Sun and Sand: Visit Tampa’s Top 9 Beaches
Get ready to bask in the sun and feel the sand between your toes as we journey through Tampa’s stunning beaches. Wait–you may think. Isn’t Tampa inland and on a bay? Doesn’t it lack beaches? Not necessarily! A few places have bayside water access, and the other beaches are about a 30- to 60-minute drive! Easy for a day trip on the beautiful Florida West Coast. From the energy at Clearwater to the laidback sands of St. Pete, let us guide you through the picture-perfect coastal wonders Tampa offers.
Clearwater Beach
This spring break destination may be the most well-known of the Tampa Bay metro beaches. People have long traveled to Clearwater to enjoy fun in the sun and surf. The city offers a fantastic beach with many activities, delicious food, and lively nightlife. Besides parasailing and jet-skiing right off the sands, the oceanfront strip is jam-packed with attractions. Sure, some may be there to appeal to those on vacation, but who doesn’t want to ride the jet boat once? Plus, the kids will love the pirate ship sailing and the Clearwater Aquarium.
Clearwater Beach is highly developed, so if you’re in town for vacation or a staycation, find many places to stay. It’s a popular pick for sports teams in town for college bowl games or tournaments: they get the classic Florida beach experience and have direct access to town. That’s because State Road 60, known as the Courtney Campbell Causeway, directly connects Tampa to Clearwater Beach.
The downside is that Clearwater Beach’s popularity equals more people and less parking, especially during spring and summer. Plan accordingly if you want to go. Once on the island, a trolley can take you along the strip to the dining and attractions.
Come see why this gem was named “America’s Best Beach” by TripAdvisor in 2019.
St. Pete Beach
Another popular spot to relax on the soft sand is St. Petersburg Beach, which stretches four miles along the Gulf of Mexico. This oft-ranked nationwide “best beach” has it all–sun, surf, and an abundance of seashells. And the coast here has a more retro vibe than its Clearwater neighbor. The pink Don Cesar Resort dominates the skyline, but on either side are more full-service beachfront hotels and resorts for a nice staycation.
The drive from Tampa is a little further, but it’s still a convenient day trip for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a closer option if you live in St. Petersburg. The beach has water sports rentals, including parasailing and jet skiing, which you’ll see at most urban beaches. Find rentable yellow umbrellas, canopies, and chairs if you want to avoid hauling your own. You rent bicycles to explore the area on wheels. Head to the northern end for a “Secret Garden” on Upham Beach Park.
At St. Pete Beach, restaurants and beach bars right against the sands make it easy to grab a bite and a drink as you watch the sunset over the Gulf. Don’t miss out on Corey Avenue for some great seaside shopping and more dining choices.
TripAdvisor gave St. Pete Beach top honors in 2021 for beaches in America, so plan a beach day here at least once you move to Tampa.
Treasure Island Beach
Looking for a more laid-back vibe? Head to Treasure Island Beach, where things move slightly slower than nearby Clearwater and St. Pete Beaches. The leisurely pace will make you feel like you are on island time, but it’s still close to urban Tampa.
The City of Treasure Island sits adjacent to the north end of St. Pete Beach and passes through Madeira Beach on its way up Pinellas County. Again, the ride is longer than heading to Clearwater Beach, but it’s still an easy day trip.
Treasure Island has a reputation as one of the best fishing spots in town. You can rent boats to head out on the water or walk along Treasure Island Causeway and check out the catch of the day from local fishermen.
The beach has lifeguards during high season for those who like to swim in calmer waters. Join in on the beach fun with a competitive game of volleyball, or relax and watch the sunset over the deep blue. Treasure Island Beach’s wide sands and shallow entry make it ideal for less confident swimmers. It’s one reason it’s considered a family-friendly beach; so are the slides set up at 104th Avenue. Gentle but sustained winds make it a favorite among beach kite-fliers, and you’ll often see these colorful creations gracing the skies.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Take a trip to Pass-a-Grille Beach for a quieter, more secluded experience. This gem sits at the end of St. Pete Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Locals love it. Because it’s harder to get to, it has fewer tourists, and it’s managed to preserve its old Florida beach town vibe. You’ll find neat beachfront properties, quaint shops, and mom-and-pop restaurants.
Unlike many other beaches in the Tampa Bay metro area, no resorts or high-rises are right up against the sand. Pathways cut through the sea oats and dunes that protect the waterfront. Regulations prohibit building directly on the sands, which has protected the waterfront. Only one restaurant was grandfathered into this rule.
Pass-A-Grille‘s four miles of beach has bay and Gulf access, making it great for water activities like jet-skiing or kayaking. Plus, there’s plenty of space to lay on the sand and soak up some sun.
The duration of the drive from downtown Tampa to Pass-a-Grille Beach makes it more suited for a weekend getaway than a day trip.
Honeymoon Island State Park
One of the truest city beach escapes in the Tampa Bay metro awaits at Honeymoon Island State Park. This pristine state park boasts four miles of undeveloped white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The island was originally used as a honeymoon spot for newlyweds in the 1950s, which is how it got its name.
Near Dunedin in northern Pinellas County, Honeymoon Island State Park is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Tampa. Visitors find endless unspoiled real estate to bask in the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, or beachcombing at Honeymoon Island.
You won’t find jet ski rentals or speed boats here; just laidback concessions with beach chairs, kayak rentals, ice creams, and cold drinks. Instead, hike the Osprey Trail, a two-mile nature trail leading you through one of Florida’s last remaining virgin slash pine forests. Watch for various bird species and even the occasional sea turtle! Or, take a ferry to neighboring Caladesi Island State Park, where you can explore the island’s secluded beaches and lush mangrove forests.
Be sure to plan when visiting Honeymoon Island, as it is a state park and charges a small entrance fee. Many consider it worth every penny for an idyllic beach day. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot some dolphins frolicking offshore in the crystal-clear waters.
Caladesi Island State Park
[Graphic Fun Fact: Caladesi Island was Dr. Beach’s #1 Beach in 2008, #2 in 2022 and #4 in 2023.]
Named one of the nation’s top beaches by Dr. Beach and Conde Nast Traveler, Caladesi Island is truly a sight to behold. Few islands on the Florida Gulf Coast are left untouched, and this is one of them. The island has three miles of pristine, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Caladesi Island State Park is only accessible by boat. You can take a short ferry ride from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park and spend the day exploring this idyllic island paradise. Private boats are welcome if they pay the park entrance fee and obey the rules. The marina has 180 slips and accommodates 30 overnight guests.
Caladesi Island’s pristine nature trails allow visitors to spot wildlife such as ospreys, herons, dolphins, and more. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the mangrove forests surrounding the island.
With no high-rise buildings, hotels, or restaurants on the island, Caladesi offers visitors an authentic beach experience among nature. Come for the day and enjoy a quiet picnic on the beach, or stay overnight in one of their cozy cabins for a truly unique vacation experience. Caladesi is just off the coast of Dunedin in St. Joseph Sound between Honeymoon Island and Clearwater Beach.
Fort DeSoto Park
Fort DeSoto Beach in Pinellas County is a beach lover’s paradise and one-time “Best Beach in America” by Dr. Beach. This beautiful park boasts five interconnected islands and over three miles of pristine white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
With calm waters perfect for swimming and plenty of activities like fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, it’s no wonder Fort DeSoto Beach has been voted one of the best beaches in America time and time again by various sites.
Fort DeSoto State Park has got you covered no matter what you’re looking for on a beach day. Families will love the calm, shallow waters at North Beach, which make for perfect swimming conditions for little ones. History buffs can explore the remnants of Fort DeSoto, built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. And for those seeking a more secluded experience, there are three-mile-long stretches of beach on the southern end of the park where you can find your own slice of uncrowded paradise.
Fort DeSoto State Park is also home to a campground. It has various amenities such as picnic areas, bike and kayak rentals, a dog park, and a ferry to nearby Egmont Key State Park. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Fort DeSoto is one of Tampa Bay’s best beaches.
Anna Maria Island
Cross over the iconic Sunshine Skyway in southern Pinellas County to find Anna Maria Island near Bradenton in Manatee County. Besides a different view on the bridge, visitors prize its seven miles of pristine gleaming beaches and crystal clear waters. This barrier island is a laid-back old Florida paradise with no high-rises or chain restaurants. It is perfect for those seeking a quiet beach experience.
Grab your beach gear and head to one of the many public access points along the island’s coastline, including Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach Park, and Anna Maria Bayfront Park. These beaches offer plenty of space to spread out, soak up the sun, and enjoy the warm Gulf waters. At Bean Point, the island’s northern tip, you have panoramic views of where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Just be wary of swimming because of the strong currents.
After a day at the beach, stroll down Pine Avenue in Anna Maria downtown. This charming street is lined with local boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants serving fresh seafood caught right off the island’s shores. And for those seeking a little adventure, hop on a bike and explore the island’s various nature trails, or rent a boat for a day of fishing in the Gulf.
Anna Maria Island may be small, but it is full of charm and natural beauty that will have you return year after year to experience its serene beaches and relaxed atmosphere. No wonder this gem has been named one of the best island beaches in Tampa Bay and beyond by Conde Nast Traveler.
Ben T. Davis Beach
Sometimes, you want a beach moment, but maybe not the drive. For that reason, we’re including Ben T. Davis Beach on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The perk here is the stunning views of the Tampa city skyline. It is a popular spot for beachgoers seeking a quick escape from the city but not a drive to the West Coast.
The narrow beach does have sand, picnic areas, and a paved trail perfect for biking, rollerblading, or taking a stroll. It’s also a popular spot for watching boats and windsurfers in the distance.
To bookend a trip here, there are some easy-to-get-to waterfront restaurants. Head to The Whiskey Joe’s Barefoot Beach Bar right on the water for casual eats and cocktails. Or pack a picnic dinner to eat while enjoying the sunset over the bay.
Tampa Best Beaches
As you can see, the Tampa Bay area does have beautiful beaches. Don’t write it off because it’s not directly oceanfront like Miami or Sarasota. The central Gulf Coast’s beaches are prizes for their unique charm and characteristics, which is why so many have been nationally ranked. Marvel at the untouched beauty of Caladesi Island State Park and Fort DeSoto Park’s rich history to the laid-back atmosphere of Anna Maria Island. So, pack your beach gear and get ready to soak up the sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Sunshine State.
