5 Best Tampa Bay Beaches

March 27, 2020 - Updated

Courtesy of JEROME LABOUYRIE - Fotolia.com

Regardless of age or background, everybody loves going to the beach. It’s the perfect space to simply get away from it all, to forget about the worries of regular life and flee from the noise and pollution of city spaces. Breathing in the fresh sea air and relaxing on the soft sand is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face, and that’s why beaches have proven to consistently be some of the most popular places to spend sunny days all around the world. Even when the sun isn’t shining, a beach can be a lovely place to relax with friends or family, but when the sun does come out and the temperatures rise, beaches offer all kinds of excitement both on the sand and out in the water.

1.Clearwater Beach

Clearwater is a name that any Florida resident or traveler will surely have heard. This beach is actually known all around the world and has been ranked as one of the prettiest beaches on the planet multiple times. With the softest sands you can possibly imagine and wonderful warm waters that are just right for swimming and many other activities, Clearwater has a lot to offer. The area has also undergone significant development to incorporate new attractions. The local Clearwater Aquarium, for example, is a great place to spend some time and there are plenty of top quality restaurants, bars, and nightlife locations just off the beach.

2.St Pete Beach

Located right by St Petersburg, St Pete Beach is one of the most beloved beaches in the Tampa Bay area and has consistently been ranked as one of the best beaches in all of America. The sands here, like many other locations around Tampa, are exceptionally white and soft to walk along, and the waters are just right, but this beach really stands out in terms of the activities and amenities found nearby. Lots of great restaurants can be found on the beachfront, and there are plenty of activity operators and rental stores too providing things like jet skis and beach equipment. The nearby city has plenty of great shopping areas and hotels to extend your stay, making St Pete Beach an ideal location for a full day of fun.

3.Sand Key Park

Not far from Clearwater, Sand Key is a great spot for families or beach-goers who are looking for a little peace and quiet. Many Tampa Bay beaches are very popular and highly touristic areas that can sometimes get quite busy, but Sand Key Park is one of the lesser-known spots along this beautiful section of coastline. That means that this particular beach is generally quite calm, offering a tranquil environment for sunbathers to drift off into an afternoon nap or groups of friends and families to share a picnic together without any distractions. There are several picnic areas to choose from in the park itself, as well as showers, restrooms, and a fun play area for kids.

4.Caladesi Island

Caladesi Island is quite simply a must-visit Tampa Bay beach. Why? For starters, it's one of the most aesthetically impressive beaches anywhere on the Florida coastline. The white sands of this beach seem to stretch out without any end in both directions, and the surrounding state park offers unparalleled views, as well as a good chance of spotting some wildlife. There are various trails to enjoy, and a simple stroll up and down the beach can be so fulfilling at Caladesi Island. It's worth noting, however, that this Tampa Bay beach is only accessible by boat, but plenty of services run to and from the island each day.

5.Fort De Soto

Fort De Soto Park covers more than 1,000 acres in total and consists of several little islands all linked together, so there's a huge amount of sand to explore here. It's a very natural, peaceful area that is very popular with local wildlife, meaning that any beachgoers at this Tampa Bay spot will have a good chance of spotting some birds nesting among the grassy areas or dolphins playing out at sea. Camping is even possible at this Tampa Bay beach park, and there multiple miles of scenic hiking and cycling trails to enjoy, offering unbeatable views of the Tampa Bay and Gulf waters.

6.More Info

If you want to have the best time at the beach in the United States, Florida is definitely one of the top places to be. The Sunshine State has the longest coastline than any other part of the contiguous United States and also has some of the warmest weather in all of North America. With the Atlantic Coast on one side and the Gulf Coast on the other, Florida has a long list of exceptional beaches to choose from, and plenty of beautiful beaches can be found in the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay beaches are not only wonderful to look at, they can also provide the perfect setting for lots of different activities from swimming and snorkeling to surfing and boating.

Best Beaches in Tampa Bay

Florida has some of the best beaches in America and the Tampa Bay area is replete with stunning sandy spaces for all to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves on a surfboard or jet ski, reel in a big one on a fishing charter tour, or simply sit on the sand and admire the view, Tampa Bay beaches can provide all you need. Read on to learn all about the best beaches in this part of Florida.