Summary
This stretch of 20 barrier islands and 35 miles of white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico is commonly referred to as Florida’s Beach. The semi-tropical setting makes it a year-round playground for a variety of outdoor activities.
Florida’s Beach, actually just a marketing name for the west-central Florida coastal area, boasts that it enjoys more sunshine than Honolulu. From 1910 to 1986, the St. Petersburg Evening Independent was given away free on those rare occasions when the sun did not shine. Although the newspaper ceased publication on November 8, 1986, in its 76 years, it was only given away 295 times—less than four times per year. No wonder this area is called the Suncoast!
2. St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area
Beaches are Florida’s calling card, and when you are known as “Florida’s Beach,” you must have exceptional sand to support that claim. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area beaches are unmatched among U.S. visitor destinations and have earned numerous awards for everything from sand quality to environmental management.
Here is an overview of St. Petersburg/Clearwater area island beaches from the south to the north:
- Egmont Key is a 440-acre island distinguished by its 1858 lighthouse and is now a wildlife refuge accessible only by boat. Snorkeling excursions to the island are offered by several operators.
- Fort DeSoto Park consists of 900 acres, including seven miles of beaches. This area has two fishing piers, picnic areas, and a unique 2,000-foot barrier-free nature trail for guests with disabilities. The park is popular for camping, biking, and skating and includes rental facilities for canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.
- Shell Key has been named one of the most important birding sites in Florida. This undeveloped barrier island is perfect for excellent shelling, sunbathing, and bird watching opportunities.
- Long Key includes St. Pete Beach and Pass-A-Grille. This area has no high-rise buildings, preserving a unique slice of old Florida. St. Pete Beach is one of the most popular in this location and includes several notable resorts, including the Don CeSar, known as the “Pink Palace.”
- Treasure Island is one of the widest beaches in the area and hosts several sporting activities, including an annual kite-flying contest, Beachfest Food and Music Festival, and has held the Guinness World Record for the largest sandcastle.
- Sand Key is the longest of the barrier islands at 14 miles and includes several beach communities. This island has recently undergone a beach nourishment project, adding tons of powder-white sand. Fishing is popular from various public piers, with Madeira Beach featuring John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, a quaint shopping area overlooking the renowned John’s Pass. Clearwater’s Sand Key Park, located at the northern tip of the island, has been ranked among the top beaches in the nation.
- Clearwater Beach is perhaps the most popular of all the area’s beaches, especially with families. Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach features a family recreation complex with playgrounds, fishing, and concessions. The Sunsets at Pier 60 festival features music, entertainment, and stunning Gulf of Mexico sunsets.
- Caladesi Island is one of the few remaining large undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast and is only accessible by boat. The island is ideal for swimming, shelling, fishing, picnicking, scuba diving, and nature study, featuring a three-mile nature trail winding through its interior. A ferry departs hourly from Honeymoon Island, with docks available for private boats.
- Honeymoon Island has a rich history, including palm-thatched bungalows built in the 1940s for honeymoon couples. The state park offers sunbathing, shelling, swimming, fishing, picnic pavilions, bathhouses, and a park concession building, making it popular with pet owners thanks to its pet-friendly beach.
- Anclote Key features a picturesque 1887 federal lighthouse on the southern end of the island, located three miles off Tarpon Springs. This island is only accessible by boat.
- Non-Barrier Island Beaches on the Gulf, Intracoastal Waterway, and Tampa Bay are also popular with visitors and residents alike. Crystal Beach and Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs both feature white-sand beaches connected to the mainland. Beaches like Gulfport Beach and Maximo Park Beach offer stunning views of Boca Ciega Bay, while Tampa Bay beaches such as North Shore Park, Spa Beach, and Gandy Beach provide distinctive beach experiences from the bay side.
3. Attractions
Florida’s Beach area offers more than just beautiful shores. Major attractions include pirate cruises, marine aquariums, dolphin encounters, unique shopping, museums, water excursions, and much more. The area’s restaurants provide diverse dining options ranging from elegant to casual, barefoot dining experiences and moonlight dinner excursions.
4. Getting There
Florida’s Beach is conveniently located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and is easily accessible via the interstate system, including Interstate 75, Interstate 275, Interstate 4, US Highway 19, and State Road 60.
