Choose an outing along Gulf Boulevard
Indian Shores is a small barrier-island town south of Indian Rocks Beach. A useful day here can combine the Gulf beach with a round of miniature golf, a look across the Intracoastal or a planned paddling outing. The options below have distinct starting points, so choose by your accommodation's address rather than trying to cover the whole town on foot.
| Activity | Location in Indian Shores | Best use of the stop | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island Marine Rentals | 20045 Gulf Boulevard | Kayak or paddleboard outing; experienced boaters can compare boats | Arrange equipment and a suitable route with the operator |
| Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf | 19463 Gulf Boulevard | A round of miniature golf with friends or family | Check current hours and allow time for 18 holes |
| Town Square Nature Park | Gulf Boulevard and 191st Street | Boardwalk and Intracoastal-side viewing stop | A flexible land-based outing |
| Gulf beach | Your nearest usable entrance | A beach morning, walk or sunset visit | Confirm the access and where you will park or cross |
Paddle with an Indian Shores outfitter
Island Marine Rentals is based at 20045 Gulf Boulevard, toward the north end of Indian Shores. Its offerings include kayaks, paddleboards and motorboats. The kayak page lists single and double kayaks with paddles, life vests and whistles included.
Contact the operator with your experience level and group before deciding on a route. Ask where you will launch that day, whether a tandem or separate boats fit your group, and what conditions mean for the return. Some trips require moving the kayak or board to another launch; confirm whether you need a vehicle and how the operator's transport straps or dollies fit that plan. An outfitter's general list of islands is not a route suitable for every paddler. Build the outing around the equipment handoff and confirmed return time, then leave the afternoon flexible.
Motorboat rental is a separate decision. The operator's FAQ says boat renters must be at least 25 and drivers need prior boat-driving experience. It sets document and vessel-use conditions, with some boats restricted to bay waters. Fuel is additional, a security deposit applies, and fishing is currently not allowed from its rental boats. Review those terms directly before reserving; a self-operated rental is different from joining a captained sightseeing trip. The boat-trip planning guide helps clarify the type of outing you want.
Play a round at Smugglers Cove
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf at 19463 Gulf Boulevard has an 18-hole course with pirate-themed scenery, caves, waterfalls and an alligator exhibit. This is a straightforward shared activity for a group that wants something to do on land after spending the morning in the water.
Use the Indian Shores location page for current admission and operating information; the company has several other courses along Florida's Gulf Coast. Choose a round before dinner if your group tends to lose energy later, or after a rest at your accommodation. The course is outdoors, so check the weather and confirm conditions if storms have disrupted the day. No fixed completion time is promised: group size and how busy the course is will affect the pace.
See the Intracoastal at Town Square Nature Park
Town Square Nature Park is at Gulf Boulevard and 191st Street. The town describes an 800-foot boardwalk leading to a fishing pier, with covered pavilions, benches, metered parking and restrooms. Use it for a short walk and a view across the water even if you are not fishing.
It is a different park from the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve in the neighboring town. Check the Town Square entrance and posted operating information before starting; the online page has inconsistent hour fields, so it is better to use current signs or contact the town than rely on one displayed closing time. Keep this as an unhurried viewing stop, with time to return along the same route.
Make the beach portion easy to reach
The town's access list distinguishes entrances with parking from pedestrian-only access. Tiki Gardens has metered parking and restrooms east of Gulf Boulevard, while 196th Avenue West is identified as a pedestrian entrance with a mobility mat. Look at the crossing and the route from your accommodation when choosing how much to carry.
For a beach-first day, spend the morning at the nearest suitable entrance, return for lunch and dry clothes, then choose Smugglers Cove or Town Square. For a paddling day, go directly to the outfitter with the agreed equipment needs and return to the accommodation afterwards. Avoid carrying your full beach kit through every activity.
If tennis or pickleball is part of your plan, confirm current court access with the town at 727-595-4020. Its September Chief E.D. Williams Park renovation notice is now archived; that alone does not establish whether work is complete. Smugglers Cove is another option for a land-based game, while Town Square offers a simpler walk.
Fit meals around your outing with our Indian Shores restaurant guide. If you are choosing a base, the Indian Shores lodging guide explains Gulf-front and bay-side options.
Use the Indian Shores beach-chair guide for the accommodation-to-sand route. BeachDay provides delivery and pickup at Indian Shores accommodations; guests carry and set up the portable gear. Ask the activity operator separately about its own equipment and admission arrangements.
Sources & current information
Official information checked October 3, 2026. Check linked pages again for changing access, schedules and conditions.