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When it comes to soaking up the sun, there are plenty of beaches near Tampa that you simply can’t miss. While Tampa does have a few beaches of its own, some of the best stretches of sand are just a short drive away. As someone who has lived in Tampa Bay since 2017 and explored countless sandy shores, I’m here to share my top picks for your beach day!
Beaches in Tampa
First, let’s start off with the beaches that are actually in Tampa! While the beaches in Tampa might not be the most famous in the area, they still offer great spots for a quick beach day without having to venture too far.
Ben T. Davis Beach
Distance from Downtown Tampa: About 10 minutes
This popular spot is known for its convenient location right off the Courtney Campbell Causeway. It’s a great place to catch the sunset, have a picnic, or take a stroll along the sandy shore. The calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, and there’s a scenic trail here that is one of my favorite bike trails in Tampa!
Cypress Point Park
Distance from Downtown Tampa: About 15 minutes
Cypress Point Park offers a serene escape with its beautiful views of Tampa Bay. This beach is perfect for a quiet afternoon of sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a beachside picnic. The park also has a paved trail that’s great for biking or walking, and you might even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife.
Those are probably the two most popular beaches in Tampa, but some other options are Davis Islands Beach and Picnic Island Park. Both of these have dog-friendly beach areas as well. Picnic Island Beach’s shoreline is limited and the sand is pretty full of shells. But there are a lot of green spaces for activities and cooking out.
Best beaches near Tampa
Clearwater Beach
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 40 minutes
Clearwater Beach is arguably one of the most famous beaches near Tampa, and for good reason! With its powdery white sand and clear, calm waters, it’s a little slice of paradise. This beach offers a little bit of everything, from water sports and beach volleyball to simply lounging and soaking up the sun.
Pier 60 is a highlight, featuring nightly sunset celebrations with street performers, local artisans, and live music. It’s a great spot for families, thanks to the playground, amazing family-friendly activities, and the plethora of nearby restaurants and shops.
Clearwater Beach is also known for its vibrant nightlife. After a day in the sun, you can explore the fun Clearwater Beach bars!
Check out this guide for more fun things to do in Clearwater Beach.
St. Pete Beach
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 40 minutes
St. Pete Beach is another gem on the list of best beaches near Tampa, known for its laid-back vibe, expansive sandy shores, and gorgeous sunsets! This beach is perfect if you’re looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast, or if you want to get a little crazy and pop around to some of the fun St. Pete Beach bars!
The water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and even windsurfing on breezy days. Or do one of the top boat tours. I personally love this kayak tour to Shell Key!
One of the highlights of St. Pete Beach is the iconic pink Don Cesar Hotel, a historic landmark that adds a touch of elegance to your beach day. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth a visit for a drink at the beach bar.
After you’re done with St. Pete Beach, head to the charming downtown area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore after a day in the sun.
Check out this guide for more fun things to do in St. Pete Beach and this downtown St. Pete guide.
Pass-A-Grille
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 40 minutes
Pass-a-Grille Beach is a charming and laid-back beach community located on the southern end of St. Pete Beach. This beach is popular with locals. The wide stretch of sand is perfect for relaxing, playing beach games, or strolling the shore.
There is plenty of street parking in the area, however weekends may take a little more time to find a spot.
Be sure to check out some of the amazing local restaurants in Pass-A-Grille while you’re in the area!
Indian Rocks Beach
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 45 minutes
Indian Rocks Beach is very special to me because I called this beach near Tampa home for many years when I first moved to Florida. It offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the nearby spots like Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach.
The pristine sands and gentle waves make it great for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquil Gulf waters.
One of the great things about Indian Rocks Beach is its variety of access points, each with a handful of parking spots and amenities like showers. The beach is also dotted with charming local restaurants and bars, so you can easily grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink without straying far.
Check out this guide for more fun things to do in Indian Rocks Beach!
Treasure Island
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 45 minutes
Treasure Island Beach is a quaint barrier island known for its uncrowded beaches. The beach at Treasure Island has soft white sand and calm waters. In addition to its natural beauty, Treasure Island offers a variety of activities like beach volleyball, fishing from the shore, and paddleboarding.
The nearby John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk provides shopping, dining, boat and jetski rentals, and more! A unique thing to do on Treasure Island Beach is their weekly drum circle. It’s every Sunday starting at around 2 PM and goes until sunset. It’s such a fun community event!
Honeymoon Island State Park
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 50 minutes
Honeymoon Island State Park is a pristine barrier island located in Dunedin. It has four stunning miles of sandy coastline. There is an admission fee of $8 per vehicle here.
One of the highlights of Honeymoon Island is its diverse wildlife. Bird watchers will be thrilled to spot a variety of species, including ospreys, great horned owls, and bald eagles! The island also features a pet-friendly beach area if you want to bring your pup.
There are also some great trails on the island that wind through pine forests and along the coastline. The Osprey Trail is particularly popular, providing a chance to see osprey nests up close. Additionally, Honeymoon Island is the gateway to Caladesi Island State Park, which can be reached by ferry and is known for its untouched beauty and excellent shelling opportunities.
You can explore the island via bike with a rental from Wheel Fun Rentals or go on a kayaking adventure! There are also two covered picnic pavilions next to the nature trail (they are first-come first-serve), a playground, and restroom facilities.
The park is open from 8 AM until sundown.
Caladesi Island State Park
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 1 hour by car and ferry
Caladesi Island State Park is accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island or by private boat. The fees for this state park are $6 per boat or $2 per kayaker. If you choose to take the round trip Caledesi Island Ferry the cost is $18 for adults, $9 for children 6-10, and free for children 5 and under.
This secluded paradise offers unspoiled beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the best beaches near Tampa for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, or those looking for a quiet retreat!
The island is home to an abundance of wildlife, including shorebirds, ospreys, and nesting sea turtles. This island lacks commercial development so you really get a tranquil ambiance that creates a peaceful retreat where you can truly connect with nature.
Fort Desoto
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 45 minutes
Fort De Soto Park spans over 1,100 acres and has a unique blend of pristine beaches, well-preserved coastal habitats, and historical sites. The North Beach area of Fort De Soto is particularly renowned for its powdery white sand and clear, shallow waters.
This is one of the best beaches near Tampa if you love activities. You can explore the park’s extensive bike trails, rent kayaks to paddle through the mangroves, or even go fishing from one of the two large piers. For history buffs, the park is home to the remains of a historic fort dating back to the Spanish-American War!
Camping is also a popular option at Fort De Soto, with well-equipped campsites that can extend your stay and enjoy the park’s natural beauty under the stars.
Anna Maria Island
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes
If I’m picking favorites on this list of best beaches near Tampa, Anna Maria Island takes the cake. This little beach town truly feels like a paradise on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This area is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back vibe.
This barrier island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. You’ll notice a lot of golf carts used as modes of transportation adding to the charm of this area.
The beaches on Anna Maria Island are postcard-perfect, with powdery white sand and gentle waves lapping against the shore. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, shelling, and beachcombing while soaking in breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
One of the highlights of Anna Maria Island is its picturesque beachfront communities, including Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Each area has its own unique character, offering beachfront restaurants, boutique shops, and local attractions to explore.
In addition to beach activities, Anna Maria Island is known for its stunning sunsets. The island’s west-facing beaches provide a perfect backdrop for evening strolls and romantic sunset views over the water.
Check out my full guide on the best things to do in Anna Maria Island, must-visit AMI restaurants, and the cutest local coffee shops for your trip.
Egmont Key
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 1 hour and 10 minutes by car and ferry
Egmont Key is situated at the mouth of Tampa Bay and offers a unique coastal experience accessible only by ferry or private boat. This pristine island is known for its historic lighthouse, wildlife refuge, and beautiful beaches.
For a touch of history, you can explore the ruins of Fort Dade, a Spanish-American War-era fort, and a historic lighthouse that has been guiding ships since 1858.
You might even spot gopher tortoises roaming the island or see a variety of seabirds nesting. This area is also a great spot for snorkeling with its clear waters teeming with marine life.
Check out this Egmont Key snorkeling tour!
Redington Beach and Madeira Beach
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 45 minutes
Redington Beach and Madeira Beach, nestled between Indian Rocks Beach (IRB) and Treasure Island, are charming beach communities with a laid-back vibe. These beaches feature soft sands, calm waters, and a range of water sports and beach activities.
Redington and Madeira are popular for fishing, beachcombing, and soaking up the sun. While they offer similar vibes to IRB and Treasure Island, they provide a more tranquil setting for a relaxing day by the sea.
Siesta Key
Distance from Downtown Tampa: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes
Siesta Key Beach is a world-renowned destination known for its powdery white sands, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant beach atmosphere. This barrier island, located near Sarasota, offers a stunning coastal escape that’s perfect for a day trip from Tampa!
The beach at Siesta Key is famous for its fine quartz sand, which is soft and cool to the touch even on the warmest days. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball in a picturesque setting surrounded by natural beauty.
In addition to its beautiful beach, Siesta Key has a lively village area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Fred Howard
Distance from Downtown Tampa: About 1 hour and 10 minutes
Fred Howard Park, located in Tarpon Springs, is a picturesque coastal park with a pristine beach and scenic nature trails. It’s great for a day trip if you plan on exploring what Tarpon Springs has to offer. The park’s amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and kayak rentals, make it a family-friendly beach.
Beyond the beach, Fred Howard Park offers nature trails, mangrove forests, and a bird observation area, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography.
FAQ about the beaches near Tampa
Which beaches near Tampa have the clearest water?
Unfortunately, the clarity of the water can vary from day to day due to factors like weather and tides. However, some beaches are known for consistently having clear water. These include Anna Maria, Siesta Key, Fort De Soto, and Honeymoon Island State Park.
What are the best party beaches near Tampa?
If you’re looking to have some fun in the sun, several beaches near Tampa are known for their lively party scenes:
- Clearwater Beach: With its bustling nightlife, beach bars, and frequent events, Clearwater Beach is a top choice for party-goers.
- St. Pete Beach: This beach is packed with fun beach bars and a hot local beach as well as a popular Florida Spring Break destination making it a hotspot for beach parties.
- Ben T. Davis Beach: Located right by Whiskey Joe’s and WTR, this beach gets pretty crazy, especially on the weekends. You’ll see lots of boats and jet skis pulling up to the shoreline, adding to the lively atmosphere.
What are the best beaches near Tampa for families?
When it comes to family-friendly beaches near Tampa, you can’t go wrong with these top picks:
- Fort De Soto Park: Known for its calm waters, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Clearwater Beach: While it’s lively, Clearwater Beach also has plenty of family-friendly activities, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Pier 60’s daily sunset festival with street performers and kid-friendly entertainment.
- Honeymoon Island State Park: This beach provides a more natural setting with great opportunities for shelling, nature trails, and a designated dog beach, making it perfect for family outings.
- Indian Rocks Beach and Treasure Island: Both of these beaches offer a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful sandy shores, calm waters, and plenty of amenities nearby.
- Anna Maria Island: Known for its charming and laid-back atmosphere. The island has gentle waves, beautiful beaches, and clear waters for the perfect family beach day.
- Fred Howard Park: Located in Tarpon Springs, this beach features calm waters, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a fantastic spot for families.
Related read: Best things to do in Tampa with kids
Which of these beaches are you heading to first?!
Whether you prefer the beaches in Tampa or are up for a short drive to the nearby coastal gems, the Tampa Bay area offers a wide variety of beach experiences. So grab your sunscreen and your favorite suit and get out there and enjoy! Let me know your favorite Tampa Bay beach in the comments.
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