Discover the list of Best Beaches in Tampa – Florida, renowned for its warm white sand and turquoise water, is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Including some beaches awarded by TripAdvisor travelers.
Tampa Bay is located on the west coast of the Gulf and includes the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The peninsula is located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Known as the "City of the Sun" with an average of 361 days of sunshine, you can visit Tampa's beaches year-round! With miles of coastline ranging from secluded nature reserves to popular full-service beaches, there's a beach for everyone!
Read too:
- Tampa – Florida
- Free Things to do in Tampa Florida
- Comprehensive Guide to Tampa Bay – Florida
- Best restaurants in Tampa – Florida
How to get to Tampa – Florida?
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Ben T. Davis Beach – Tampa
Ben T. Davis is the closest Tampa beach to the airport and downtown, it's a small island! About 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the city center. It's the largest public beach in the area, although narrow, it's lined with palm trees and connected to the new four-mile Courtney Campbell Trails.
The trail is popular with hikers and cyclists. You can even rent bikes for a beach break!
One of the best beaches in Tampa for playing volleyball or watching the sunset. The beach is popular with locals who want a quick trip to the beach! There are picnic tables, grills and restrooms. You can rent bicycles, kayaks and paddle boards. Parking is extremely affordable at just US$ 0.55 per hour!
Where to Eat at Ben T. Davis Beach – Tampa
In the area inside the beach there is a restaurant: Whiskey Joe's Bar & Grill, typical local food with a diverse menu! If you want to save money, I suggest you take your meal to enjoy the beach, but if you want to have your meals here at this restaurant, it is a delicious option!
Ben T. Davis Beach Hotels
The hotels are not exactly located on the beach, but at a distance of around 1km, which is not a problem, on the contrary, you can walk to the beach.
THE Casa de Playa – Waterfront It is located 1km from the beach and you can easily walk. The advantage of staying in the apartment is that you can eat your meals there, saving money on your trip!
Another great option is Sailport Waterfront Suites located on the coast of Old Tampa Bay, this all-suite Florida beachfront hotel features an outdoor heated pool and beach. A private balcony, full kitchen and free WiFi are provided.
Clearwater Beach – Clearwater
Clearwater Beach is voted not only one of the best beaches in Tampa Bay, but one of the best beaches in the United States!
This beautiful white sand beach located on the Gulf Coast is surrounded by a beach boardwalk that connects it to the Pier 60. Head to Pier 60 to watch the sunset while listening to live music and grabbing something to eat or drink!
Popular with locals and spring breakers alike, Clearwater Beach offers just about every amenity a beach goer could want!
From cabana rentals for those wanting to relax without having to bring their own beach setup, to kayak, jet ski and paddle board rentals for those looking to get more adventurous! There are several restaurants and bars too!
As an alternative to parking at the beach, you can find free parking in downtown Clearwater and take the paid ferry (US$ 4 for adults, US$ 2 for children) to the beach.
Best restaurants in Clearwater Beach
Crabby's Beachwalk Bar & Grill
Very stylish restaurant, offering a wide menu with seafood, lobsters, even hamburgers, sandwiches or fried chicken. It has something for all tastes and desires.
The restaurant is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.
Address: 333 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater
Our tip is that you try the seafood and the dish: Florida grouper.
Sea Guinea
Yet another restaurant serving seafood delicacies! This one, with its differential in the environment and in the sophistication of the dishes.
Tip: the grilled porkfish. Served over shrimp and smoked bacon hash, sweet corn bouillon, and roasted cauliflower, it often garners praise as glowing as, “That was the best dish I’ve ever had!” and it stood out from the restaurant's other dishes in terms of raw popularity.
Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 10 pm and the bar until 11 pm.
Address: 430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater
Hotels in Clearwater Beach – Clearwater
sunset villas 3
Situated in Clearwater Beach, a few steps from North Redington Beach and 300 meters from Indian Shores Beach, Sunset Villas 3 offers air conditioning. This beachfront property offers free WiFi and free private parking. The property is non-smoking and is located 7.7 km from John's Pass.
The spacious vacation home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony with sea views. For added privacy, the accommodation has a private entrance.
Sightseeing tours are available within walking distance of the property. Johns Pass and Village Boardwalk is 8 km from the holiday home, while Pier 60 is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is St. Pete-Clearwater, 22 km from Sunset Villas 3.
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and with an oceanfront location, the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa features an outdoor pool and is 5 minutes' walk from Pier 60. Relaxing by the pool is enhanced with poolside service.
Watch the sunset with a tropical cocktail at the oceanfront Tiki Bar or dine at one of the on-site restaurants. A flat-screen TV is included in the rooms and suites at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa.
Views of the gulf, coast, harbor or park are possible, and most accommodations have a balcony. The property offers an on-site fitness center and a Starbucks® coffee shop. Tommy's Tiki Bar is located directly on the beach for guests to enjoy.
Nearby, marine life can be seen at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, just 1.8 km away. Sand Key Park barrier island is 2.9 km away.
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Situated in Clearwater Beach, 700 meters from Clearwater Beach, JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa features accommodation with free bikes, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. With a garden, the property also features a terrace and a bar. The hotel features a hot tub, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. All rooms feature a private bathroom with a hairdryer, while some rooms offer a balcony and others also offer sea views. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with bed linen and towels.
A à la carte, American or vegetarian breakfast is available every morning at the property. At JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa you will find a restaurant serving American, Mediterranean and seafood cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options can also be requested.
Languages spoken at the reception include English and Spanish, and guests are invited to request information about the area when needed. Pier 60 is 5.4 km from the accommodation, while John's Pass is 27 km away.
The nearest airport is St. Pete-Clearwater, 20 km from JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. while John's Pass is 27 km away. The nearest airport is St. Pete-Clearwater, 20 km from JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. while John's Pass is 27 km away. The nearest airport is St. Pete-Clearwater, 20 km from JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa.
Howard Park Beach – Tarpon Springs
Howard Park Beach is located about 40 km from Tampa International Airport in Tarpon Springs, Florida . This state park is connected by a 1.5km scenic driveway that takes you to the beach. Located on an island, the white sand beach is perfect for soaking up the sun.
And the calm turquoise water is perfect for swimming! The unobstructed views of the gulf make Fred Howard Park one of the best beaches near Tampa Bay to watch the sunset.
Popular with swimmers, kayakers, anglers and windsurfers, this beach and nature park has it all!
As a nature reserve, you can often see endangered wildlife such as ospreys, bald eagles and turtles, as well as manatees and dolphins!
Parking is just US$ 5 per day.
Restaurants in Howard Park Beach – Tampa
On the beach there is no restaurant nearby, for this reason we recommend that you take your food to spend your day at the beach in peace!
has the cafeteria Tarpon Middle Cafeteria, at a distance of 4 km (approximately), while other larger restaurants such as Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, Inc. or Taste Of Japan Tarpon Springs this one with Japanese food, are at a distance of around 7km.
Hotels in Howard Park Beach – Tampa
Quality Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs South
Nestled between the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Tarpon, the Quality Inn & Suites hotel in Tarpon Springs, Florida is the perfect location to enjoy the historic district and its many attractions.
This hotel is close to the famous Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, Clearwater Aquarium, Howard Park Beach, Caladesi Island State Park and Brighthouse Fields. All guest rooms offer coffee makers, desks, hair dryers, cable television, irons and ironing boards. A microwave, refrigerator, sofa sleeper and balcony are offered in select rooms.
Hampton Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs
Located in Tarpon Springs, Florida, this hotel features an outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi. The Sponge Docks is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Coffee-making facilities are provided in every room at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs. Includes cable TV, ironing facilities and hairdryer. A gym and business center are available at the hotel.
Tarpon Springs Hampton Inn & Suites also offers on-site laundry facilities. The Hampton Inn & Suites is 3 miles from the Tarpon Springs Historic District. Tampa is 30 miles away.
Caladesi Island – Dunedin
Are you looking for a beach accessible only by boat?
Just a few miles north of Clearwater Beach you'll find Caladesi Island!
To get to one of the best beaches near Tampa Bay, take a quick 15-minute ferry ride (US $ 14 round trip) from nearby Honeymoon Island.
Caladesi Island was once connected to Honeymoon Island, but in 1921 a hurricane separated the islands! This three mile stretch of white sand is perfect for collecting shells, relaxing on the white sand beach or swimming in the warm Gulf waters!
Don't worry, there are restrooms, picnic tables, as well as chair and umbrella rentals. There is also a cafe located on the island in case you come hungry.
For nature lovers, you can kayak a five-kilometer circuit through the mangroves. Perfect for spotting blue herons, ospreys, bald eagles and fish.
There is also a walking trail through the oak trees! A visit to Caladesi Island is worth the trouble to visit one of the best beaches in Tampa Bay!
Honeymoon Island, Dunedin
Honeymoon Island is the sister island of Caladesi Island. This state park has over four miles of pristine pristine beach! Making it one of the best beaches in Tampa Bay. Honeymoon Island is divided into three areas, the south, north and dog beach.
This is really one of best places to kayak near Tampa!
At the south end of the island is a picnic area and beach, with soft white sand from the gulf. While the far north is known for surfing and hiking trails. It is also home to flat tide pools This beach even has a dog friendly area! Unique to this beach is the Osprey Trail is located nearby and is home to over 50 Osprey nests. Parking costs US$ 8 per car.
Best Restaurants on Honeymoon Island, Dunedin
South Beach Pavilion Cafe
A place for you to eat fast food, prices are very affordable in addition to great service. The advantage is that it is very close to the island and so you can even walk there.
Open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Frenchy's Outpost Bar and Grill
Open daily from 11 am to 10 pm (Friday and Saturday open until 11 pm).
The meal is delicious with stylish and very creative dishes. Tip: try the pretzel soley, it's wonderful!
Best Honeymoon Island Hotels, Dunedin – Tampa
Hampton Inn Dunedin, FL
Guest Rating: 9,8
Check the price and make your reservation now by clicking on here!
Featuring 3-star accommodation, Hampton Inn Dunedin, Fl is set in Dunedin, 11 km from Pier 60 and 32 km from Raymond James Stadium. With a fitness centre, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, the rooms include a wardrobe.
Rooms have a desk and a flat-screen TV, and some rooms at Hampton Inn Dunedin, Fl have a balcony. At the accommodation the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
Hampton Inn Dunedin, Fl offers a buffet or continental breakfast. The hotel has a sun terrace. Guests at Hampton Inn Dunedin, Fl will be able to enjoy activities in and around Dunedin, like fishing and cycling.
The accommodation also provides a business center and guests can use the fax machine and photocopier at Hampton Inn Dunedin, Fl. John's Pass is 32 km from the hotel, while Johns Pass and Village Boardwalk is 32 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tampa International Airport, 27 km from Hampton Inn Dunedin, Fl.
Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection
Guest Rating: 8,9
Check the price and make your reservation now by clicking on here!
Featuring a rooftop bar, Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection in Dunedin is located 400 meters from Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. The property is around 700 meters from Dunedin Marina and 1.1 km from 7venth Sun Brewery. All rooms at the hotel are equipped with a small refrigerator and a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
Rooms are complete with a private bathroom fitted with a hairdryer, while certain units also boast a seating area.
Enjoy views from the resort-style pool at the Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection before gathering on the front lawn for a game of badminton, boules and croquet. HEW Parlor & Chophouse, the on-site restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and happy hour. The property is situated 3.9 km from Dunedin Fine Arts Center and 5 km from Knot On Main Street.
Sand Key Beach – Clearwater
Sand Key beach located on the barrier island is known as a “secret beach”! This 1km stretch of white gulf sand is known for its abundance of seashells.
Kemp Ridley's sea turtle nest makes this one of the best beaches in Tampa for sea turtle sightings!
Just 1 mile from the most popular Clearwater Beach is a boardwalk, showers, playground, picnic area and a dog park!
Unique to this beach are sand dunes, salt marshes and birds. Located near several resorts, there are many restaurants in the area. If you're looking for something to eat, try the famous Columbia restaurant located just a 10-minute walk away! Parking costs US$ 3 per hour.
Best restaurants in Sand Key Beach – Clearwater
Columbia Restaurant Sand Key
Excellent Cuban food with a wonderful view. The decoration is very beautiful, and the sound of Latin music. It has valet parking. The price is little expensive but worth it.
Open daily from 11 am to 9 pm and on weekends (Friday and Saturday) it is open until 10 pm.
Sunset Beach – Treasure Island
Sunset Beach, is located on a 3.8-mile Barrier Island divided into several beaches. Sunset Beach is located on the south side.
Popular for its laid-back vibe, this Tampa Florida beach is popular with the community. LGTBQ. The story goes that this is the beach that inspired Jimmy Buffett's song “Margaritaville”!
Located between two rocky breakwaters, surfers flock due to the windy conditions. For beach goers, be sure to stay until sunset for incredible views of the Gulf.
Free parking is located along the island, just look for the orange and blue signs with a “P”! A crossed out “P” indicates no parking.
Restaurant at Sunset Beach – Treasure Island
Caddy's Treasure Island
Awesome beach bar. Spectacular vibe. Bar with great structure with tables standing in the sand, live music, good food and various types of drinks. Price a little high but worth it. There are always different events on site, especially in the late afternoon during sunset.
Open daily from 8 am to 11 pm.
Ka'Tiki Restaurant
This restaurant is super lively, with live music, a delicious seafood menu and a pleasant, beach-style atmosphere!
Open daily from 9 am to 2 am.
Pass-A-Grille – Long Key Island
the beach of Pass-a-Grille is located at the southern end of St. Petersburg Beach, on an island between the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay.
Best known for the Don CeSar hotel, this laid-back little town has an artsy vibe described as Old Florida. Pass-a-Grille is one of the best beaches near the Tampa Bay area, as it sits on a four-mile stretch of white sand with turquoise water.
For families, head to Hurley Park on 15th avenue for a full beach, or the south end for the beach. dog friendly!
From here, you can take a short excursion to Shell Key from Merry Pier, or hop on a dolphin watching boat.
Along 8th Avenue you will find beach bars and restaurants. Parking is easy to find in the area!
Madeira Beach – Pinellas
Madeira Beach is located about 15 minutes west of downtown St. Petersburg, and between Treasure Island and the beaches of Reddington.
Known as “Crazy Beach” by locals, it is home to a 4 km stretch of fine white sand.
Perfect for relaxing on the beach or swimming in the calm, clear waters! Madeira Beach is connected to the village of St. John's pass over an 1,100-foot boardwalk. There are also many things to do in Madeira Beach!
Very popular on the weekends, this is one of several beaches in Tampa Bay that are perfect for enjoying a night out, as St. John's Pass is home to over 100 shops and restaurants.
During the last weekend of october to Praia da Madeira receives a seafood that brings more than 100,000 tourists to the area.
Parking can be found at various points along the beach and costs US$5 for 2 hours.
Fort De Soto Beach – Pinellas
Fort de Soto Beach is the largest public park in Pinellas County. With over 1000 acres of land and 5 islands in the Gulf of Mexico, this beach park is known for its tranquility.
Fort de Soto's North Beach was voted by Parent's Magazine as the best beach in Tampa Bay for families!
The north beach of Fort de Soto is the largest and most family friendly beach in the area. With picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms, lifeguards and a pirate ship playground, it's the ultimate family beach! The beach has soft white sand and calm waters with a tidal pool and sandbar!
The east beach is perfect for shell collecting and those who want their own slice of beach as it is generally not as crowded as the north beach!
The Bay Pier is great for fishing, as well as taking a ferry to Egmont Key State Park (US $ 20 round trip). Just past the beach to the north is Shell Key preserve an 1,800 acre wildlife preserve perfect for kayaking and canoeing on a 2 mile route. Don't forget to check out the Fort before or after heading to the beach! Parking costs R$ 5.
Egmont Key Beach – Saint Petersburg
Egmont Key beach is the most secluded beach on our list! This 400-acre Florida State Park is located on an island accessible only by private boat or ferry. The twenty-minute ferry ride from Fort de Soto costs US$ 25 for adults and US$ 12.50 for children.
Unlike Caladesi Island, there are no restrooms or facilities of any kind available. So remember to pack everything you need for a 3-4 hour beach day!
This is one of the best beaches near the Tampa Bay area if you want an uninhabited island getaway. The island is home to an 1850s lighthouse and Fort Dade from the Spanish-American War. On Egmont Key, you'll find a secluded white sand beach perfect for shell collecting, snorkeling and swimming.
Egmont Key State Park is also home to a nature preserve with wildlife such as gopher tortoises, dolphins and birds.
St. Pete Beach – Saint Petersburg
St. Pete Beach is home to the famous pink hotel known as Don CeSar!
This is the best beach in Tampa if everyone in your group wants something different for their beach experience.
Known as a resort area filled with hotels, restaurants and shops, finding parking on this beach is often difficult unless you arrive early! But, a free green energy bus known as the “Freebee” transports guests along Gulf Avenue and has several stops along St. Pete.
With 10 public beach walkways, this award-winning beach has a wide sandy beach.
From beach hut rentals to restaurants, bars, water sports St. Pete Beach is a full service beach.
The water is a beautiful turquoise color, and the white sand makes this one of the best beaches near the Tampa Bay area. For those wanting a little more seclusion on the northern tip of St. Pete Beach is Upham beach.
Those willing to venture further afield will find fewer crowds, making this beach popular with locals and surfers alike!
Hotels in St. Pete Beach – Saint Petersburg
Sunrise Resort by Liberte'⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hilton Garden InnSt. Pete Beach, FL ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Vistas on the Gulf by Liberte' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Hotel Zamora ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
St Pete Condo with Heated Pool – Less Than 1 Mi to Beach! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What to do in Tampa in one day?
Are you looking for fun? One day in Tampa is not enough, so make the most of your day here:
- Discover famous neighborhoods: Ybor City and Hyde Park;
- Check in at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge;
- Spend a few hours at Pass-a-Grille Beach;
- go to Florida Aquarium Tampa.
Take advantage of these places, your day will be super productive!
If you have a little more time, go to Busch Gardens Park, ride roller coasters and enjoy everything that is radical in this park. Maybe the best thing is to start the day with him 🙂
How is life in Tampa Florida?
Life in Tampa offers a wide variety of tourist attractions such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island water park. The city is known for its cultural diversity, hosting a large Hispanic community and hosting festivals and cultural events.
Residents enjoy an outdoor lifestyle due to the beautiful climate, with many parks, walking trails and beaches to enjoy. Tampa is also known for its passion for sports, with professional football, ice hockey and baseball teams. The city also offers educational opportunities at various institutions.
What is the cost of living in Tampa?
It depends on the standard of living you would like to have.
For example: The average rent for an apartment of a room in the city center can vary from US$ 1,200 to US$ 1,800 per month, while in more outlying areas, prices can be a bit lower.
Food: can vary from US$50.00 per person, but that depends on whether you are going to cook food at home, whether you are going to eat out every day.
Regarding public transport, the value is very affordable and accessible, but if you are going to buy a car, then you need to budget expenses with gasoline, depreciation and the amount you will need to have to buy a vehicle.
Where is the city of Tampa Florida?
The city of Tampa is located in the west coast of the state of florida, in the United States. More specifically, Tampa is situated in the Tampa Bay region, which is a saltwater bay on the Gulf of Mexico.
Tours in Tampa
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Best beaches in Tampa – Florida
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