RSS
Home
Tampa Travel 101: Where are the best beaches in Tampa Bay?
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
When planning a trip to the Tampa Bay area, the first thing to realize is that Tampa itself is not a coastal city. Although visitors will find plenty of water in Tampa—Hillsborough River, numerous lakes, and our beautiful bay—the real beach scene lies a bit farther west.
The Gulf beaches are lovely, with blue-green waters, white sands, and enough shells to satisfy even the most zealous collector. In this area of the state, beachgoers will be happy to discover very little seaweed and almost no jellyfish. Despite an array of activities, restaurants, and shops, Florida’s west coast feels much more tranquil than its Daytona, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale counterparts.
The beach is very accessible. Much of the shoreline is incorporated into state or county parks, which helps keep the area clean, safe, and affordable for families. Here are six Tampa-area beaches that are particularly worth a visit. The beaches are listed from north to south.
Honeymoon Island State Park/ Caladesi Island Both Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands have soft clean sand, ample paddling opportunities, and crisp blue waters. There is one major difference, however: visitors can only reach Caladesi by boat! Ferries are available but it’s also possible to canoe or kayak to the island. The islands both feel slightly remote despite their proximity to Dunedin, and that means fewer crowds.
Clearwater Beach This beach is a typical family vacation spot. One short walk down any of the main streets, and you’re bound to hear live music, see a man on stilts, or have a woman offer to braid your hair. Clearwater Beach is a beehive of activity, and although the crowds might test your patience, it’s tough to be angry when you see one of those sunsets. Don’t miss the nightly entertainment and crafts market at Pier 60.
Sand Key Park is just a short bridge away from Clearwater Beach, yet it feels completely different. This quiet barrier island is a refuge for those fleeing the highrises and hoopla. Sea turtles are known for nesting here in the summer.
Treasure Island If you long for chocolate malts and Beach Blanket Bingo, head to Treasure Island. Only 10 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg, “TI” has a definite retro-feel. You won’t find miniature golf and chain restaurants here, but you will find wide beaches and a folksy atmosphere. Kids will love the ice cream at Sweets ‘n’ Treats, and the Sunday night drum circles are quite a spectacle to behold.
*Tip: Want to get away from the main road? Continue south on Gulf until you reach Sunset Beach and veer right. After enjoying the view, head over to Caddy’s for some fresh grouper.
Pass-A-Grille Just past St. Pete Beach is this lovely village. Some of this area’s oldest homes can be found here, along with art galleries, restaurants, and a variety of fishing options. Take a swim right off of the beach, or venture out to nearby Shell Key for a little snorkeling.
Fort DeSoto This Pinellas County park has lots to offer any time of year, but it’s best known for the award-winning North Beach. Clean bathhouses, abundant picnic shelters, and a spacious dog beach make this a terrific day trip. If you can’t get enough DeSoto in one day, reserve a campsite and pitch a tent right beside the water.
More About:
family ·
dunedin ·
coast ·
state parks ·
Clearwater ·
free ·
nature ·
St. Petersburg ·
kids ·
budget ·
beach ·
watersports ·
travel 101
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
Manatees garner lots of attention in Florida, and for good reasons. Manatees are constantly at risk of being injured or killed because of careless …
