Nothing is more quintessential than hitting the sand and surf when you’re in Tampa Bay. Millions of people flock to Florida every year to enjoy the white sands and clear blue water and there are so many to choose from in the area. So how do you choose which one to visit? We’ve rounded up the five best beaches in Tampa Bay that offer something for everyone.
Clearwater Beach
If you’re looking for a lively, younger crowd with plenty of amenities and nearby attractions Clearwater Beach is for you. The beaches are meticulously cleaned and groomed and was voted “Best Florida Beach” by USA Today readers in 2013. Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching, charter activities, and fishing. Restaurants, night-clubs, and hotels are all conveniently located nearby. Pier 60 is home to the daily sunset celebration.
St. Pete Beach
This beach was voted “One of America’s Top 10 Best Beach Towns” in 2013 by Parents magazine. The beach features the white sands you’d expect at a Gulf Coast beach but it also has a myriad of amenities including restaurants, cabana rentals, and jet ski rentals. There is also nearby Corby Avenue which is home to many historic attractions.
Treasure Island
Want a quieter beach day? Treasure Island is your beach. Want a busy day of shopping and sunning? Treasure Island is your beach. The beach is wide and offers something for everyone. The Sunshine Beach and Sunset Beach areas are more secluded and quieter than other areas of the island. St. John’s Pass offers a variety of shopping and eatery options. Alcohol is also allowed on some parts of the beach but be sure to check which areas before you pack up your cooler.
Photo Courtesy of Visit St. Peter/Clearwater via Flickr
Fort DeSoto Park
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast Fort DeSoto is for you. Not only is it a beach but you can also camp within the park. The beach is protected by a lagoon and sandbars which makes for calm waters, perfect for families with younger children. There are also biking and walking trails and fishing piers.
Caladesi Island Park
There is no other beach as postcard perfect as the beaches at Caladesi Island Park. The sand is powdery white and the water is that aquamarine color that people expect when visiting Florida beaches. There are few amenities here since the beach’s main purpose is as a nature sanctuary. The downside to this beach is that it is only accessible by boat but to bask in the beauty of the island, it’s a minor inconvenience.
What are your favorite Tampa Bay beaches? Tell us in comments.