Tampa is a city in Florida that has a ton of attractions for all tastes of any age. In addition to exciting amusement parks, incredible zoos, and being the heart of Cuban-American culture, Tampa also has beautiful beaches to visit. Enjoy miles and miles of beautiful docks with sandy shorelines and crystal clear waters. If you're vacationing in Tampa and looking for a nearby beach that offers powdery white sand for lounging, calm water for cooling off, and picnic shelters, then Davis Beach is for you.
This is the closest beach to downtown Tampa and a favorite spot for locals. Davis offers ideal proximity to the airport for travelers who value efficiency. On Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings you will see the beach populated by volleyball players. This is one of the best spots in town to watch the sun go down and sits next to the new Courtney Campbell Trail, a four-mile pedestrian and cycling bridge.
Fred Howard Park is a popular beach and nature preserve located at the northern end of the Tampa Bay Barrier Islands. The park is connected by a mile long causeway to the charming town of Tarpon Springs, home to the area's famous Sponge Docks and a delicious concentration of authentic Greek restaurants. In addition to allowing visitors access to stretches of white sand, the Park offers protection to Florida's endangered habitat. Visitors are likely to see local wildlife, including ospreys and nesting eagles, as well as dolphins and manatees.
Amenities include picnic areas and playgrounds. Indian Rocks Beach offers wide white sand beaches with less emphasis on commercial development. Known as IRB by locals, this quiet residential beach area is a less crowded alternative to Clearwater or St. Access to the public beach is wonderful, with more than 20 sand entrances, but amenities are minimal with showers, restrooms, and parking.
The surrounding area has a mix of residential and vacation rentals. You won't find big chain hotels here. Despite its relaxed atmosphere, there is still a lot to do here, as skim boarding is a popular pastime. Check out the friendly surf shops for rentals and classes.
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from when you want to take a break from the beach. If you're looking for a quiet, family-friendly beach in Tampa Bay, explore Sand Key Park, south of Clearwater. This beautiful park is both park and beach and offers visitors access to white sand and a boardwalk and nature trail. If you come at the right time of year, you can observe the nesting areas of sea turtles on the beach.
So, whether you're looking to see Florida's wildlife or just want to swim and get a tan, this is the place to go. Located on a barrier island between the Gulf and the Florida mainland, the park offers plenty of parking space, picnic shelters, showers and restrooms, and a play area for children. Treasure Island is another popular beach that features a funky retro vibe and offers plenty of wide white sand beaches and fun activities. This beach is especially wide, making it a paradise for kite flyers who offer a colorful visual display to entertain visitors.
Treasure Island is easy to get around with a mile-long paved path that connects many of the hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops along the beach. At the north end is St. John's Pass, which reproduces a picturesque fishing village and serves as a hub for charter boats, an eclectic array of clothing and souvenir shops, and several excellent bars and restaurants. Drinking is allowed on this beach.
Add in the great restaurants and vibrant nightlife, and Tampa is a great place to spend a vacation, especially since there are 361 days of sunshine a year. The biggest beach, and arguably the best public beach in town, is known as Ben T. Not far from Clearwater, Sand Key is an ideal spot for families or beach lovers looking for a little peace and quiet. Many Tampa Bay beaches are popular and touristy areas that can sometimes get quite busy, but Sand Key Park is one of the lesser-known spots along this beautiful section of coastline.
That means that this particular beach is generally quite quiet, and offers a peaceful environment for sunbathers to fall asleep on an afternoon nap or for groups of friends and family to share a picnic together without distractions. There are several picnic areas to choose from in the park itself, as well as showers, restrooms and a fun play area for children. Caladesi Island is simply a Tampa Bay beach that you can't miss. Why? For starters, it's one of the most aesthetically impressive beaches on the Florida coast.
The white sands of this beach seem to stretch endlessly in both directions, and the surrounding state park offers unparalleled views, as well as a good chance to observe wildlife. There are several trails to enjoy, and a simple walk along the beach can be very rewarding on the island of Caladesi. However, it's worth noting that this Tampa Bay beach can only be accessed by boat, but there are plenty of amenities that come and go from the island every day. Fort De Soto Park covers more than 1,000 acres in total and consists of several small islands linked together, so there is plenty of sand to explore here.
It is a very natural and peaceful area that is very popular with local wildlife, which means that anyone who goes to the beach at this Tampa Bay spot will have a good chance to spot some birds nesting between the grassy areas or dolphins playing in the sea. Camping is even possible at this Tampa Bay beach park, and there are several miles of picturesque walking and biking trails, offering unbeatable views of Tampa Bay and the waters of the Gulf. With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, Tampa, Florida is the ideal beach destination. From the city center, you're just a short drive from several beaches, including family-friendly beaches with full amenities, such as Clearwater Beach, as well as quieter, more peaceful stretches, such as Caladesi Island State Park.
The mild climate means Tampa is a year-round tourist destination, with the peak season in summer and around spring break. Be sure to call attractions and restaurants prior to your visit to confirm current opening hours. Davis Beach is a favorite with locals due to its close proximity to the city. In fact, it's the closest beach to Tampa.
The beach has soft, powdery white sand and typically calm waters. The beach is also located quite close to Tampa Airport, making it easily accessible to tourists who prefer to spend time lounging on the beach rather than traveling to and from their destination. Beach volleyball is a popular pastime on the beach and local teams usually go out in full force a couple of days a week. The beach offers stunning sunset views, picnic shelters, and access to the Courtney Campbell Trail, which is a 4-mile multi-purpose walking and biking trail.
The Caladesi Island State Park beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on our list, and even in the country. The beach is isolated and natural, with virtually no artificial features. Lots of beautiful shells bathe on the pristine shores, making it ideal for shell hunters and those who appreciate nature. The beach is quiet and offers beautiful white sand and teal waters.
The island can only be reached by boat, which reaches the beach from the mainland several times a day. The beach is perfect for those who appreciate a pristine getaway without the crowds you'll find at some of the most popular beaches on our list. W End Of State Rd 60Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (72) 447-7600 One of Florida's most popular beaches for families, Clearwater Beach is a soft, white sand beach, excellent for a day trip or weekend getaway, no matter what time of year. Clearwater Beach is ideal for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and water sports.
On a typical day, you'll find beach lovers on jet skis, parasailing or paddleboarding in the calm waters. Skating and cycling are popular activities along the winding and picturesque promenade. The beach itself also has public restrooms and lifeguards, making it a comfortable visit to spend the day with your toes in the sand. In addition to the beach, the city of Clearwater, Florida, has plenty to do for families.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to Winter the Dolphin, star of the Dolphin Tale movies. There are also plenty of casual restaurants and cafes to refuel, as well as beach shops to buy some souvenirs. At night, when the sun goes down, Pier 60 becomes home to a nightly festival with street performers and craft vendors. Davis Beach is a narrow, but large, stretch of coastline ideal for families looking for a beach near downtown Tampa.
With powdery white sand and calm waters perfect for swimming, it's one of the best beaches near Tampa to spend the day relaxing with the little ones. Davis Beach is popular with local volleyball players and is also a great spot to watch the sun set. Across the road is the Courtney Campbell Trail, a four-mile hiking trail, and a pedestrian bridge. Known for its town and waterfront of John's Pass, Madeira Beach is a 2.5 mile beach town on the Gulf of Mexico popular for those seeking sun and sea.
Just 27 miles from Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, this coastal city is known primarily for fishing, as well as its 1,100-foot boardwalk along the Intracoastal. As home to some of the best beaches near Tampa, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities in the Madeira Beach area. In addition to the numerous restaurants and shops, there is a wide range of activities to enjoy, such as boating, watching sea turtles or visiting one of several waterfront parks. There are also a number of events taking place, such as movies on the beach, sporting events, and a market with live music, food and local craft vendors.
Madeira Beach also hosts the annual John's Pass seafood festival. A short drive from Tampa, Indian Rocks Beach boasts nearly three miles of beautiful, sparkling beaches along the Gulf Coast. People from all over the world come to visit its beaches and watch its incredible sunsets. It also hosts a lively Oktoberfest event every year.
The nearby Postcard Inn is a great place to play beach volleyball. And if you're staying for the weekend, buy a day pass at the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort to access water slides, swimming pools, beach cabanas, and mini-golf. Adults in the family will appreciate the various beach bars with live music, perfect for enjoying a night out on the town. On the other hand, if you're just looking to relax, you also have a number of activities to enjoy.
You can visit the various parks along the intracoastal waterfront, do some shopping in the Pass-A-Grille area, or spend the day on one of the white sand beaches while diving into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. No matter what age or what you're looking for, in St. After dinner, you can't stop watching the legendary sunsets. Watching the sunset is one of my family's favorite activities to do in the afternoon.
I can imagine that we grab an ice cream cone at one of the local stores before heading to the Paradise Grille sunset celebration, a classic nighttime ritual among locals. Sand Key Park is a pristine white-sand barrier island near Clearwater Beach with two sides: one next to the beach and one next to the park. Locals and tourists alike consider it the safest beach for children near Tampa. On the beach side, you'll find a promenade with a stunning view of the sea and white sands.
Umbrella and cabin rentals are available, and there are also outdoor showers for when you finish building sandcastles. On the park side, there are restrooms with restrooms and a changing area, a children's playground, concessions and two picnic shelters with grills. In a rare salt marsh nearby, visitors can watch endangered birds nesting and feeding, an incredible experience for the little ones. Fort De Soto Park has five interconnected islands full of birds, marine life, flora and wildlife.
The large North Beach lagoon is protected by a sandbank and prevents it from exceeding three feet in depth. This makes it an excellent place to splash around, even for the youngest members of the family. In addition to the beach, there are a number of fun outdoor activities for families to do. You can bike the 7-mile nature trail, go canoeing or kayaking through mangroves.
I know my son would have a lot of fun exploring the old canyons and jail cells at historic Fort De Soto, which was built for the Spanish-American War. When bellies start rumbling, there's a snack bar with hot dogs, soft drinks, and other essentials. There are also picnic areas if you want to bring your own food, as well as bathrooms and showers. At the end of the day, you can relax and watch exotic birds, dolphins and sea turtles.
Or just sit back and admire the beautiful sunset. A short drive from Tampa, Honeymoon Island is one of Florida's favorite state parks. With more than four miles of sandy beach and wildlife, this natural barrier island offers a peaceful escape away from busy city life. Nature lovers looking for a break from the beach will love the three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin pine forests.
There you can see unique and endangered animals, such as eagles, ospreys, horned owls, gophers, raccoons and armadillos. There's also the Rotary Centennial Nature Center, where visitors can learn more about the park and its history. Honeymoon Island State Park is also where you would take the ferry to another favorite spot in Florida, the beautiful Caladesi Island State Park. The island of Caladesi, accessible only by a 20-minute ferry from the honeymoon island, is famous for its unspoiled and unspoiled beach.
Its perfect landscapes and paradisiacal vibes are what help it earn its place as one of the best beaches near Tampa. The island of Caladesi is ideal for families looking for a peaceful getaway with soft sand dunes and warm coastal breezes. You can spend the day relaxing or having a picnic by the beach while watching wildlife, such as shorebirds or sea turtles. There are also several other beach activities to enjoy with the family, such as fishing, bombing or kayaking in the mangroves.
When your appetite has worked up, there is a stall for a quick bite. Located in Pinellas County, this beach is wider than most beaches, and offers plenty of room to stretch out and have an area of your own. The water is extremely soft, making it a fun and family friendly beach for all ages. Families wishing to participate in water sports can rent paddleboards and kayaks on the beach, or sit and relax under a shaded cabana (also available to rent).
I know my child can spend all day jumping and running down giant inflatable slides. Treasure Island is also popular for kite flying and hosts an annual kite festival. A short drive away at Tampa Electric's Big Bend Power Station is the Manatee Viewing Center, a free way to entertain and educate children while in Apollo Beach. However, the center is only open from November 1 to April 15 of each year.
Archibald Memorial Beach Park is another of the best beaches near Tampa for families. With metered parking, restrooms, showers and covered picnic areas, it's a wonderful way to spend the day relaxing on the beach with the family. Once you've worked up an appetite, you can head to Snack Shack, a quaint 1934 seaside restaurant serving breakfast, sandwiches, seafood, and frozen cocktails for adults. Do you want to experience the coastal pleasure of Tampa? Clearwater Beach should be at the top of your list.
Located on a large barrier island in Pinellas County, it is one of Clearwater's most popular locations & St. Clearwater Beach has even been voted the number one beach in the United States for several years by TripAdvisor. Clearwater Beach is also home to some of Clearwater's best hotels. If you're looking for a base for your Tampa Bay adventures, stay at one of their luxury beachfront hotels.
Petersburg, head to Madeira Beach. It is one of the most popular beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. The nearby coastal town has a 1,100-foot boardwalk full of ice cream parlors and local restaurants. If you're lucky enough to visit it in October, you can even visit the annual Seafood Festival for incredible food and music.
The beach itself is only 2.5 miles long, but the soft sand and warm water attract thousands of tourists and locals every year. Sunbathing and swimming are the most popular things to do in Madeira Beach. Fishing is also popular along the docks. Gulf Boulevard crosses Madeira Beach and the other beaches of Pinellas County.
The boulevard is packed with restaurants, equipment stores, and beachfront hotels. Looking for a more relaxed beach environment for a romantic getaway? Sunset Beach is a pristine beach on the north end of Treasure Island. It's less touristy and more residential, away from the hustle and bustle of 26% of Tampa Bay's biggest beaches. Based on the name, you can guess (correctly) that the sunsets on Sunset Beach are spectacular.
And the clear and starlit skies are even better. Sunset Beach offers beach lovers picnic shelters, public showers and restrooms. The soft sand is perfect for sunbathing or relaxing and reading a book. Located just west of Dunedin, FL, Honeymoon Island State Park offers one of the best coastlines in the Gulf of Tampa Bay.
Unlike Caladesi State Park to the south, the park can be accessed from mainland Florida by car via the Dunedin Causeway. Even with its easy access, you'll enjoy a quieter atmosphere here than on other busy beaches in Midwest Florida. While you can spend all day enjoying the golden sands, there's more to Honeymoon Island State Park than its seaside pleasures. After letting the waves hit your toes, venture inland on one of its enchanting nature trails to observe wildlife.
You'll also find some picnic tables along the way to refuel for your adventure. For surfing and enjoying wide white sand beaches, head to Sand Key Park. Located south of Clearwater Beach, the sandy beach is a perfect place to take children and pets. Kayak and cabin rentals are available, as well as beach umbrellas and wheelchairs.
One of the best places to see in Tampa, Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is full of aquatic species. Part of the nature reserve is dedicated to keeping marine habitats safe. Here you can watch wildlife, see a wide variety of birds, or go fishing along the coast. Located between Madeira Beach and Indian Rocks Beach, Redington Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing in the sun.
The nearby town is just a square mile away; there's not much to do in Redington besides sunbathing. Davis Beach is Tampa's largest and most popular beach within the city limits and is adjacent to the four-mile Courtney Campbell Trail. The development never reached the level of the developer's dream, but the beaches are still a popular vacation destination for Tampa residents. Skye says, “Don't leave Tampa without exploring the downtown waterfront, people-watching in the historic city of Ybor, and trying the best Cuban food you can find outside of Cuba.”.
Straz, Jr Center for The Performing Arts is a non-profit organization that began in 1987, formally known as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. When it comes to Tampa Bay, picturesque landscapes and an average of 361 days of sunshine a year create an ideal setting for those willing to explore and discover new treasures. The SS American Victory in Tampa is a World War II ship that is one of four fully functioning ships of the time. Skye is a freelance writer who adopted Tampa as her hometown more than a decade ago and never looked back.
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa Bay, Florida, is the region's largest performing arts center and the only center with an on-site performing arts conservatory. The farm prides itself on its impeccable social responsibility to its community; the farm houses rescued animals and collects donations for the betterment of disadvantaged children in the Tampa Bay area and to care for their animals. KidSport has a large water table where children can navigate cargo ships through canals similar to those in Tampa Bay. It's one of the best places to go in Saint Petersburg, FL, if you want to immerse yourself in local Florida wildlife and see some incredible turtles and birds.
In addition to theatrical productions, orchestras, concerts, recitals, comedy, Broadway and Opera, whose ticketing and event hours can be found on the website, and other performing arts, the Straz Center offers artist residency programs, extracurricular and summer programs for students, a theater camp with complete production for 100 children, and is home to the Tampa Bay Youth Orchestra. . .
