Visitors Welcome

Welcome to Indian Rocks Beach!

We’re so glad you’re enjoying this piece of paradise we call home! Whether this is your first visit or you’re an IRB veteran, whether you’re here for a weekend or for a winter, there’s always something new to see or do.

This overview will introduce you to our city. Please follow the links for more in-depth information.

Visitor Information

Where to Get Information

Your Resources

Beach Welcome Center

At the Beach Welcome Center, located on 105 5th Ave N, just off Gulf Boulevard, you’ll find information on everything to do at IRB, along with coupons for discounts at local businesses.

Welcome Center

City Hall

For official municipal information and rules, you can visit City Hall Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm at 1507 Bay Palm Boulevard.  Or reach us by phone at 727-595-2517.

Transportation

Walk or Ride

We pride ourselves in being a walkable community. When crossing Gulf Boulevard on foot, please use our plentiful pedestrian crosswalks. Press the button to activate the flashing lights, but always look both ways before entering crosswalk!

Our speed limits are low (30 mph on the main Gulf Blvd. and 25 mph on residential streets). Limited free parking is allowed at many of our 27 beach accesses (some are pedestrian only), at city parks and on some residential streets. There are 80 paid spaces at 1700 Gulf Blvd.

Suncoast Beach Trolley

We also are serviced by the Suncoast Beach Trolley*, which runs from Clearwater to St. Pete Beach, with multiple stops along Gulf Boulevard.

View Suncoast Beach Trolley Schedule
Public Restrooms

Four Public Restrooms

For your comfort, we have four public restrooms. They are at: Chic-A-Si Park (203 4th Ave., next to the Historical Museum); IRB Nature Preserve (903 Gulf Blvd.); Kolb Park (1508 Bay Palm Blvd.) next to the tennis courts; and Pinellas County Beach Access at 17th Ave. and Gulf Blvd.

Life’s a Beach

The Beach Life

Our 2.7 miles of sparkling, sandy coastline is what really makes us shine. We are known for our small town charm and stupendous sunsets.

One of the legends claims the name Indian Rocks Beach came from the Native American Indians crossing from the mainland to the island to fish the shore. They chose a narrow spot, where the rocks protruding from the water made it easy for them to cross to the island. So, the rocks became known as Indian Rocks.

Indian Rocks Beach was developed in the early 1920s as a weekend getaway destination. Mainlanders flocked to this newly discovered paradise seeking escape from city life. The shoreline retreats they built ranged from cottages to grand beach homes.

The City of Indian Rocks Beach is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway in Pinellas County, or more precisely at 27°53 45″N 82°50 51″W.′ ′

Our city is approximately 1.4 square miles of which 0.9 square miles is land and 0.5 square miles (33.09%) is water. We boast 9 City parks, Docks, Skate Park, Dog Park, 27 public beach accesses, and a nature preserve. “Indian Rocks Causeway” bridge is located on Gulf Boulevard and 5th Avenue.

Indian Rocks Beach is a state-chartered municipality and was incorporated on June 25, 1955. For more historical information please visit the Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum at 203 4th Avenue. You may also call (727) 593-3861 or visit their website.

Pets are forbidden at the beach. Please do not throw cigarette butts in the sand. Please see Important resident information.

Beach Wildlife & Conservation

About our wildlife

Nesting Sea Turtles

We’re especially proud to be home to nesting sea turtles, and our residents vigorously protect their nests. The nesting season is May 1 to Oct. 31. During season, each turtle makes between two and eight nests, though only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood. It’s important to keep the sand level in the evening (push down sand structures, fill in holes and remove items from the beach) to give baby turtles a clear path to the sea after they hatch.

Learn More About Sea Turtles

Sea Creatures

In the waters, you’ll also find many creatures, including our much beloved bottlenose dolphins and, during the warmest months, manatees. Although manatees, aka “sea cows” are gentle and move slowly, they should not be touched or harassed. Boaters should be particularly careful to avoid them. More information on protecting manatees can be found here.

If you see shells with live creatures inside, please do not remove them from their natural habitat.

Food & Drink

Eat and Drink

From Cuban sandwiches to Italian fine dining, there’s something for everyone’s taste at IRB restaurants, cafes and bars. We even have our very own brewery and of course a sports bar or three. Restaurants, situated along Gulf Boulevard and 5th Avenue/Walsingham Blvd., include a French café, pizza joints, breakfast spots, ice-cream stops, bakeries and, of course, seafood, seafood and more seafood.

Shopping Options Galore

You’ll find a wealth of retail shops

Shop along Gulf Blvd. or nearby. Our locally owned independent shops include those selling clothing, gift items, fishing rods and tackle, sweets, food items, jewelry, surfing apparel, beach items, and locally made art.

Pet Information

Pets

We love our furry friends. You’ll see many people walking their dogs (and occasional cats!) on residential streets! Please note that pets are NOT allowed on the beach ($500 fine) or on the Nature Preserve Boardwalk. They should be on leash at all times, unless you are inside the IRB Dog Park, located next to the boardwalk. Indian Rocks Beach has a veterinary practice and there are several pet sitters and dog walkers available to hire.

Recreation & Nature

Outdoor lovers’ paradise

Indian Rocks Beach is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, with more to see than the beach!

Parks

The city has numerous parks, some with playgrounds, others with tennis and pickleball courts, and even one with bocce ball. The largest recreation area is the always-lively Kolb Park, across from City Hall, which has a ballfield, basketball court and skateboard park (permit required), as well as a playground, picnic pavilion, and tennis and pickleball courts.

Parks

Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve

A must-see for nature lovers is the Boardwalk at the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve between 9th and 10th avenues on Gulf Boulevard. The half-mile trail goes from the main parking area, through mangroves to a viewpoint toward the Intracoastal Waterway, with informational signage along the way. There’s also a shorter boardwalk along the Intracoastal off 1st Street in the Narrows.

Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve

Keegan Clair Park

Boaters and paddlers can launch from the residential 15th Avenue Boat Ramp. There are floating Boat Docks at Keegan Clair Park, which are conveniently within walking distance of lodging, shops, restaurants and the beach.

Keegan Clair Park

Fishing

Anglers have plentiful spots to fish from, in both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Just make sure to get a fishing permit first.

Fishing Permit

Kolb Park

Kolb Park is the park with the most recreational amenities within the City of Indian Rocks Beach. It includes areas for Little League baseball, tennis, a skate park, basketball, pickleball, adaptive playground equipment as well as many other features.

Weddings & Special Occasions

A lifetime memory

Weddings and Special Occasions

Anyone wishing to use the beach for their wedding ceremony does not need to complete a Temporary Use Permit UNLESS they have more than 49 guests. After that they must apply for a permit from City Hall.

If you’re looking for a place to hold a special occasion like a birthday party, wedding, reunion or picnic, consider one of our seven parks or the beach. You can reserve a spot at a city park by filling out a Pavilion Reservation Application.  If your event includes more than 49 people, you’ll need a Temporary Use Permit.

Special Occasion Rentals

Beyond the Beach

More than a beach

Indian Rocks Historical Museum

We’re not all about the beach here. In fact, Indian Rocks Beach has a very rich history that we love to show off at our very own Indian Rocks Historical Museum. Even the building it’s in is historic – it’s one of the oldest houses in the city, built in 1939. Exhibits include a timeline of the area, past landmarks and even a vintage wool swimsuit. A favorite of locals and visitors are the photo albums filled with images of all the city’s streets as they once were. You can also purchase historic photos in the museum gift shop.

Indian Rocks Historical Museum

Historical Markers

Take your tour on the road by following our dozen historical markers,* mostly along Gulf Boulevard. These give passers-by information about places that are significant in the local history. Some celebrate places that still exist, while others are reminders of IRB past. Marker subjects include stone houses, small businesses and our famous “Old Florida” cottages. These quaint, colorful structures at one time dotted the community, helping to give it its laid-back beachy vibe. Thankfully, many still remain. You can also download the app “Walk Indian Rocks Beach” for a narrated, self-guided tour of 14 stops with historical images and music.

Walk Indian Rocks Beach

Library

We’re also proud of our library, which turned 50 years old in 2024. It’s staffed by a full-time librarian and more than a dozen helpful community volunteers. Bring the kids for the weekly Story Time. The library also offers the use of computers and will make printouts and copies. Its bookstore sells affordable used hard covers and paperbacks. The library also operates four “Take-a-Book, Leave-a-Book” boxes throughout the city. If you want to check out material, you’ll need to purchase a nonresident library card.

IRB Library

Beach Art Center

Into art? Check out our Beach Art Center, which includes a gallery and gift shop featuring local artists. Visitors love the “Arts on the Rocks” series on Friday evenings. These “make it and take it” workshops in a variety of mediums give young and old creatives all the materials and instruction they need – no experience needed.

Speaking of art, make sure to admire our bronze sprinkled throughout town sculptures (a turtle, dolphin and manatee), part of an ongoing public art project.

Beach Art Center
Popular IRB Events

Events

There’s never a dull month in Indian Rocks Beach. The city, civic organizations, churches and social groups work together to sponsor events and offer activities and we warmly welcome our visitors to join. Exact dates and a full list of all upcoming events can all be found on the city’s calendar.

Garage Sales

There are two citywide garage sales yearly, one in the spring and one in the fall. These are a great way to find bargains and meet the locals. The dates vary year to year and can be found on our city calendar.

City Calendar

Beach cleanups

Beach cleanups. Sponsored by GreenTown Kids and Keep Pinellas Beautiful. These fun workdays are perfect for families and anyone who cares about IRB’s beautiful sand and shores.

Keep Pinellas Beautiful

A Taste of IRB

A Taste of IRB, put on by the civic group IRB Home, features live music and food offerings from more than a dozen local restaurants, along with beer and wine. It’s held every April.

A Taste of IRB

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, organized by IRB Action 2000, is a lively event with live music, food, drink and merchandise vendors, local nonprofits and games, including a stein carrying and keg throwing contests.

Oktoberfest by IRB Action 2000

IRB holiday celebrations

IRB holiday celebrations are a highlight of the year. The season kicks off in early December with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by the local Christmas Parade, which winds through the city’s streets. The Holiday Home Tour, sponsored by IRB Home, takes guests inside local homes. The season is capped by the popular Lighted Boat Parade, which features dozens of decorated boats spreading holiday cheer.

City Calendar
Friendly Reminders

Clean and Safe

For your convenience, there are trash cans at every beach access and park in Indian Rocks Beach. Rental condos and homes also have trash cans and curbside recycling. There is a recycling station across from City Hall, 1507 Bay Palm Blvd. Note: Plastic bags are not recyclable. Full recycling details are here.

Please do not throw cigarette butts on the beach or on the street.

We love our quiet beach community. Please keep loud music and loud voices down while respecting your neighbors.

We celebrate holidays here with many activities, but we don’t allow fireworks. All fireworks and fires on the beach are prohibited. Anything that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal and can be fined up to $500.