Tiki Gardens – Indian Shores Beach Access

Located at 4000 East Indian Shores Blvd. in Indian Shores, Florida, Tiki Gardens was a South Seas Polynesian theme park that was opened in 1964 and closed in the 1980s. The park offered a variety of attractions including: Tiki House, Tikal, and more. Click here for more info.

Trader Frank’s Tiki Gardens

Trader Frank’s Tiki Gardens was a South Seas Polynesian themed theme park in Indian Shores, Florida. It was a complex comprised of a restaurant, gift shops, and lagoons. The property was purchased for $3 million by Pinellas County in 1990.

Trader Frank’s Tiki Gardens was the brainchild of Frank and Jo Miller Byars. They were married and had no children. The two had lived in Tampa in the mid-1940s, and in the early 1950s they purchased 19601 Gulf Boulevard in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. The Byars poured everything into the Tiki Gardens. They had a small Polynesian garden, a restaurant, and 10 themed gift shops. They sold handicrafts made by local artists.

David Cortright remembers walking down the Tiki Gardens nature trail as a child. He remembers seeing giant tikis, peacocks, and monkeys. He recalls women dressed in exotic South Seas dress. He also remembers that he could free roam the Tiki Gardens.

In 1988, Frank and Jo Byars decided to sell the Tiki Gardens to foreign investors. A developer bought the property and planned to build a hotel on the site. The Australian investors accepted $1 million in opals in exchange for the land.

Polynesian Fantasy Tiki Gardens

During the 1950’s and 1960’s Tiki Gardens in Indian Shores, Florida was a wildly popular tourist attraction. At one time, it attracted more than 500,000 visitors per year. It also featured the longest fishing pier in Florida.

Tiki Gardens also featured a large, impressive Polynesian Adventure Trail. Visitors could stroll along the trail, admiring giant Tiki statues and jungle animals. In addition, there were eight dining rooms in the Mai-Kai Cafe.

The Polynesian Adventure Trial was the brainchild of Frank Byars. He also envisioned a hotel on the property. Before long, Tiki Gardens was the biggest tourist attraction in Florida. In fact, during the height of its popularity, the restaurant was a popular hangout for celebrity celebrities.

It’s a shame that Tiki Gardens closed in 1986. The property was a 12-acre tiki paradise. The site was also home to Trader Frank’s, a world-famous Polynesian restaurant. It was also home to eight other gift shops. There was also a bar. The park also featured lagoons, jungle trails, and exotic birds. Discover More about Pinellas Park here.

Public parking lot with access to Indian Shores Beach

Getting to the beach can be a challenge, especially in a small town such as Indian Rocks Beach. Fortunately, there are many ways to go about it. First and foremost, take advantage of the many parking options that are available. The beach is a short drive away. The town itself is clean and safe, and is home to an assortment of boutiques and casual eateries. There are also plenty of locals to share the car ride with, making the trip an enjoyable one.

For starters, there are several public beach access parks and parking lots in the area. The most prominent is the aptly named Main Beach Access Park, located between 13th and 14th Avenues. The park is well patrolled by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and boasts a large parking lot, restrooms and pay stations.

Despite the name, there are no lifeguards on duty. To ensure the safety of your loved ones, always call 911 if you are in doubt. In addition, don’t forget to bring the requisite quarters!

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about Tiki Gardens – Indian Shores Beach Access Indian Shores FL: What are the Frequently asked questions about Tiki Gardens? Where can you find the information you need?

Tiki Gardens was once a popular tourist destination in Florida. Before Disney, it attracted 500,000 visitors a year. However, it ran out of gas in 1988. The property has since been purchased by Pinellas County and is now a county-owned property. It is now covered by scrub palmetto and a smattering of detritus.

The Tiki Gardens was a part of the Tocobaga legacy. It featured thatched-covered tiki huts, a pond, and a souvenir shop. It also was home to painted stucco Tiki statues.

A sign at the entrance to the 170-space parking lot marks the location of the Tiki Gardens. The Tiki Gardens property is now owned by Pinellas County. The Tiki Gardens parking lot is across the street from the Indian Shores Beach Access.

The Tiki Gardens paved acreage is now used as a beach access parking lot. You can find limited free public parking at many access parks. You can also find paid parking. Fortunately, there are many access parks that offer golf cart parking. There are also public restrooms at the Main Beach Access Park and Kolb Park. Browse next article.

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