th and 10th Avenues.

The Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve is a wonderful way to enjoy wildlife, allow your kids and Fido some time to play, get in some exercise by walking or perhaps fitness using the outdoor equipment.  

The short boardwalk is easily walkable for folks of nearly any fitness level and there are plenty of built-in benches scattered from one end to another.  Take the time to view the informative signage to learn about the marine and wildlife living in the wetlands and mangroves.

At the 10th Avenue entrance of the park, find a fenced playground area along with outdoor fitness apparatus, that allow you to stretch and work out against your own weight.

At the other entrance to the park, discover a rather large fenced dog park, community garden, pavilion and clean restrooms.

It's really a lovely location, especially if you take a few moments along the boardwalk at the Boca Ciega Bay Overlook to bask in the sunshine and view the picturesque Intracoastal waterway.  Enjoy!

The city of Indian Rocks Beach and neighboring areas exude nature, and the cities up and down Gulf Boulevard have done a stellar job preserving natural habitats for wildlife.

The Town Square Nature Park in Indian Shores (just south of Indian Rocks Beach plays host to a lovely elevated boardwalk, mangroves, birds and marine life.  When you reach the end of the boardwalk, take a few moments to appreciate the beauty of the Intracoastal waterway.  The unblocked view is breathtaking and you may see some Manatees as well!

Ready to catch some 'big ones' in Indian Rocks Beach?  From Harbourside at Marker 33, simply walk to the marina near Jimmy Guana's and catch your charter.... with advanced reservations, of course!

Simply Hooked Fishing Charters offers 4, 6, 8 and 10-hour charters with Captain Tom Markham or Captain Morgan Kien.  Traveling two to forty miles off shore, the four through eight-hour trips range from $400-$1000 for up to 6 people and include licenses, bait, tackle, and all equipment. There is a shade on the boat and even a bathroom. Larger groups and extended hours are accommodated with advanced notice. Credit cards are accepted, and no-shows are charged $250. Located at 401 2nd Street, slip 2, reach them by calling (727) 410-6094.

Or, reach out to Dave Mistretta, Captain of Jaws Too.  Find him docked in the same area at boat slip 33. While Dave's pricing isn't currently posted online, contact him at (727) 439-2628.  Or just check out the Jaws Two website.  He'll take great care of you and help your group create a memorable day fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.  

Contagious Fishing Tours' Captain Michael Irwin has over 35 years of 'reel experience' in gulf waters and offers charters.  Check out an extended day, full day or 3/4 day of fishing.  Plus this company offers specialized nature and wildlife tours including whale watching and dolphin tours.  (727) 392-7452.

Captain Randy Schwab, an Indian Rocks Beach native knows these waters like the back of his hand.  Your half day will kick off and run til noon for $600 and the full day starts at the same time and goes til 4PM for $1,000.  He'll take your group fishing, help you stage a special occasion or complete a burial at sea.  (727) 432-Boat.  Hustler Fishing Charters.  Note:  Randy is not on-site but is very close at 315 12th Avenue, IRB, FL.

Should you wish to venture north to Clearwater or down to St. Pete, please visit our blogs for recommended fishing charters in both areas.  Have fun and don't let the 'big one' get away!

Be in control of your personalized boating adventure and find IRB Boat Rentals right outside the Harbourside at Marker 33 property. The diverse fleet includes Cobias, Robalos with dual consoles, and Tri-toons in the lengths of 21’, 23’ and 25’.  Boat features may contain a chart plotter, fresh water shower, depth sounder, fish finder, GPS, and bait wells.  Whether boating to enjoy the panoramic scenery, looking for dolphins, fishing, waterskiing, or entertaining, IRB Boat Rentalshas the perfect boat rental for you.  Select from a pontoon that can carry 14 people, a fishing vessel, or speed boat with an outboard motor. Book your rentals for a half or full day and opt for additional equipment including water skis, knee boards, wake boards, and tubes. 

The rental team will provide a thorough overview of your boat, review safety features, and share navigation tips and charts.  Cruise through the beautiful inland waterways out into the ocean to celebrate a memorable and fun day with your family and loved ones.  Phone: (727) 527-1122 james.adamsons@verizon.net.  The rental office is located one level above the marina and can be reached via the Holiday Inn corridors.  James also has bikes and beach chair rentals too!

Need extra gear to amp up your visit to the beach?  We can help!  As a Prestige Collection Member, you may use the beach wagon, coolers, and available items free of charge during your stay.  As a registered guest at Harbourside at Marker 33, rent a wagon and gear for $20/daily, or enjoy a 3- day rental for $50.  

If you require an umbrella, table, patio and/or lounge chair, and perhaps a cabana, come see AMI rentals in our Welcome Center or reach them at 941-357-6103.

For bikes, boats, and accessories with boats (water skis, hook on tubes, etc). visit James at the IRB Boat Rental booth.  You'll find him at the neighboring Holiday Inn property. Phone: (727) 527-1122

Other area rentals in Indian Rocks Beach include:

• Rad Rentals - (727) RAD-RENT
• Nekton Surf Shop - (727) 593-8292
• Island Surf Shop - (727) 596-2244

Check out our blogs for gear rentals in Clearwater and St. Pete.

Bring the entire family on over to Jimmy Guana's restaurant, located next to Splash Harbour Water Park and the marina.  Dine inside or outside while swaying to the beat of live music on the deck.  Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, steaks, sandwiches and nightly chef creations. You can even bring along your day's catch and they'll prepare it for you!

Start with a tropical drink, yummy appetizer and cruise on through your meal to dessert, all while enjoying the deck overlooking the Intracoastal and watching the live performance, or sitting in the bar and restaurant cheering on your favorite team via TV monitors.  There's even an extra room for hosting wedding parties and special events.

Jimmy Guana's serves up breakfast daily from 7AM to 11AM. The lunch an dinner menus are offered 11AM-10PM on Sunday-Thursday and until 11Pm on Friday and Saturday.  Bar service is available until 2AM nightly.

Whether you are staying as a rental guest or Prestige Collection Member at Harbourside at Marker 33, we want to make your stay engaging and delightful.  Activities for children, families, and adults are designed to enhance your visit to our property and help you build memories to last a lifetime. 

Monthly event calendars are posted on our website and are also visible in the Welcome Center.  Events include on-site activities at Harbourside at Marker 33, as well as those larger celebrations in neighboring communities.  We encourage you to partake in the excitement and have lots of fun!

Here's just a few of the activities we offer:

• Painting and Craft Classes
• Sunrise Yoga
• Morning Mimosas
• Wine and Cheese Sunset Socials on our 5th Floor Veranda
• Cookouts - Hamburgers and Hotdogs
• Chair Massage & Tea
• Trivia Games with Prizes
• Board Games with Snacks
• Rock Painting (check out our 'find the rock' contest!)
• Cookie Decorating Socials
• Mini Golf Tournaments
• Karaoke
• Live Music Events
• Movie Nights

Looking for a first class amusement park while visiting Indian Rocks Beach?  Don't drive all the way to Orlando when you can visit nearby Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay.

Just 35 miles away, enjoy live entertainment, rides, and over 12,000 animals residing in their natural habitats at this 335-acre African themed and beautifully landscaped park. There's something here for everyone . . . from kiddie rides to 8 action-packed roller coasters, seasonal events, safaris and much more, catch all the action less than an hour from Indian Rocks Beach!

For more information, visit their website.