Indian Shores Outdoor Attractions: 7 Musts for Florida Natural Beauty
Located south of Clearwater lies a barrier island that welcomes families to explore. Indian Shores, bordered by Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico, offers a waterfront location rich with natural beauty and activities. Beaches, gardens, trails and wildlife – see it all in a quiet and remote destination. Whether new to the area or it’s been awhile, here are the top Indian Shores outdoor attractions.
Top Indian Shores Outdoor Attractions for Adventure
Florida Botanical Gardens
Located only 10 minutes from Indian Shores, The Florida Botanical Gardens features natural beauty in over 12 gardens. Each one showcases different flowers, plants and landscapes that create a peaceful getaway for visitors. Examples include the tropical fruit garden, butterfly garden, and patio garden with a small waterfall and shaded gazebo. Guests also enjoy the tropical walk full of shade, bright colors and a courtyard perfect for lunch.
Families with kids should walk the children’s trail. Kids receive a map that guides them while they learn, play and explore. Top sites include the butterfly garden, tree station and fruit garden. Kids can also create their own music with outdoor instruments or watch for wildlife through binoculars. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
Lake Seminole Park
Lake Seminole Park in Seminole measures over 250 acres, and welcomes visitors from Indian Shores, Clearwater and St. Pete. The park is a designated wildlife sanctuary and habitat that houses alligators, raccoon, bald eagles, black vultures, turtles and other animals.
In addition to wildlife, guests have access to a 2-mile multi-use trail for jogging, hiking, bicycling and inline skating. Other things to do include boating, fishing and volleyball. Or simply relax on benches and swings, all situated near Lake Seminole.
Boca Ciega Millennium Park
Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Boca Ciega Millennium Park serves as a bird-watcher’s paradise with several amenities. Visitors are welcome to canoe, enjoy panoramic views from the observation tower, fish, hike, and play.
The park serves as home to wading birds, birds of prey and water fowl, and supports seven different natural communities. Boca Ciega Millennium Park also offers a 1.5-acre dog park for small and large breeds, and even has a small obstacle course for them to play. Visitors also enjoy walking and biking, picnicking, and playing on the playground.
Indian Shores Beach
Formally Tiki Gardens, this spot provides public access to Indian Shores Beach. The site measures nearly 10 acres and offers 170 parking spaces, restrooms, beach showers and a pedestrian crossing.
Walsingham Park
Head to Walsingham Park and go running, biking and non-motorized boating. Walsingham Park sits on over 350 acres divided by Walsingham Lake.
The park offers a 6-mile trail where guests bike and has a large dog park for all breeds. In addition, picnic, take photos, bird-watch, gator-watch and relax. Walsingham Park ranks as a quiet spot for connecting with nature.
George C. McGough Nature Park
Affectionately known as “turtle park” due to its turtle population, George C. McGough Nature Park has several places to play and educational activities.
Visitors have access to a turtle deck, butterfly garden, playground, canoe launch and fire-pit rentals. Four habitats welcome families to explore flatwoods, salt marshes, intercoastal and a closed canopy forest. In addition, kids love seeing birds of prey and riding the zipline. Don’t forget to stop by the nature center and attend a family-friendly event.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary doubles as a top Indian Shores outdoor attraction and cares for sick, injured, and orphaned birds. The 1.5-acre beachfront sanctuary offers birds a refuge while providing visitors fun activities.
At Seaside, grounds provide home to over 100 permanently disabled birds, including pelicans, hawks, sandhill cranes, great blue herons and owls. Guests are welcome to tour the grounds, take photos and watch staff hand-feed birds. Head to the observation tower to see views of the sanctuary and Gulf of Mexico, or plan a special event. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged, and don’t forget to buy souvenirs.
Experience these Indian Shores outdoor attractions! For easy access, book an Indian Shores vacation rental.
Want to see more scenic beauty? Check out the top Clearwater tours.