Indian Rocks - Tampa Area
 

Hello Everyone,

We have finally decided to pursue our 2 week vacations in Indian Rocks on June 17th and hope that the oil doesn't spoil our vacation. We were also lucky enough that the owner's of the condo we are renting have made an agreement with us if the beaches would be affected.

We are now planning our activities. Can you suggest restaurants/outlets/activities in the Indian Rocks and Tampa area. We have rented a car so are very mobile.

We have a 4yr old and 9 yr old. And would like to go for a boat trip too, any suggestions???

Also, where can we buy good price tickets for Sea World/Busch Gardens and maybe Universal Studio.

THANKS!

Solo

A good place to start would be to look at Fodor's and Frommer's online versions of their guidebooks for ideas on places to eat and attractions.

Off the top of my head, am thinking good kid-oriented activities in this general area would include:

Tampa: Museum of Science and Industry, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo (have not been to this last one).

St. Petersburg: The Pier, Sunken Gardens, Ft. DeSoto Park.

Plus there are no shortage of beaches besides Indian Rocks here.

solo
AAA is the only place I know where you can buy discounted tickets for Busch Gardens and I think it's $3.00 off per ticket.

One place you and your kids would like is Johns Pass: http://www.johnspass.com/ There are boats that can be rented from there and one that I think they would especially like is the Pirate Boat ride. Free soft drinks for the kids and free beer and wine for mom and dad. We always make it a point to spend the day at John's Pass when we are in that area.

Go north and there's lots to do in Clearwater beach. There's a wonderful pirate ship and the crew does a fantastic job. Been to many birthday parties on that boat and they really make it fun. There's several dolphin cruise boats around here, and they do find the dolphins. Or rather, I believe it's the dolphins that find the boats. Clw. Beach has a sunset festival every night by the pier with street performers, a few artist's, etc. Clw. bch has a marina and as a child, we used to love it when the charter boats came in with their catches that they through onto the dock and then filet.
Beachfront casual dining at Rockaway's and also right next door, the Palm Pavillon. The Palm being my favorite out of the two.
On the causeway going over to the mainland of Clw. is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Nothing fancy as there job there is rehap of injured sea animals, but it's inexpensive, casual and the star of ths show is "Winter" the dolphin that lost it's tail that lives there.
The jolly trolley is a very inexpensive way to travel up and down the beaches and there are many stops along Gulf Blvd. where you will be staying. It's a fun little trolley and your kids may enjoy it. Helps with the parking when you get to Clw. Bch as well.
Go south and the waterfront in St. Petersburg near the pier is just beautiful. The Rays have some home games the 2nd week you are here. Not sure if your kids could sit through them though.
In Indian Shores, which is just a mile or 2 south of Indian Rocks, there is a bayside restaurant with outdoor seating called The Pub. We took our boat there the other night and had a nice, casual dinner. There is also a fun outdoor restaurant just north of the Pub right next to the bridge that takes you over to the mainland called Jimmy Guana's. There's a fake great white and a marlin hanging upside down like it was just caught and the kids love to pose under it for pictures. Food's ok, but there's a really big outdoor deck with one side facing the pool, and the other facing the intercoastal and marina.
Putt Putt golf in Clw. beach or just down the street in Indian Shores.

Congratulations on Indian Rocks.

When I was last there -- well, a few years ago -- it was one of the few places on the West Coast of Florida that still looked the way Florida looked when I was a kid.

Enjoy, and write a trip report for us. I would love to go back!