A great destination in Indian Rocks Beach. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Note: The boardwalk at this beautiful park closed on August 5, 2024. Originally scheduled to be closed until January 2025 for reconstruction, the damage caused by Hurricane Helene on September 26-27 has postponed any work on this area of the park. The images in this post were taken in December 2023.
The overdeveloped barrier islands of Pinellas County, Florida, still have a few places where you can reconnect with nature. Located at 903 Gulf Boulevard, the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve offers you a place to see a vibrant estuary in central Pinellas. Open daily until sunset, the Nature Preserve includes a pavilion, dog park, a pedestrian boardwalk along the wetlands, and a great overlook of Boca Ciega Bay.
Part of the city's park system, the Nature Preserve is also a rare space where visitors can enjoy waterfront views without paying tolls or parking fees. Funds from Preservation 2000, Penny for Pinellas, and other state resources allowed for the Florida Communities Trust to acquire this tract in 2000.
View of the pavilion and dog park. Photo by Jim Schnur.
While some use the picnic space or bring their dogs to enjoy the open area set aside for them, most visitors come to the Nature Preserve to enjoy the natural area accessible on the boardwalk.
Restrooms are available for visitors. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A community garden occupies a portion of the Nature Preserve. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The boardwalk offers many places to stop along the way and notice the estuary at different levels and tidal phases. Let's visit the boardwalk and connect with natural treasures along the intracoastal.
Entrance to the boardwalk. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A stroll along the boardwalk above the estuary. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A short walk allows you to escape urbanized Florida. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Mangrove canopies exist along much of the boardwalk. Photo by Jim Schnur.
This part of the twenty-four year old boardwalk suffered damage during Hurricane Helene. Photo by Jim Schnur.
An inlet of Boca Ciega Bay and La Hacienda Drive are visible from the dock, shown here in December 2023. These areas suffered great damage during Helene in September 2024. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The thick mangroves provide sanctuary for a variety of birds. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Fish, crabs, and other saltwater sea life enjoy safe harbor. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve allows people to experience the coast as it once was along broad stretches of Boca Ciega Bay in Pinellas County. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Damage caused by Hurricane Helene has transformed much of Indian Rocks Beach and many of the barrier islands. Hopefully, in time, areas such as the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve will allow the waters to cleanse and heal the region's fragile ecosystem. Photo by Jim Schnur.
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