Tampa Bay is one of the most prominent coastal cities in Florida, so it’s no surprise that you can find epic beaches here.
I’m a Tampa local and in this post, I’ll share what I think are the 17 best Tampa Bay beaches. Whether you’re looking for a popular dog beach or a quiet hideaway beach, there is a stretch of sand for everyone on this list.
And be sure to bookmark my guide to the best hotels and areas to stay in Tampa!
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17 Best Beaches In Tampa Bay
Fort De Soto Beach
Grab your pup and head to Fort De Soto Park to have an epic beach day.
📍 Google Maps | Fort De Soto Park Website | 🅿️ Parking: Large parking lots, normally plenty of space | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Residence Inn Tierra Verde
Fort De Soto Park is located in Pinellas County and is home to multiple breathtaking beaches. Fort De Soto Beach and Fort De Soto Dog Beach are no exception.
There are plenty of amenities ranging from playgrounds to public restrooms to kayak launch sites. There’s a $5 entrance fee per car, which helps keep these amenities up and running!
Fort De Soto Dog Beach is my top recommendation for dog-friendly beaches in Tampa Bay. It’s easily best off-leash dog beach in the area. At many dog beaches I’ve visited, the water isn’t clean enough for me to get in. Fort De Soto’s water is pristine, so I feel comfortable going swimming with my dog. The beach itself is maintained very well.
Visiting Fort De Soto Park is one of the best things to do in Tampa, so be sure to make a day of it and visit other parts of this gorgeous Florida State Park.
Clearwater Beach
Parasail or jet-ski at this prominent and lively Tampa Bay beach.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Mostly metered street parking or parking garages, most are $3 per hour | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a beautiful, white sand beach that is great for individuals and families looking to have a fun day on the water. Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches near Tampa, but it’s also one of the best beaches in Florida!
This beach has 3-miles of shoreline, two playgrounds, public restrooms, and beach volleyball courts. There are lifeguards on duty daily. Stay wary of stingrays and rip currents, and be sure to swim in the vicinity of a lifeguard stand!
Clearwater Beach is located off Pier 60, which is an elaborate fishing pier that hosts many festivals and local events. The beach and surrounding area are very well maintained by the City of Clearwater. I highly recommend spending a day here.
Indian Rocks Beach
Peaceful beach great for relaxing on the sand or collecting shells.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Plenty of parking, $2.50 per hour
Indian Rocks Beach is a small and picturesque beach right on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the perfect place for individuals looking to have a peaceful day reading at the beach. Located in Pinellas County, this beach is about a 45-minute drive from Downtown Tampa.
There are public restrooms as well as beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. Many shells wash up on shore daily. This makes Indian Rocks Beach a great place for collecting seashells.
Since you’ll be in the St. Pete area while visiting Indian Rocks Beach, consider making a day of it by also stopping by the Saint Petersburg Sunken Gardens. It’s one of the best day trips from Tampa!
St. Pete Beach
Take in gorgeous views of white, sandy shores and crystal-clear water.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Mostly metered street parking, around $3.00 per hour | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: St. Pete Beach Suites
St. Pete Beach is one of the main attractions in St. Petersburg! It’s a beautiful, white sand beach known for its clear water and abundance of amenities.
Rent a beach chair and umbrella and relax on the sand. Jet-ski, paddle board, or try a new water sport. Enjoy a drink and lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants that line the beach.
St. Pete Beach also has many amazing resorts and hotels located mere feet from the beach. If you are planning a trip to Tampa Bay, definitely consider staying in St. Petersburg. Check out my article on the best time to visit Tampa for additional information to help plan your trip!
Davis Island Beach
Just a quick drive from Downtown Tampa, Davis Island offers beautiful views of boat-filled waters.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Plenty of free parking
Davis Island Beach is a simple beach that is great for anyone looking to have a quiet afternoon relaxing. It’s located just minutes from Downtown, so it’s an ideal beach for anyone in Downtown Tampa or South Tampa who wants a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of hours.
Davis Island also has a dog beach. It’s fenced-in, so you can watch your furry friend run around and play without worrying about them getting lost. While there are beautiful views of the water, I wouldn’t recommend getting in because the water quality can be questionable at times.
Honeymoon Island Beach
Walk the sand spit and look for unique shells washing ashore.
📍 Google Maps | Honeymoon Island State Park Website | 🅿️ Parking: Plenty of parking spots available | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: 3Gulls Inn Ozona
Honeymoon Island Beach is located in Honeymoon Island State Park, close to Clearwater. This beach is especially great for bird-watching, shell collecting, and fishing. There’s a two-and-a-half-mile-long sand spit that provides a beautiful place to take a relaxing stroll.
The southern portion of the beach is dog-friendly, so bring your entire family (dogs included) to enjoy the day. Honeymoon Island State Park has many other amenities like hiking trails, picnic shelters, and paddle boarding, so make sure you make a day of it and explore some other sections of the park!
Madeira Beach
Relax in the sand or enjoy the view from John’s Pass Boardwalk.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking lot and metered street parking | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Barefoot Beach Club
Madeira Beach is located just north of Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach. There are public restrooms, showers, and plenty of space on the beach for your ideal beach setup. From the shore, there’s an unobstructed view of the Gulf which makes it one of the best Tampa beaches to watch a sunset.
One of the biggest draws to Madeira Beach is John’s Pass Village which is an elaborate boardwalk with tons of shopping and dining options. Spend the morning relaxing on the soft sand of Madeira Beach then take the afternoon to explore the boardwalk and dine at one of the beach bars.
Treasure Island Beach
Listen to the ocean waves as you lay in a cabana on the beach.
📍 Google Maps | Treasure Island Website | 🅿️ Parking: Mostly metered city parking, $2.75 per hour | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Sunset Vistas Suites
Treasure Island Beach is located in St. Petersburg. Home to powdery white sand and clear water, this beach looks like a replica of the beautiful beaches you would expect to see in a movie. There are plenty of public restrooms and showers.
There are umbrellas and beach chairs available to rent. And if you’re looking to have an extra luxurious day, there are cabana rentals available, as well. Grab a friend, stop by the concession stand for some snacks, then spend the day relaxing in a cabana by the water!
Sunset Beach
Grab a drink at a beachside bar then watch a gorgeous sunset over the water.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Multiple parking lots available, $2.75 per hour
Sunset Beach makes up the southern portion of Treasure Island. If you’re looking for a secluded Tampa Bay beach to spend the day at, this is the place for you!
Sunset Beach is lined with fun tiki huts and lively bars and is known throughout the Tampa Bay area for being LGBTQ+ friendly.
If you don’t already have enough reasons to give Sunset Beach a visit, it’s one of the best beaches in the Tampa Bay area to watch a Florida sunset at. It’s even in the name!
Archibald Beach Park
Spend the day lounging at the beach before grabbing a bite to eat at a lively beachfront restaurant.
📍 Google Maps | Archibald Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Metered parking spots directly across the street | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Cambria Hotel
Archibald Beach Park is a St. Pete beach in Pinellas County that is great for a day out with family or friends. This beach has convenient parking close to the beach entrance, as well as public restrooms and showers.
The Snack Shack, a concession stand and beachfront restaurant, offers snacks and refreshments for when you need to cool down and grab a bite to eat. There are also volleyball courts for those looking to play a game or two!
North Beach (at Fort De Soto)
Collect sand dollars as you walk along the sandbar.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Large parking lots, normally plenty of space | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Residence Inn Tierra Verde
North Beach is one of the beautiful beaches that help comprise Fort De Soto State Park. It’s known for its shallow tidal pool and large sandbars.
This beach is incredibly family-friendly because the sandbars make an excellent place for kids to play in shallow water without having to deal with waves knocking them over at the shoreline.
Since it’s a Florida State Park, there’s a $5 entry fee per car, but that affords you all the great amenities you would expect. These include public restrooms and showers, playgrounds, a dog park, kayak launches, and more.
North Beach is also famous for the unique sand dollars that can be found there. Make sure you bring a bucket so you can collect them!
Redington Shores Beach
Pack a picnic and have a simple afternoon at the beach soaking in some rays.
📍 Google Maps | Redington Beach Website | 🅿️ Parking: Large parking lot just steps away from the shore | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Carousel Motel
Redington Beach is a quaint and peaceful beach in Pinellas County. There is plenty of parking, just feet from the beach entrance. There are restrooms and outdoor showers, as well.
Tampa Bay is home to many expansive white sand beaches that attract visitors from all over. While the popular beaches are well known for a reason, sometimes it’s nice to get away from the commotion and relax at a smaller, more secluded beach.
Fred Howard Park
Windsurf along the Gulf coast before a nice afternoon picnic.
📍 Google Maps | Fred Howard Park Website | 🅿️ Parking: $5 dollar daily beach parking fee
Fred Howard Park is a fun beach in Tarpon Springs, slightly north of Clearwater. This is a great spot for a family day because of all the added amenities the park offers. In addition to the sandy beach, there are picnic shelters, playgrounds, a ball field, designated swimming areas, and a canoe launch.
If you like to fish or windsurf, there are designated areas for both. Pack up the car, grab the family, and head out to Fred Howard Park for some fun!
Ben T Davis Beach
One quick drive from the heart of Tampa will bring you to a scenic beach that’s great for bird watching.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Plenty of metered parking spots line the beach | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: The CURRENT Hotel
Ben T Davis Beach is a small beach that lines the Courtney Campbell Causeway, which connects Tampa to Clearwater. There are plenty of parking spots, picnic tables shaded by palm trees, and grills. A bonus – Ben T Davis Beach is only a 15-minute drive from Downtown Tampa!
This beach is also conveniently located next to Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill, which is on my list of top places to eat in Tampa.
Caladesi Island State Park
Take a ferry and have a fully immersive island experience.
📍 Google Maps | Caladesi Island State Park Website | 🅿️ Parking: You can leave your car at the ferry boat parking lot
Caladesi Island State Park is an island off the west coast of Dunedin that can be reached by kayak or boat. After arriving on the island, you are completely submerged in nature.
There are activities like swimming, shelling, and fishing to keep the whole family entertained. Spend the day hiking a nature trail or two, taking a dip at the beach, and enjoying a delicious picnic before loading back up on the ferry to go home!
If you want to check out the island but do not make a day of it, check out this Kayak Adventure that starts on the Dunedin Causeway but gives you the chance to kayak through the mangroves of Caladesi Island.
To help maintain the island, there’s an $8 fee per boat and a $2 fee per kayak.
Sand Key Park
Relax in a cabana on the beach.
📍 Google Maps | Sand Key Park Website | 🅿️ Parking: $5 all-day beach parking | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Clearwater Beach Marriott
Sand Key Park is a City of Clearwater Beach located in Pinellas County. There are tons of amenities that will keep you entertained for the entire day.
Take a walk on the boardwalk or a short nature trail. Use the provided grills and have a barbeque with friends. Rent a cabana and spend the day reading while you listen to waves lap the shore.
Picnic Island
Play a game of disc golf before cooling off with a dip in the water.
📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Plenty of free parking | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Tampa South
Located in South Tampa, Picnic Island is a great place for nature lovers who want to sit on the beach and relax. There’s a fenced-off portion of the beach for dogs, so be sure to bring your furry friend along!
In addition to the beach, Picnic Island Park provides a kayak launch, fishing pier, and boat ramp. There’s a playground, fitness trail, sand volleyball courts, and disc golf course for those looking to get their blood pumping.
Since there’s such a wide variety of amenities, Picnic Island Park is the perfect place to spend the day with the family or a group of friends.
FAQs About the Best Tampa Bay Beaches
What is the best beach in Tampa Bay?
Tampa Bay has many great beaches with a wide variety of amenities. Clearwater Beach is a highly popular beach for its crystal-clear water, amenities, and surrounding restaurants and shops. If you are bringing your pup, Fort De Soto State Park offers one of the best dog-friendly beaches around.
What is the closest beach to Tampa?
Ben T Davis Beach is located on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. It’s a 10-minute drive from the Tampa International Airport and a 15-minute drive from Downtown, making it one of the closest beaches to the heart of Tampa.
Does Tampa Bay have white sand beaches?
Tampa Bay has a vast array of white sand beaches. Honeymoon Island Beach is one of Tampa Bay’s best white sand beaches. The soft sand makes it a great place for walking along the shore while shell hunting.
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That’s a wrap on the best beaches in Tampa Bay. Looking for another way to spend some time in Florida outdoors? Check out my article on the best parks in Tampa.
