Best Beaches in Tampa

Make memories with your loved ones in Tampa, where you'll find magnificent saltwater beaches, accessible by car or boat. The best beaches are almost all on barrier islands that jut and curve out into the Gulf of Mexico with drifts and dunes of rough and powdery sand and sun-warmed shallow water-geography that makes your beach vacation that much more exciting! Tampa Bay, on Florida's western Gulf Coast, is a major port, a 400-square-mile open-water estuary, with some of the best sand to relax and unwind on. Plan your visit to Tampa with our Tampa travel guide.

Unburied Treasure

Treasure Island's name doesn't come from its history of gold-seeking conquistadors but from a more recent flimflam in 1915. Developers interested in boosting property value buried a couple of old wooden chests on the beach and then claimed to have discovered treasure. Today the real treasure is the beach itself. Head south on Interstate 275 to Treasure Island Causeway, which leads to pristine white powder beaches. It's a resort community with all modern amenities and some funky reminders of years past—like the Old Florida Shell Shop, circa 1955.

Powder-Perfect Pass-a-Grille

Head for St. Pete Beach from Tampa on Interstate 275 and bear south to find a tiny town and its often empty, picturesque white-sand beach. Pass-a-Grille has a line of boutiques and cafes that passes for a main drag, a scattering of art studios, historic homes and cottages and lots of sandy shores. A few charming eateries serve the basics: impeccable grits, cold beer and pecan pancakes. The beach is on the Gulf side of the narrow stretch of island and has a fishing pier, plenty of street-side parking and wooden footbridges from the street to the sand. Rent a kayak, charter a fishing boat or a dolphin tour, or wander through the Pass-A-Grille historic district when you get bored sunbathing.

Sandy Key With Sea Turtles

Sand Key is a long barrier island with a beach that runs for a mile on the Gulf along its north end. The Sand Key Park Beach is wide, white and shelly— wear flip-flops or beach shoes to protect your tender toes. To get there, take a 45-minute drive on State Road 60 West where you’ll find inexpensive parking, a boardwalk, picnic shelters with grills, showers and a playground for kids who aren't into sand castles. Hike the nature trail through dunes and a salt marsh and birdwatch. (Tip: On breezy days, there are fewer bugs.) You might get lucky and see a nesting Kemp's Ridley sea turtle. They’re the world's most endangered turtles, so don’t get too close.

Classic Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is known for its good looks and great activities. From Tampa, take the Courtney Campbell Causeway and follow State Road 60—the beach runs along the northern end of Clearwater Beach Island. White sand and wide beaches have nearly every amenity, including food options and waterfront cafes for even the pickiest of sun worshippers. This is a family-friendly beach with easy public parking, major volleyball championships, endless water activities and clear waters that are perfect for a float. Cast a line off the long fishing pier or check out the parade of local tans. Pile the family on the free Jolly Trolley to tour the commercial district after a day in the sun.

Fort De Soto Park–Top 10 World Beaches

Get away from it all at Fort De Soto Park and its two main beach areas-East Beach and North Beach. East Beach is on the channel leading into Tampa Bay, while North Beach faces the Gulf of Mexico. Both beaches have plenty of parking, public restroom facilities and several picnic shelters with grills. At North Beach, you’ll also find a concession stand, and cabana and umbrella rentals available. Do some birding, fishing or just general sightseeing from one of the park’s two piers, one on the bay channel, the other of the Gulf side. North Beach is known as one of the best beaches in the country for its clear, aquamarine water and gorgeous stretch of white sand.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon and Caladesi Park beaches, at the west end of State Road 586, are less than one hour west of Tampa. Eagles and ospreys nest on Honeymoon Island, and you might be able to see one while hiking on the 2.5-mile nature trail. Go shelling on the 4 miles of undeveloped beach, take your furry friend to dog beach on the south end of the island, snorkel amid the sand bars or splash around in the tide pools. Some beach areas are rocky so wear old sneakers or water shoes. Stop in at the air-conditioned nature center to chill while learning about island ecology and history. Amenities include restrooms, a concession stand and showers.

Caladesi Island Park

Caladesi Island State Park has no fire pits, no camping and no roads, making it perfect for a short sand track! Across St. Joseph’s Sound from Clearwater/Dunedin on Florida’s Gulf Coast, entryway to this untouched and gorgeous island is by private boat or by ferry from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park. Aside from miles of magnificent beach, the island has a kayak path through mangroves and a three-mile walk through its interior.

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