Some tourists prefer a peaceful getaway rather than partying. While plenty of bookshops are available in Tampa, Florida, it is also known for its beautiful, uncrowded beaches and white sand coastlines.
From the heart of Tampa, you can reach more than a dozen of the world’s most stunning stretches of beach in less than half an hour. If you’re planning to visit beaches in Tampa, this list of the top choices will help you make decisions!
Best 7 Beaches in Tampa
Ben t. Davis Beach
The airport’s closeness to Davis is perfect for time-conscious fliers. It’s common to find a group of local volleyball players on the beach on a Tuesday evening or a Saturday morning. Davis Beach is the place to go if you’re in Tampa on vacation and want to spend some time at a beach with soft white sand, a calm sea, and picnic areas.
Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in Tampa Bay and among the top beaches in Florida. Clearwater Beach has watersports and activities beachgoers want, making it a favorite among locals and spring breakers. Rentals are available, from jet skis for those who want to unwind without bringing their beach gear to paddle boards for those who want a more active vacation.
Fred Howard Park, Tarpon Springs, Florida
Fred Howard Park is 25 miles from Tampa International Airport in Tarpon Springs. The pristine sands of the island’s coastline make it the ideal spot to sunbathe and enjoy the sun.
This beach and Park are great for various outdoor activities, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and windsurfing. Ospreys, eagles, and tortoises, to name a few, are among the endangered species that frequently make an appearance in this Natural Park, which also plays host to manatees and dolphins.
Caladesi Island, Dunedin, Florida
Caladesi Island is only a few kilometers north of Clearwater Beach, and tourists can only reach this by boat riding. It’s a secluded area perfect for those who plan a getaway from noisy cities. You can hop a short boat from Honeymoon Island to one of Tampa Bay’s top beaches in about 15 minutes.
Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island were previously joined, but a hurricane in 1921 severed the connection. This three-mile-long beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming in the warm Gulf water, and shell-collecting.
Indian Beach
Indian Rocks Beach is a long stretch of pristine white sand with relatively little tourist infrastructure. Locals refer to this residential beach area as “IRB,” and it’s an excellent alternative to the more touristy Clearwater or St. Pete.
The surrounding region has a blend of residential and holiday homes. Making this place hard for tourists to find hotels and inns. Skimboarding is a popular activity despite the laid-back vibes of the area. Check out the friendly surf shops to discover rentals and lessons.
Honeymoon Island, Dunedin, Florida
Over four kilometers of undeveloped coastline stretch out in front of this state park. Making it one of the top Tampa Bay beaches. Honeymoon Island has three distinct regions: the southern, northern, and dog beaches.
So tourists may bring dogs! What makes this beach special is the surrounding Osprey path, which is home to more than 50 nests of these endangered birds.
Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, Florida
It’s no secret that Sand Key beach is a popular tourist destination on the island’s barrier. Shells abound on this mile-long strip of white sand in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the Kemp Ridley sea turtle nesting makes this one of the greatest beaches in Tampa for viewing sea turtles!
There’s also a boardwalk, playground, picnic area, and dog park here, and it’s only a mile from the more popular Clearwater Beach. In addition, the dunes, saline marshes, and avifauna make this beach more special and perfect for environmentalist tourists!
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyde Park is ranked among the best places to swim in Tampa. About 3,000 people make their homes on these two artificial islands, which were dug from the bay in the 1920s.
If you look at TripAdvisor’s list of the best beaches in the United States for 2019, you’ll see that Clearwater Beach is at the top. However, that doesn’t make Tampa less. Tampa is also home to the best beaches perfect for a getaway.
Compared to Miami, the pace of life in Tampa is much slower. Tampa is a city with a lot going on. Still, its population are dispersed, giving it a more suburban vibe despite its abundance of attractions like secluded beaches and small restaurants.
Tampa is the cultural epicenter of Cuban Americans and features thrilling amusement parks, amazing zoos, and gorgeous beaches. Countless kilometers of picturesque coastline await you, along with soft, sandy beaches and clear, warm water.
