Beaches in Tampa Bay, Florida

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.

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.

Not far from Clearwater, Sand Key Park 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.

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.

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.

Made famous by iconic attractions like the John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, Madeira Beach is a great summer destination to the west of St. Petersburg. The beach is home to 2.5 miles of beachfront and welcomes hundreds of thousands of people to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand annually. Among its many activities and attractions, some of the must-visit spots at Madeira Beach include the 1,100-foot boardwalk, sport-fishing trips along the harbor, and the Seafood Festival which is held annually in October at John’s Pass. Guests who want to enjoy a unique experience can hop onto a floating tiki bar for cocktail hour, too. For the tame at heart, there is a spectacular range of exciting restaurants and boardwalk shops to stop by.

It’s hard to find a beach more welcoming, more inclusive, and more quintessentially beachy than Sunset Beach. Situated at Treasure Island’s southern tip, Sunset Beach welcomes visitors from all walks of life, from all lifestyles, and of all interests to its shores. The beachfront is dotted with unique and eye-catching homes, tiki huts, bohemian-style bars, and more, and offers great community and recreational experiences for all of its visitors to enjoy. Guests to Sunset Beach will find great wheelchair-friendly walkways, public picnic areas, and restrooms, as well as a playground for everyone’s enjoyment. Be sure to stick around for the breathtaking sunsets that this beach is known for, too.

9000 W. Gulf Boulevard, Treasure Island, Florida 33706, Phone: 727-547-4575

If you’re the type of beachgoer who prefers a quiet excursion while still enjoying close proximity to the area’s attractions, then Indian Rocks Beach is for you. Famous for its laid-back beaches, Indian Rocks Beach promises a quiet seaside retreat in St. Petersburg, Florida, but also promises some spectacular food and drink establishments just around the corner. With great water sports and beach recreation experiences, Indian Rocks Beach also has some great tourist attractions to enjoy like the George C. McGough Nature Park, Heritage Village, Contagious Deep Sea Fishing Charters, and Kolb Park. Hungry guests shouldn’t miss out on a trip to Jimmy Guana’s for a great meal, while the tropical drinks available at the Cruzan Rum Shack are just what the doctor ordered for a hot day.

Indian Rocks Beach, St. Petersburg, Florida

Located in St. Pete Beach, Pass A Grille Beach promises sunshine all year round. Pass a Grille is St. Pete’s southernmost beach and is easily accessible to residents of St. Petersburg as the downtown area is just a short drive away. Visitors to Pass a Grille Beach can enjoy perusing numerous boutiques, shopping at lovely outdoor markets, eating at hot-spot restaurants, and lounging at rooftop bars. In addition to the typical beach activities, Pass a Grill Beach also has great fishing piers, tennis courts for public use, and ice cream shacks for the perfect cool-down treat. The best part? Pass a Grille Beach is pet friendly so your four-legged friends can come along for the trip.