The Absolute Best Beaches Near Tampa
Tampa Bay is a beautiful area, and there are many beaches there that are worth your time. We love visiting the Tampa Bay area every year in the winter time. We are New England snowbirds!
The best beaches near Tampa are numerous, there are many miles of beautiful Gulf coastline. These Tampa beaches have been recognized as some of the best beaches in the country.
To find your absolutely favorite beach, it really depends on what you are looking for. Below I break each one down so you can make the best decision on which beach is best for you and your family.
So if you’re looking for the best beaches near Tampa, this list will help narrow down your options!
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a great place to go swimming. The beach has a large boardwalk with lots of restaurants and bars, along with plenty of shops for souvenirs or just window shopping.
There are jet ski rentals, parasailing adventures, and paddle boarding rentals available. Voted one of the best beaches near Tampa for many years, you will be sure to have a blast at Clearwater Beach.
Caladesi Island State Park
One of the best beaches near Tampa for snorkeling is in Caladesi Island State Park.
This beach is truly as untouched as they come. It is only accessible by boat! The island does not have any overnight accommodations, so you cannot stay here overnight.
This is the perfect spot to go paddle boarding or kayaking, as well as just lay on the beach and soak up that Florida sun!
St. Pete’s Beach
St. Pete Beach is a popular beach destination located on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. It is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and excellent weather throughout the year.
The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels, cafes, and shops nearby, making it an ideal place for a beach vacation.
Honeymoon Island State Park Beaches
Honeymoon Island State Park Beach is a beautiful beach located in Dunedin, Florida. It is part of Honeymoon Island State Park, which is a 385-acre park with four miles of beach plus 2.5 miles of hiking trails through pine flatwoods.
The beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and calm waves. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. The park also has a playground, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Honeymoon Island State Park Beach is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and relax. It is a popular spot for families and couples, and it is also a great place to take a walk or go for a run.
Pass-A-Grille Beach
Pass-A-Grille Beach is a barrier island located in St. Pete Beach, Florida. It’s well known as one of the most popular vacation spots in Tampa Bay and is home to many restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. There are also condos for rent if you’d like to stay closer to home during your visit!
If you love fishing or boating then this beach has everything that you need; there is also a pier where fishermen can fish from!
Redington Shores Beach
Redington Shores Beach is a great beach for swimming, fishing, surfing and sunbathing. It’s also good for boating and walking/biking along the shoreline.
This beach is right in between St. Pete’s Beach and Clearwater, providing the perfect central spot if you are planning to explore multiple beaches in one trip!
Fort De Soto North Beach
Fort De Soto North Beach is located in Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas County park that offers many amenities. There’s plenty of parking at the beach and nearby areas, as well as restrooms and picnic shelters.
This is my personal favorite, the one that beats out the other best beaches near Tampa! I have found copious amounts of sand dollars here.
Inside Fort De Soto Park itself there are plenty of things for families to do. There are bike rentals as well as kayak and paddboard rentals. I highly recommend a visit to Fort De Soto!
Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island
Holmes Beach is a barrier island off the west coast of Florida and is part of Anna Maria Island. It’s a popular tourist destination in the Tampa Bay Area, with beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe.
While it might not be as well known as Siesta Key or Clearwater Beach, Holmes Beach has its own charm that makes it an excellent place to visit!
The best part is that there is free parking here! The only one on this list with free parking. Just be sure to get there early, the lot fills up quick!
Does Tampa Beaches have clear water?
Absolutely! These waters are crystal clear. I even saw a manatee from 20 feet from the shore breach from where I was sitting on the sand.
St. Pete’s Beach vs Clearwater Beach?
These two beaches have very similar sand and coastline. They are also equally crowded. Where they differ is that St. Pete’s Beach has lots of big hotels, condo rentals, and sporadic restaurants and shops. Clearwater Beach is more built up with lots of hotels and many more shops and restaurants to choose from.
These are some of the best beaches near Tampa. From the clear waters of Clearwater Beach to the soft sands of St. Pete Beach, there is no shortage of options for beachgoers looking to soak up the sun and relax.
Whether you prefer a more secluded and peaceful experience or a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities and entertainment, the beaches near Tampa Bay have something for everyone.
With their beautiful scenery and warm weather these beaches are sure to provide an unforgettable vacation experience for anyone who visits.
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