Indian Rocks Beach, Florida

Last month we took our very first vacation as a family of three when we boarded planes and jetset with our pals the Appleton’s to sunny Florida! We started our trip inland at The Villages, a retirement community turned entire city colloquially and endearingly referred to as “Heavens Waiting Room.” My folks bought a house there two years ago, along with all three of my moms sisters, and between all the aunties and uncles they play golf, pickle ball, bingo, hit the town squares to dance the nights away and just have an absolute hoot and a half day in and day out.

We spent the first several days relaxing Villages style with golf, pitch and putt, pool time, town square visits and golf cart rides all over. It was also the final weekend of the U.S. Open so we watched Coco Gauff absolutely smash her amazing win. I’ll tell you what, I think tennis majors are some of my absolute favorite events to watch. Endless entertainment and unbelievable talent. Going to Wimbledon is definitely a bucket list item for Sam and I.

For the second half of our trip we decided to pack in the car and drive two hours east to a sleepy little beach town off the Gulf called Indian Rocks Beach. This place was everything I was hoping for in a Florida beach vacation: quiet, quaint, beautiful, homey, with excellent food and vibes. It had all the beauty of the white sand and blue water as Clearwater and St. Petersburg but without any of the touristy, cluttered attractions. Local coffee shops, ice cream parlors and seafood restaurants were within walking distance to our airbnb, as well as the beach of course.

We went to one of said local seafood restaurants the first night and enjoyed the immaculate views on the water at sunset to the freshest fish. The second night we decided to pick up a couple of frozen pizzas, bake them, and take them to the beach at sunset for a pizza and wine picnic. It was so fun and perfect, and we took advantage of the sunset to snap some family photos.

We look forward to our next beach vacation, hopefully right back here at Indian Rocks Beach, FL!