Feeling beachy? 10 places to go around Indy for a tropical day

Let's dream. You're on a beach. There's sand between your toes, sun on your skin and the drink in your hand is tropical.

It's the perfect vacation. But in reality you don't have time for a "wind in your hair" getaway.

That's OK, check out one of these tropical places in Central Indiana.

1. Grab a drink at Toucan's Tiki Hut, 13825 Britton Park Road, Fishers, (317) 773-9988.

This outdoor oasis is connected to Pinheads Entertainment Center. Bartenders are mixing up a drink they call Sand in Your Toucan. The tropical cocktail is a blend of rum, raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice and a splash of cranberry.

2. Play sand volleyball at Indianapolis Sports Park, 6701 S. Harding St., (317) 784-7447.

Rent a court for the night ($60 an hour) or sign up for one of the park's summer leagues. Fees are $180 per team per session. Fees include balls, referees, schedules and awards for first-place teams.

3. Feel the breeze at Rick's Cafe Boatyard, 4050 Dandy Trail,(317) 290-9300.

From crab cakes to lobster, this restaurant on the city's Northwestide offers a long menu of seafood favorites. The outdoor patio is adjacent to the Eagle Creek Reservoir. The boatyard offers live entertainment daily throughout the summer.

4. Sip at the tiki bar at Revolucion, 1132 Prospect St., (317) 423-9490.

This warm weather favorite could be the best kept secret in town. The beach-like atmosphere in the back of this Fountain Square restaurant feels like a getaway for young lovers.

5. Dance the night away at Tiki Bob's, 231 S. Meridian St., (317) 384-8622.

This Indianapolis nightclub draws a crowd on the weekends.

Slip into the "Cantina" for half-priced drinks on Wednesday nights.

Inside, the bar's decor could put you in the mood for a Mai Tai or tropical-inspired drink.

6. Check outHidden Paradise, 802 E. Jefferson St., St. Paul, (765) 525-6582.

Have time for a drive? Head 45 minutes down the road to this tucked-away oasis. Cabins are available for $100 a night. There are two options for swimming — Flat Rock River and Dream Lake Rock Quarry. Cost for Dream Lake: $7 for ages 4-12 and $10 for ages 13 and up.

7. Play in the water at Saxony Beach, 13288 Pennington Road, Fishers, (317) 770-1818.

More than 800 people swim, fish and enjoy water sports at the lake every week during the peak of the summer season.

The beach is open from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

8. Relax atMango Bay Salon and Spa, 1329 W. 96th St., Suite A, (317) 846-3427.

Facials, massages and body treatments are available at this spa with a tropical theme.

But for those who can't decide, try the Mini Mango!

It includes a 30 minute facial, a 30 minute massage, and a basic manicure for about $100.

9. Take off in a motorboat at Geist Marina, 10999 Olio Road,McCordsville, (317) 849-8455.

This Indiana marina has two public-access boat launching ramps for motorboats and sailboats. The sailboat ramp, located at 11695 Fall Creek Road, could put you in the mood for a leisurely day on the water. Ramp prices are $15 Monday through Friday and $30 on weekends.

10. Get carried away at Flatwater Resturant, 832 E. Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis, (317) 257-5466.

On the inside, it sort of feels like a fancy Florida beach shack on hot summer day. Outside, a patio provides patrons with water views of the Indiana Central Canal.

Build your own Bloody Mary on Sundays.

Call Star reporter Cara Anthony at (317) 444-6049. Follow her on Twitter: @CaraRAnthony.