Indian Rocks Beach · Redington Beach · Seminole · St. Petersburg · Sarasota
Indian Rocks Beach · St. Petersburg · Sarasota
Sandy toes & perfect stays on Florida's Gulf Coast
Handpicked beach homes, waterfront pools and cozy bungalows, all minutes from sugar-white sand. A local host on call.
Where
First Chair Vacations4.94690 reviews · 620 Airbnb + 37 Vrbo + 33 Google
First Chair Vacations is a family of handpicked beach homes on Florida's Gulf Coast, run by Matthew, a local host who believes experiences matter more than things. From waterfront pool houses with docks, kayaks and golf carts in Indian Rocks Beach to cozy king-bed bungalows a five-minute walk from the sand, every home is set up so the vacation starts the moment you arrive: beach chairs and towels waiting at the beach-town homes, espresso machines stocked, pools heated. With more than 670 guest reviews averaging 4.96 stars, plus paddle board rentals delivered from Madeira Beach to Clearwater, First Chair makes it easy to live like a local on the beach.
Our beach homes
Hear first when this host opens direct rates or adds a new place.
Welcome
Escape to the serene shores of Indian Rocks Beach
First Chair Vacations is where handpicked beachfront homes and cozy rentals meet a host who actually answers the phone. Every home is remodeled and set up for the beach: most are a short walk or golf-cart ride from the Gulf's sugar-white sand, and the rest are a few minutes' drive. Whether you are planning a girls' weekend, a multi-generational family vacation or a quiet couple's escape, there is a First Chair home sized for it.
100% of the total booking charges are refunded if you cancel more than 30 days before arrival. 50% is refunded if you cancel more than 14 days before arrival. Cancellations within 14 days of arrival are not refunded.
Every home has a smart lock or a keypad available 24 hours a day, so you can let yourself in on your own schedule. Your entry code and arrival details are sent before your stay.
Bahia Paradise, She's A Shore Thing and Maxwell Sands welcome pets (Bahia Paradise allows up to 2 dogs, added at booking). Paradise Passage, Mangrove Haven, Palmetto House and the three Sugar Sands Retreats do not allow pets.
The primary renter must be at least 21 years old at every home.
It depends on the home. She's A Shore Thing provides beach chairs, an umbrella and towels plus adult and youth cruiser bikes. Maxwell Sands includes beach bikes and beach gear. Sugar Sands #1 has beach gear with a wagon and umbrella; Sugar Sands #2 provides beach towels, chairs, an umbrella and a cooler; Sugar Sands #3 provides chairs and towels and offers paddle boards. Bahia Paradise includes beach essentials plus kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and Mangrove Haven provides towels plus kayaks, paddle boards and fishing gear. Paradise Passage and Palmetto House are pool homes and do not list beach gear.
A complimentary 6-seater golf cart is included at Bahia Paradise, and a second cart can be added after booking. Guests at Maxwell Sands can inquire about renting an electric 6-seater cart. Indian Rocks Beach is golf-cart friendly.
We rent premium Wavestorm boards for $50 per day or $250 per week, including an adjustable paddle, safety leash, basic instruction, and free delivery, setup and pickup anywhere from Madeira Beach to Clearwater Beach. Stays of 3+ nights at Sugar Sands Retreat #3 through 12/31 receive free SUP rentals.
Yes. Bahia Paradise (saltwater), Paradise Passage, Mangrove Haven and Palmetto House all have private heated pools, and Bahia Paradise and Mangrove Haven add hot tubs. Pool heating is provided at no extra charge, but the maximum water temperature depends on outside air temperature; in cooler weather the pool may not feel warm even with the heater running, and refunds or credits are not provided for this normal limitation. The pools are not fenced.
The Sugar Sands Retreats and Bahia Paradise are a 5-minute walk from Indian Rocks Beach (10th and 12th Avenue entrances), She's A Shore Thing is 5–8 minutes on foot from the Redington Beach access, Maxwell Sands is a 10-minute walk, Paradise Passage is a 5-minute drive, Mangrove Haven is 7 minutes to St. Pete Beach and Palmetto House is 8 minutes to Lido Beach and 10 to Siesta Key.
Free parking is included at every home. Paradise Passage has room for 3 vehicles, Mangrove Haven parks 4 (maximum 3 vehicles per booking), and the Sugar Sands Retreats each have one dedicated space plus street parking. She's A Shore Thing and Maxwell Sands have garages.
Some homes have exterior cameras or surveillance for security (She's A Shore Thing, Paradise Passage, Maxwell Sands and the Sugar Sands Retreats). There are no cameras inside the homes.
No. The Palmetto House in Sarasota requires a 7-night minimum stay per city ordinance. It is ideal for longer visits, including families of patients at nearby Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
No. All First Chair homes are non-smoking.
Meet the team
Matthew
Owner & Host
Indian Rocks Beach, Florida
I've been a host for over 4 years. Being local to the beaches, I have always believed that experiences > things, an approach I try to live every day. Many people buy real estate. I buy the canvas to create unforgettable memories of laughter, smiles and relaxation. An experience creator first, I strive to make each of my guests feel a relaxing joy that comes with a vacation.
From your hosts
Experiences over things
I've been a host for over 4 years. Being local to the beaches, I have always believed that experiences > things, an approach I try to live every day. Many people buy real estate. I buy the canvas to create unforgettable memories of laughter, smiles and relaxation. An experience creator first, I strive to make each of my guests feel the relaxing joy that comes with a vacation. Grab the kayaks, fire up the Blackstone by the pool, take the golf cart to the sand, and let the rhythm of the Gulf Coast lull you into pure relaxation.
