The Best Beaches in the Tampa Area

There are so many different beaches to choose from when you visit Tampa that you might be hard pressed to choose just one. Tampa sits on the Gulf Coast of Florida and offers great weather for fun in the sun no matter where you choose to dip your tootsies! There are over 15 great beaches in the area. Here are my favorite spots along the coast.

Honeymoon Island State Beach is located within a state park. While you have to pay admission or have a yearly pass to enter, it is well worth it. This beach is usually not crowded like the Clearwater Beach can be. I guess it is because the other ones are free.

Pass-A-Grille Beach is located in St. Petersburg. This beach runs about a mile and a half and is located on an island that used to host fishermen and their boats. It is like visiting a quaint beach town complete with outside cafes and parks.

Treasure Island Beach is located at Gulf Blvd in St. Petersburg. It is free but parking is not. This beach is very popular so be sure to arrive early in order to get a parking spot. It has a snack bar, cabana rentals, and much more.

Madeira Beach and Redington Beach are 2 of my most favorite beaches in the Tampa area. You can find public restrooms, snack bars, and an assortment of parking lots. There are places to rent water sports and lots of beachfront bars too.

Clearwater has 3 public beaches and they are usually always crowded. When the Adam's Mark Hotel was still around we would come by around 6pm for dinner out on the beach deck and to watch the amazing sunset. We would always listen to the great Caribbean reggae band out on the deck. My kids even got to play tambourines with them! The day they tore it down was a sad day indeed.

Hudson Beach is located just off of US 19, North of Tampa. This beach is small but pleasant. You can see the shrimping boats and on the other you have a boating pass through. There are snacks, food, and beverages located close by for your convenience.

Anna Maria Beach is located in Bradenton, just outside of Sarasota. This beach is wonderful but we would usually have to spend the night if we went here. For one thing - the sand is white and baby powder soft. It is expensive but worth it. The area is full of great beachfront hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and clubs.

No matter which beach you choose, you are sure to have a glorious time! Remember to obey the posted safety signs which tell you about the current and to bring plenty of sun screen with you. The hot Florida sun can quickly burn you if you are not accustomed to it.