Who doesn’t love an island adventure filled with soft sand beaches, plenty of fun in the sun, and exquisite cuisine? Head to Florida the next time you need an escape from the mundane and discover some of the best beaches near Tampa.
1) Indian Rocks Beach
A tour we think you'll love
This three-mile Tampa bay beach is a haven for beach lovers with soft sand, plenty of room to find a space to yourself, and some of the cleanest waters you’ll find along the Gulf coast. If you want to avoid the crowds of Clearwater but still want to be close to the action, Indian Rocks Beach is ideal. It offers a calmer, more laid-back coastal town feel.
Indian Rocks Beach has a parking lot at nearly every street end of the 28 blocks it stretches along Gulf Boulevard. Though not all parking is free, you might find a free lot if you arrive early. There are also showers to rinse off the sand and salt from the water.
2) Clearwater Beach
Are you looking for a lively beach full of eccentric locals and visitors? You’ll find all that and more at this Tampa Bay beach! Clearwater Beach is famous for its three mile long soft, powdery white sand. It’s a lively spot with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for families and young travelers alike.
People come in droves to visit Clearwater Beach because of its close vicinity to fine and casual dining experiences, shopping, beach bars, and the near-constant party vibe that abounds in the area.
3) St. Pete Beach
Voted as a top beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor, St. Pete Beach offers miles of pristine white sand and a slightly more relaxed vibe compared to its neighbor to the north.St. Pete Beach is also a barrier island beach perfect for those searching for a break from the party scene. This is the ideal spot for long moonlit walks with your sweetheart or to partake in some of the casual nightlife found along Gulf Boulevard.
From delicious cuisine and casual beach bars to quiet evenings under the stars, you are sure to find a blissful experience at St. Pete Beach.
4) Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park offers one of the longest beaches near Tampa Bay with over seven miles of waterfront in Pinellas County. This is also one of Tampa Bay beaches that offers a pet-friendly area for your favorite four-legged friend.
The dog park on this beach has two fenced-in sections complete with water stations to ensure your pup never goes thirsty or overheats under the Tampa Bay sun. This feature alone might make Fort De Soto Beach one of the best beaches in Tampa.
5) Fort DeSoto Park
For a more natural escape, Fort De Soto Park is unrivaled. It is a massive park composed of five interconnected islands with diverse ecosystems.
Along with a fantatic beach there is snorkeling at the fort pier, kayaking through mangroves, or taking the ferry to Egmont Key State Park to see the historic lighthouse.
6) Treasure Island
Treasure Island is regarded as one of the best beaches near Tampa because of the plethora of attractions available to you. You’ll find an abundance of beach bars and places to eat here.
It’s also known as a hot spot for those looking to tie the knot in a tropical paradise. The powdery white sand and well-kept boardwalk bridges accessing the beach are just some of the natural beauties you’ll find here.
7) Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is found at the southernmost tip of the island and is a beach lovers’ dream, especially favored by the LGBT community. Uniquely decorated shops, cabanas, tiki huts, and restaurants abound here!
There are showers, shaded pavilions, and vending machines available for your convenience amidst the assortment of beach bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
It’s even rumored this lively beach was one of the locations which inspired the famous “Margaritaville” song by Jimmy Buffet!
8) Honeymoon Island State Park
Find your escape from the bustling city streets and crowds at one of the best beaches near Tampa at Honeymoon Island State Park.
You’ll find more than four miles of white sugary beach and a three-mile trail snaking through one of the last virgin slash pine forests in the area. You can encounter wildlife like eagles, osprey, tortoises, and armadillos, to name a few of the region’s critters.
There’s an array of exciting things to do at the park, including fishing, swimming, shelling, hiking, and biking.
9) Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach is amongst the best beaches near Tampa because of its quiet small town nature. But don’t be fooled by the laid-back nature of this small Tampa Bay town!
Not only can you lounge on sugar-white sand and take in the sights of wildlife and locals splashing in the ocean. You can rent condos and beach cottages and dine at some of the local restaurants or bars to truly experience life as a local.
Watersports abound at the best beaches near Tampa FL, and Madeira Beach is no exception. Gators Parasail is one of the only parasailing companies in the area with US Coast Guard inspected boats.
Up to three people can score 400 feet above the crystal clear waters of Tampa Bay in an experience tailored to your comfort. Want to go out on the water after your wedding but don’t want to get your dress wet? No problem!
You can choose to parasail with Gators Parasail without getting wet or getting dipped in the waters to cool off. Don’t forget to set up your parasailing adventure as you plan a vacation to some of the best beaches in Tampa FL!