Find Paradise in Tampa Bay

With more than 35 miles of white sandy beaches in Tampa Bay, there is a beach for every type of beachgoer. The only problem visitors to Tampa Bay have when picking a beach to visit is which one. From shopping and sunset celebrations to ferry rides and forts, beaches in Tampa Bay not only boast beautiful sand but also bountiful options. 

Locals are not the only ones who have noticed the pristine beaches of Tampa Bay. Tripadvisor.com named St. Pete Beach the #1 Beach in the USA in 2021. Clearwater Beach earned that distinction in 2016, 2018, and 2019, and recently USA Today named Clearwater Beach, Pass-A-Grille Beach, Fort De Soto Park, and Caladesi Island State Park in their Top 10 Beaches in Florida.

The question is, which beach is your paradise?

Picture Postcard Perfect

Stepping onto St. Pete Beach is like stepping into a picture postcard. White sandy beaches meet the calm, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to make a perfect day at the beach. 

St. Pete Beach is a popular choice for a long walk along the coast or for a mix of sun, sand, and fun. Activities range from simple sandcastle building to watercraft rentals and day passes at one of several beachfront resorts. Restaurants and surf shops are nearby, dotting the coast along Gulf Boulevard. 

Metered parking is available in lots and along main streets. Pay stations accept major credit cards and rates are by the hour (rates vary on holidays). 

Sunsets and Sugar Sand

Pier 60 is the hub of Clearwater Beach in Tampa Bay. Within view of Pier 60, you can find everything you need for a day at the beach: resorts, parking, restrooms, several Frenchy’s restaurants (a local favorite), a Ron Jon Surf Shop, and the Clearwater Aquarium. 

Wide beaches and sunny days mix with endless fun at Clearwater Beach. Relaxing on the beach and swimming in the crystal-clear gulf water is a paradise for most, but the area also boasts parasailing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddleboard rental. 

While beach days are amazing, some believe the best time to visit Clearwater Beach is closer to sunset. For 25 years, beachgoers, artisans, and performers have gathered each day – weather permitting – for a four-hour Sunset Celebration (two hours before and two hours after sunset). 

If you happen to be in Clearwater Beach in April, visit the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, an annual sand-sculpting event. 

Metered parking is available in lots and along main streets. Pay stations accept major credit cards and rates are by the hour (rates vary on holidays and special events).

Laid-back Leisure

Found at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach, Historic Pass-A-Grille Beach is just a few steps away from a quaint beach town that is protected from development. Home to ice cream shops and open-air markets, Pass-A-Grille Beach is a favorite of locals and tourists alike for its laid-back charm. 

Scenic walkways lined with sea grapes and sea oats lead you through the dunes to a relaxed and open four-mile stretch of sand. Just set down your beach blanket, relax, and enjoy the view. 

If you are looking for a bit of history on the beaches of Tampa Bay, visit the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum on 10th Avenue. Exhibits trace the history of the area through newspaper clippings, memorabilia, and picture postcards.

Metered parking is available in lots and along main streets. Pay stations accept major credit cards and rates are by the hour (rates vary on holidays). 

History and Adventure

Fort De Soto Park spans five islands and more than 1,000 acres in Tampa Bay. From camping, playgrounds, and kayaking to a Spanish-American War-era fort and a white sand beach, Fort De Soto Park is a favorite for families. 

Adventure is easy to find whether you are hunting for seashells, exploring the fort, or peddling along with one of the paved paths. The beach forms a natural tidal pool perfect for splashing in the warm gulf waters and finding seashells and sand dollars. 

The fort is set back from the beach and visitors have the chance to see cannons, artillery holds, and firing galleys. You can also climb to the top for a wonderful view of the park and Tampa Bay. A Quartermaster Museum is located on park grounds and offers details into the history of the fort. 

If you are in the mood for additional adventures, be sure to check out the available rentals: 

• Covered surrey bikes: These rentals carry up to eight people and can be ridden on the seven miles of paved trails in the park. 
• Canoes and kayaks: These rentals are the best way to explore the surrounding tidal waters and see the wildlife that calls the area home. Keep your eyes open as you might spot turtles and leaping mullet as you paddle through the mangroves.

Daily parking fee of $5.00 USD is currently being collected at the welcome station. 

Untouched Paradise

Available only by boat, Caladesi Island State Park is an untouched island retreat along the Gulf Coast. If you are looking to truly get away from it all on your holiday, Caladesi Island is the beach for you. 

Manatees and sea turtles call the surrounding waters and mangroves home, and a short 20-minute ride on the Caladesi Island Ferry will allow you to experience the calm and relaxation of a secluded, natural beach for the day. 

Like many other state parks in Florida, the beach is not the only attraction. While on the island you can also hike, collect seashells, fish, have a picnic, or rent a kayak to explore a paddling trail through a mangrove forest. 

The Caladesi Island Ferry operates every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, weather permitting. Tickets are priced per person and are valid for a four-hour visit to the island. Departures and returns occur approximately every 30 minutes. 

Parking is available at the Caladesi Island Ferry. Ferry ticket information can be found at caladesiferry.org.