10 Best Beaches in Tampa

Whether you are just visiting, staying for work, or have recently migrated and made Tampa your permanent home, getting a change of scenery that could help you unwind or de-stress is another thing that is easily accessible in Tampa. See this list of things you could do in and around Tampa.

What are the best beaches in and around Tampa?

Thinking of going to the beach to relax? You can travel to more than a dozen of the most beautiful beaches in the world without ever having to leave the city limits of Tampa. The following is a list of some of the top beaches from which you can make your selection:

1. Ben T. Davis Beach. Ben T. Davis Beach is located right next to the Courtney Campbell Trail, which is four miles long. It is Tampa’s largest and most popular beach that is very close to downtown Tampa and is where locals like to tailgate the most. Ben T. Davis Beach is conveniently located near the airport, making it a top choice for time-conscious vacationers.
   
2. Fred Howard Park. On Tampa Bay’s barrier islands, Fred Howard Park is a popular beach and natural preserve. A mile-long causeway connects the Park to Tarpon Springs, home of the area’s famous Sponge Docks and genuine Greek restaurants. The Park protects endangered Florida ecosystems and gives visitors white sand beaches. Visitors may see ospreys, eagles, dolphins, and manatees. Picnic spots, playgrounds are available.
   
3. Indian Rocks Beach. Indian Rocks Beach features white-sand beaches with less commercial development. This peaceful, residential beach area offers a less congested option to Clearwater or St. Pete. The public beach has over 20 entries, but showers, bathrooms, and parking are limited. In the region, you’ll discover residential and holiday rentals, but no chain hotels. Skim boarding is a popular pastime despite the laid-back atmosphere. Check out the friendly surf shops for rentals and instruction. There are also lots of restaurants and pubs to pick from when you wish to take a break.

4. Sand Key Park. Sand Key Park south of Clearwater is a family-friendly Tampa Bay beach. This gorgeous park has a beach, boardwalk, and nature trail. When you visit, you can see sea turtle nesting locations on the beach. This is the perfect place to swim, tan, and see Florida wildlife. The park includes plenty of parking, picnic shelters, showers, restrooms, and a playground for youngsters.
   
5. Honeymoon Island State Park. Honeymoon Island, the jumping off point to Caladesi Island’s beach, also boasts plenty of fine sand. The Island has 4 miles of white sand and various nature trails and bird observation spots where Ospreys and water birds nest. Rotary Nature Center educates visitors. The Island has a concession and restaurant that rents umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks. Families will appreciate the picnic area with a playground and covered shelters in case of rain.
   
6. Fort De Soto Park. Is beach camping something you’re considering doing sometime? This is the place! Fort De Soto Park includes 1,000 acres on five islands. In the park’s beach grasses, mangroves, marshes, and palm hammocks, wildlife thrives. Beautiful beaches and a tranquil lagoon with sand bars give a safe location for kids to play. 7-mile paved track for biking and walking. The park has two piers where visitors can fish without licenses, a dog park, and kayak and bike rentals.
   
7. St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach is yet another beach in the region that routinely appears at the top of “best beach” lists compiled all around the world. This beach is unique not only because of its fine, white sand and the warm waves of the Gulf, but also due to the additional features that it offers. There are plenty of beach-side attractions, including restaurants, Tiki bars, cabana rentals, jet ski rentals, and other adventure activities.
   
8. Caladesi Island State Park. The beach on Caladesi Island is one of the most picturesque locations in the world. This remote beach has the whitest sand and tealest sea. Shell hunters and nature enthusiasts will like the pickings. This wildlife sanctuary has few services and is only accessible by ferry or private boat.
   
9. Pass-a-Grille beach. On an island between the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay is where you’ll find Pass-a-Grille Beach, which is the southernmost part of St. Petersburg Beach. This sleepy little town has a laid-back atmosphere and an artsy feel that has been described as Old Florida. It is well known for the Don CeSar hotel. Because it is located on a stretch of undeveloped beach that is four miles long and features pristine white sands and turquoise water, Pass-a-Grille is considered to be one of the nicest beaches in the Tampa Bay area.
   
10. Egmont Key Beach. Egmont key beach is one of the nicest undeveloped beaches near Tampa Bay. This 400-acre Florida park is only accessible by boat or ferry. This island has an 1850s lighthouse and Spanish-American War Fort Dade. It is a secluded white sand beach for shelling, snorkeling, and swimming and has a nature refuge featuring gopher tortoises, dolphins, and birds.