Ultimate Guide to Beaches in Tampa Bay and St Pete, Florida
The beaches in Tampa Bay are some of the best in the world. But with so many options, which beach in Tampa Bay beach should you go to?
Before I give you an overview of all the amazing beaches you have to choose from, let’s talk about beaches in Tampa. When people refer to Tampa Bay, it actually refers to a very large area. For example, the distance from St Pete to downtown Tampa is around 25 miles depending on your start and end. But St Pete is technically considered part of Tampa Bay.
The beaches are on the St Pete side, but since St. Petersburg is considered part of Tampa Bay, a lot of people get confused and think that there are beaches in Tampa. Tampa does have some beaches on the bay, but it is not going to have the sandy beaches and beautiful blue Gulf of Mexico water you’re thinking of.
Every beach in Tampa Bay has pros and cons. I love them all for different reasons, so instead of telling you my favorite (which would be impossible to choose anyways) I’ll just go in order from north Tampa area beaches to south Tampa Bay beaches.
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Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island State Park is located just outside of Dunedin, Florida. Since it is a state park, there are no houses on the island, it’s just nature and pristine beaches. Honeymoon Island has gorgeous water for perfect beach days. You can also walk nature trails, catch the ferry to the even more remote island of Caladesi, rent kayaks, go biking, or take your dog to the dog beach. There are also a couple of places to grab food on site. They serve simple food like burgers and hot dogs, but it’s nice to not have to worry about packing a lunch.
Pros of Honeymoon Island:
- Dog friendly in designated dog beach area
- Ability to rent paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, beach chairs, and umbrellas
- Food on site so you can eat without having to leave
- You can go for a nature hike
Cons of Honeymoon Island:
- There is an entrance fee
- There is only one road in and out of Honeymoon Island, so during busy times, traffic can get backed up
Where to stay near Honeymoon Island: Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection in Dunedin. Since Honeymoon Island is a state park, there are no accomodations on the island.
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat or kayak. This is part of what makes this magical place so special, it’s one of the best places to find a secluded beach. You can rent kayaks from the Dunedin Causeway. It’s a relatively short and easy paddle but if you’d rather not kayak, you can take the ferry from Honeymoon Island.
Caladesi Island used to be connected to Honeymoon Island until a hurricane separated it into two islands in 1921. Today, Caladesi Island is a great place to enjoy nature, collect seashells, and kayak through the mangroves. There is also a hiking trail through the live oaks.
Even though it’s a remote island, Caladesi Island has restrooms, picnic tables, rental chairs and umbrellas, and even a cafe with simple food options on the island.
Pros of Caladesi Island State Park
- More remote than most Florida beaches
- Abundant wildlife
- Hiking trails
Cons of Caladesi Island State Park
- Not the easiest to get to since it is only accessible by boat
Where to stay near Caladesi Island State Park: You can boat camp on Caladesi Island (tent camping is not allowed), but if you don’t have a boat to do this, Dunedin is a great place to stay. I recommend the Fenway Hotel.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach has been voted Best Beach Town in Florida by USA Today readers. For activities, Clearwater Beach is a perfect spot if you want a lot of activities. There are TONS of things to do in Clearwater Beach. Every boat tour you could imagine is available and the marina is in the center of all the action, making it easy to get to.
Pier 60 is also fun to visit. There is a small market and live performers every night at the pier as well. If you want to be active, there are plenty of kayak rentals, volleyball courts, and there is a really nice paved trail along the beach. Clearwater Beach will also satisfy everyone’s expectations for food with options ranging from inexpensive to fine dining.
Pros of Clearwater Beach
- They have almost any activity you could think of from dolphin cruises to tiki boat rides
- There are restaurants ranging from quick and (relatively) inexpensive to fine dining
- Large playground for the kids located at Pier 60
- Long pier you can walk to get a different view of the Clearwater Beach coastline
Cons of Clearwater Beach
- Traffic is probably the worst here of all the Tampa Bay area beaches. It can be really congested and parking can be difficult to find, especially if it’s a busy day (like a weekend or holiday)
Where to stay in Clearwater Beach: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
Sand Key Beach
Before we moved to Florida, I had heard of Sand Key being described as a secret. I have been there plenty of times with a large crowd, but it is much quieter than its neighbor, Clearwater Beach. There is also plenty of parking, which is a reasonable flat rate ($5) for the entire day.
Sand Key has one mile of gorgeous beachfront. It’s a fun place to hunt for seashells. There is also a boardwalk, restroom facilities, a nice playground, picnic area, and a dog park (the dog park is not on the beach).
Pros of Sand Key Beach
- Quieter than its neighbor, Clearwater Beach
- Plenty of parking
- Amenities including restrooms, hiking, a dog park (not on the beach), a playground, and more
Cons of Sand Key Beach
- You have to pay to get in, but parking is a flat fee for the entire day instead of hourly like many other Tampa Bay beaches.
Where to stay near Sand Key Beach: Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key. You could also stay in Clearwater Beach, which is just a short drive to Sand Key.
Belleair Beach
Belleair Beach is an upscale community. Unless you are staying within walking distance to the beach, finding parking here will be difficult. Morgan Park is the only public access. It has metered parking, but it is limited.
Belleair Beach is just outside of Indian Rocks, so we will often walk there on a morning beach walk. There are no public facilities or restaurants. Also, beach umbrellas aren’t allowed on the beach. But it is a fun place to visit if you want to pretend to be a millionaire for the day.
Pros of Belleair Beaches
- The Belleair beaches are not busy and are much quieter than other beaches in the area
Cons of Belleair Beaches
- There is little to no public parking because it is mostly a residential area
- Beach umbrellas aren’t allowed on the beach
Where to stay in Belleair Beaches: Emerald on the Water
Indian Rocks and Indian Shores
Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores have been described as a low key community-type beach. The public parking areas can be pretty crowded, but otherwise this has a laid back, relaxed vibe.
Indian Rocks is also home to the Indian Rocks Nature Preserve. It’s a nice boardwalk path that weaves through the mangroves and has gorgeous views of the intracoastal waters.
Splash Harbour Water Park is also in Indian Rocks Beach. It has water slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad for the younger kids.
Indian Shores is home to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. They are a wildlife rescue that you can visit to see. There is also an observation tower with incredible views of the beach. Entrance is free but if you can, I recommend a small donation in exchange as it all goes towards rehabilitating and rescuing the birds.
Pros of Indian Rocks and Indian Shores
- Less “touristy” than other beaches in Tampa Bay
Cons of Indian Rocks and Indian Shores
- Not quite as many things to do compared to other beaches in Pinellas County
- It is a popular spot for Airbnbs, which not all locals appreciate
Where to stay in Indian Rocks/Indian Shores: Holiday Inn & Suites (the waterpark is located within this hotel)
The Redington Beaches
The Redington Beaches are quiet and serene, similar to Indian Rocks Beach. They consist of North Redington Beach and Redington Beach. This is my favorite place for a beach walk and there is also good shelling here.
Pros of Redington Beaches
- The beach is less crowded than some of the other Tampa Bay beaches
Cons of Redington Beaches
- Not quite as many things to do compared to other beaches in Pinellas County
Where to stay in Redington Beaches: Salt Water Suites
Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach has 2.5 miles of beaches. But just as famous as the beaches is John’s Pass. John’s Pass is a really fun area with an 1100 foot boardwalk on the water. There are restaurants, stores, and boat charters here. The sandbar is also a popular hangout, especially on the weekends, and can be seen from John’s Pass.
Downtown Madeira Beach has a market on Wednesdays in the winter months. In the area the market is held, you’ll find Saltwater Hippie. This is a beach themed dive bar loved by locals and visitors alike. If a rooftop bar is more your style, there is one at the Cambria in the same area. There are also some small shops in the downtown area worth checking out.
Pros of Madeira Beach
- More of a small town feel yet plenty of restaurants and things to do
- Locals and visitors both love the sandbar right outside of John’s Pass
Cons of Madeira Beach
- Parking and traffic can be an issue
Where to stay in Madeira Beach: Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg – Madeira Beach Marina
Treasure Island
Treasure Island is known for its wide beaches allowing you to spread out. Its shoreline is also lined with “old school” hotels giving you an authentic, old Florida feel.
Treasure Island has a giant inflatable water slide that is fun for both kids and adults. And if you happen to be there in November, you can enjoy Sanding Ovations, which is a sand castle festival held annually.
Treasure Island is known for their drum circle, which happens every Sunday night before sunset. If you’re not familiar with a drum circle, basically you’ll find people playing various instruments and dancers. Everyone enjoys music and dancing. Even if you’re uncomfortable dancing in public, you might find yourself unable to hold back – the energy is contagious, everyone is welcome, and it’s a memorable experience.
Pros of Treasure Island
- All Tampa Bay beaches are family friendly, but I find Treasure Island to be one of the most family friendly beaches in the area.
Cons of Treasure Island
- The beach is a long walk from the parking lot, which might be difficult for people with mobility issues or a pain if you have a ton of beach equipment.
Where to stay in Treasure Island: Treasure Island Beach Resort
St Pete Beach and Upham Beach
St Pete Beach was voted Trip Advisor’s number one beach in the US in 2021 and number 5 in the world in 2012. Because it’s growing in popularity, there are tons of activities and restaurants in St Pete Beach.
There are some really good beach bars in St Pete Beach if you want to do a little beach bar hopping. Check out Jimmy B’s, Postcard Inn, or Undertow for starters. You can also check out the rooftop lounge at Hotel Zamora or Level 11 for some great views.
Corey Avenue has some shopping, restaurants, and bars. On Sundays, they close down the street for a market.
Pros of St Pete Beach
- Tons of restaurant options, including rooftop options with incredible views
- Good for almost any age group from families to the younger crowd who wants to party a little more
Cons of St Pete Beach
- Like many beaches in Florida, parking and traffic can be hectic
Where to stay in St Pete Beach: The Don CeSar (the famous huge pink hotel!) or Tradewinds Island Grand
Pass-a-Grille
Pass-a-Grille is one of my favorite places to explore and have a beach day. They have a quaint main street with string lights where you’ll also find restaurants, rooftop bars, boutiques, and more. Pass-a-Grille is a very charming town. There is also a dog friendly beach on the intracoastal side of the island.
Pros of Pass A Grille
- Quaint small town that is fun to explore
- There is a dog beach on the island
- Plenty of restaurants, including rooftop options with views
Cons of Pass a Grille
- It’s a very small town
Where to stay near Pass A Grille: Don CeSar (located right on the cusp of St Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille)
Shell Key
Shell Key is only accessible by boat. Luckily, it’s easy to take the ferry from Fort DeSoto. Shell Key is about as remote as you can get with 195 undeveloped acres. and there is plenty of wildlife, especially if you enjoy birding. Sea turtles also nest and hatch here. Shell Key is also great for shelling. There are no facilities of any kind, such as water or restrooms. You can camp there, but only primitive camping is allowed.
Pros of Shell Key
- Primitive camping is allowed
- Undeveloped land makes this a true “old Florida” experience
- Great wildlife viewing
Cons of Shell Key
- While it is easy to take the ferry, you have to leave during specific times
Fort DeSoto
Fort DeSoto is the biggest public park in Pinellas County. It’s great for nature lovers because not only is the beach expansive but there are over 1000 acres of land in Fort DeSoto for walking, biking, and enjoying nature.
They also have a pier that’s great for fishing. You can take the ferry from Fort DeSoto to Shell Key. Shell Key is a preserve only accessible by boat or kayak. If you book ahead of time, you can camp at Fort Desoto as well. But the most unique thing about Fort DeSoto is that there is an old fort there. The fort is from the Spanish-American War era.
I think that Fort DeSoto is the best dog beach in Tampa Bay because the dogs can run off leash. Honeymoon Island also has a dog beach, but the dogs need to stay on their leash there.
Pros of Fort DeSoto
- Dogs are allowed in the area designated as a dog beach
- Plenty of parking
- Wonderful for families
- Plenty of amenities
- You can camp there (with advance reservations)
Cons of Fort DeSoto
- Because it’s a state park, there are no accomodations on the island unless you make a camping reservation
Whether you seek relaxation, water sports, expansive white sand beaches, or good seafood restaurants, the beautiful beaches of Tampa Bay offer a great spot to find paradise for every traveler. Embrace the coastal charm, savor the breathtaking sunsets, and create memories that will linger long after the sand has been brushed off your toes. Hopefully this guide has helped you pick the best beach for your Florida vacation.
