Which Tampa Bay beach should you go to? Depends what vibe you want

Sharon Kennedy Wynne, Michelle Stark, Tampa Bay Times
·4 min read
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Tampa Bay’s world-famous beaches may all look alike. But just as every snowflake (or starfish) is unique, the many beaches here have their own personalities and vibes. If you have visitors in town who are experiencing our beaches for the first time, or you’re new here and haven’t been to some yourself, here’s a guide to some of the most popular spots based on what you’re in the mood for.

For party time

Head to Clearwater Beach by way of the Courtney Campbell Parkway, State Road 60. Parking can be tricky at on-street spots and city parking lots along the beach strip, so many visitors opt to pay for the private garages and restaurant valets. Don’t expect easy beach access here, as Clearwater Beach tends to be one of our most touristy areas. But the hopping spot is perfect for your party needs, with a nightly sunset party at Pier 60 with weekends bringing free movies on the beach and volleyball nets stretched over powdery sand. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is famous for its she-crab soup, and there’s usually a party scene at Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar & Grill.

If you want to learn more about Clearwater Beach, check out this story about how the “beach beautification team” cleans up each night. And this story that answers an important question: Why is the water at Clearwater Beach not clear?

For relaxing

Check out the shelly strip of sand with the relaxed vibe and minimal-wave water at Pass-a-Grille, off the Pinellas Bayway exit from Interstate 275. Hang a left at the big pink Don CeSar Hotel, which is also a prime spot for relaxation: You don’t need to be a hotel guest to book a day at the spa here, which also grants you access to the hotel’s private beach.

Out on Pass-a-Grille’s beach, a snack shack serves breakfast and lunch and also offers public bathrooms and outdoor showers. The roof of the historic Hurricane (809 Gulf Way) is ideal for sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, and just a few blocks east on this skinny island you’ll find the Merry Pier (801 Pass-a-Grille Way) facing the channel, where you can rent a fishing pole or a bicycle or take a boat excursion.

There are restaurant gems to be found here, too, if you get hungry. Come to the Seahorse for its early morning regulars’ scene, where you can order from a breakfast menu that includes omelets, Cajun fish and cheese grits and Bloody Marys. At The Berkeley Beach Club, a rooftop bar offers stunning views and the indoor restaurant downstairs offers plenty of fresh seafood options. Read more about these restaurants, and other beach eats, here.

For nature

With sand as soft as baby powder, nature trails, kayak rentals and lots of places to drop your fishing line, Fort De Soto Park is deservedly on the Hall of Fame list of the country’s best beaches. It’s home to five islands and 7 miles of sandy beaches stretched across a roughly 1,100-acre park. Parking is $5 per car. Bring the kids to the century-old Spanish-American War fort (3500 Pinellas Bayway S), where they can climb on a cannon or pretend they are behind bars in the brig.

You can also go camping at this sprawling county park, and there’s the Fort De Soto Dog Park, where your furry friends can run on certain areas of the beach. There are even a couple fenced-in areas.

For romance

Take a beautiful nighttime walk across the Dunedin Causeway bridge to Honeymoon Island State Park at the west end. The lights of Clearwater reflect on the water to make gorgeous views for the two-mile stroll. Hand-holding is encouraged. Even more romantic? Taking the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park, which can’t be accessed by road and feels like a secluded tropical paradise.

One of Florida’s state parks, Honeymoon Island is open from 8 a.m. to sunset each day. It costs $8 per vehicle to enter, but parking in the sand and grass along the Dunedin Causeway is free.

For sticking close to Tampa

Just because there isn’t a gulf coastline in Hillsborough County doesn’t mean there are no sandy spots. Gandy Beach along the Gandy Bridge is called the Redneck Riviera because of its well-earned reputation for parties. More nonbeach beaches in the Tampa area include Davis Islands Sea Plane Basin (864 Severn Ave.) and Ben T. Davis Beach (the Tampa side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway). If you don’t mind driving past gritty industrial buildings at the south end of Commerce Street, you’ll find a dog beach at Picnic Island Park, as well as a long swimming beach, fishing pier, playgrounds and picnic shelters.