Summary
Tampa, Florida, is situated on Florida’s central Gulf Coast. Tampa Bay is a large natural harbor and shallow estuary connected to the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its stunning beaches.
Build sandcastles beneath blue skies, scan the sands for shells or sharks’ teeth, cast a line out in the surf, and complete the day with a romantic evening stroll while watching the sun sink beneath the Gulf of Mexico. If any of this sounds tempting, you’ll love the top beaches of Tampa Bay, Florida.
Note: There have been incidences of Red Tide algae blooms affecting the beauty of coastal beaches, so you can check the status reports from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before going.
Caladesi Island State Park
Address: Caladesi Island State Park, Florida, USA
Accessible by private boat or by the Caladesi Connection ferry service from Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi is one of the few unspoiled natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and shelling, visitors can enjoy a three-mile nature trail or glide through mangroves along the three-mile kayak trail.
Sand Key County Park
Address: 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767-2701, USA
Phone: +1 727-582-2100
This 95-acre park rests on a Sand Key, a barrier island just south of Clearwater Pass. More tranquil than neighboring Clearwater Beach, visitors will find cabana rentals, two beach wheelchairs, and convenient outdoor shower facilities. Lifeguards are on duty from March through September.
It’s a great park for nature lovers, with endangered sea turtles frequently laying eggs on the beach, and opportunities to observe birds nesting and feeding in a rare salt marsh.
Fort De Soto County Park, North Beach
Address: North Beach At Fort DeSoto Park, St. Petersburg, FL 33715, USA
This park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. Fort De Soto County Park’s pristine North Beach features soft white sand and clear waters, inviting visitors for great shelling activities. Nearby picnic shelters, grills, and playground equipment make it a favorite destination for both residents and tourists.
Over 328 bird species have been documented over the past 60 years at the park, with new species sighted each year. The beach also provides refuge to loggerhead sea turtles, which nest between April and September.
A stretch of the beach is pet-friendly, with Paws Playground nearby for dog lovers.
Egmont Key State Park
Address: St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Egmont Key State Park is primarily a wildlife refuge, but the island also offers excellent shelling opportunities and secluded stretches of beach for relaxation. Accessible only by boat, visitors can explore the historic ruins of Fort Dade and a lighthouse that has been standing since 1858. The park features nature trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.
As you walk the six miles of historic paths, you may encounter gopher tortoises or Florida box turtles. Many visitors are delighted to spot hummingbirds and other seabirds residing in the Shore Bird Refuge located at the south end of the island.
Greer Island Beach
Address: Pine Key, Florida, USA
Located on the west side of Gulf Drive just south of the Longboat Key Bridge, this beach offers no amenities other than beautiful scenery and opportunities for fishing. This simplicity is precisely what makes it special. With the crowded Coquina Beach just the other side of the inlet, this lesser-known destination is perfect for a romantic stroll at sunset.
It’s an excellent beach for birding, and a few sea turtles nest in the dunes during summer.
Siesta Beach
Address: Siesta Beach, Florida 34242, USA
Recognized in the 1987 “Great International White Sand Beach Challenge” for having the “whitest and finest sand in the world,” Siesta Beach offers 2,400 linear feet of gulf beach frontage. The beach features ball fields, concessions, a fitness trail, playground equipment, and tennis and volleyball courts, with special events scheduled throughout the year. Lifeguards are on duty year-round.
In the early morning, Siesta Key Beach is perfect for strolling and shell-collecting. It also has candlelit restaurants and romantic rental cottages, ensuring something for everyone.
Caspersen Beach
Address: Caspersen Beach, Florida 34223, USA
Internationally recognized for its high concentration of prehistoric sharks’ teeth, Caspersen Beach boasts 177 acres of land and 9,150 linear feet of gulf beach frontage. Amenities include a boardwalk, nature trail, fishing areas, picnic spots, and exceptional opportunities for shelling.
This beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere, providing an escape from more crowded coastal areas. Locals also recommend staying for the stunning sunset.
Blind Pass Beach
Address: 6725 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, USA
Found on Manasota Key Road, Blind Pass Beach is more laid-back compared to some of its neighboring beaches. With 2,940 linear feet of gulf beach frontage, it features a canoe launch, dune wildflowers, fishing options, a nature trail, and a large picnic shelter.
This beach is popular among visitors looking for sharks’ teeth. At low tide, it can also be a good shelling beach, although collection success varies based on the day, time, and weather.
Fred K. Howard Park
Address: Howard Park Beach, Howard Park Causeway, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, USA
Phone: +1 727-582-2100
Located near Tarpon Springs, Howard Park is a favorite among locals, connected to the beach by a one-mile causeway.
This beach is handicapped-accessible and offers facilities including showers and restrooms, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, a ball field, and walking and running trails.
It’s another popular spot where people gather for a breathtaking sunset view.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698, USA
Phone: +1 727-241-6106
This beach provides a secluded feel while being a short trip from the mainland. It’s a hit with both locals and tourists, offering plenty of outdoor activities and is dog-friendly. There are snack bars available for hunger pangs.
For nature enthusiasts, the three-mile Osprey trail winds through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests in Florida. Learn about the park’s history and natural resources at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center.
