Has that sun-kissed tan begun to fade, or maybe it’s time to pack up the family for a fun-filled trip in the sun? Regardless of your reason, Tampa Bay is a great place to find the best beaches for splashing in the water, dolphin watching, boating, or simply relaxing in the sun.
Let’s explore the best beaches near Tampa to find the perfect destination you are looking for:
A tour we think you'll love
1) Clearwater Beach – Home Of The Bottlenose Dolphins
Start your search for the perfect destination at Clearwater Beach. Few boat tour companies offer a dolphin sighting guarantee, but The Tropics Boat Tours does. If the dolphins do not appear on the day of our tour, we will invite you to return later.
Discover Clearwater Beach and its eye-catching wildlife, where you can see playful dolphins, colorful birds, and maybe even a sea turtle! This beautiful area is perfect for enjoying nature and making wonderful memories, whether you’re relaxing on the beach or taking a fun boat tour.
But there’s more to the tour than dolphin spotting. Our knowledgeable captain will share fascinating and educational information about the Gulf Coast and point out some celebrity mansions during the trip.
Call us and plan your unforgettable beach getaway today!
2) The Best Tampa Bay Beaches For Avoiding Crowds
Tampa Bay is the best beach town, with white sand beaches, unbelievable restaurants, and plenty of activities. However, there may be times when you want to step away from all the activities and crowds for some quiet relaxation.
Whether looking for a fun afternoon with friends and family or a little downtime, go to St. Pete Beach, Sunset Beach, or Upham Beach to enjoy some small-town charm without all the crowds.
St. Pete Beach Highlights:
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Soft white sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing and beach sports, where you can relax and enjoy the warm sun or join a friendly game of beach volleyball with friends.
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Gentle waves make it a fun spot for swimming, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and more, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for both beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts.
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Pass-a-Grille, a charming town at the tip of St. Pete Beach, is filled with shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a delightful mix of local culture and delicious dining options to explore after a day at the beach.
Sunset Beach Highlights:
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A hidden gem located on Treasure Island, this beach offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist spots, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility.
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Pristine beaches create an inviting atmosphere for families and couples alike, where you can build sandcastles or simply relax with a good book.
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Known for its spectacular sunsets, this beach is the ideal spot to unwind in the evening, as the sky transforms into a breathtaking display of colors that you won’t want to miss.
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Plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants nearby provide the perfect opportunity to grab a refreshing drink or a tasty meal while enjoying the ocean view.
Upham Beach Highlights:
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Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico make this beach a picturesque spot for taking photos or enjoying a peaceful moment by the water.
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Picnic tables, restrooms, and showers available ensure that you have all the conveniences you need for a comfortable day at the beach, whether you’re planning a family picnic or a fun day out with friends.
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A popular place for shell collecting, you can spend hours searching for unique shells and treasures along the shore, making it a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Helpful Hint: The beaches all offer everything from boat rentals to jet skis, chairs, umbrellas, and more, making it super easy to enjoy your day without any hassle. Plus, some places even offer guided tours and lessons for those looking to try something new. Whatever your beach day looks like, you’ll find all the gear and support you need to make it unforgettable!
3) Best Beaches Near Tampa For The Whole Family
Tampa Bay has several beaches that are perfect for families to enjoy a day in the sun. They offer a mix of activities, beautiful clear emerald-green waters for swimming, white sand, and convenient family-friendly amenities.
Fort De Soto Park:
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The white sand goes as far as the eye can see, inviting you to take long walks or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
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Calm, warm waters for swimming and water activities make it a perfect spot for families, where kids can splash around safely and adults can enjoy a refreshing dip.
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North Beach has a sandbar perfect for finding shells and sand dollars during low tide.
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Catch dinner from one of the two fishing piers, where you can try your luck at fishing while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and maybe even spot some dolphins!
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Rent bikes and enjoy the nature trails, where you can see wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and even tortoises.
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There are plenty of picnic areas, complete with tables and grills, so you can enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by nature after a fun day at the beach.
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Plan a visit to the fort and have the kids sing or whistle in the secret chambers to hear the echoing effect.
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For young children who may get tired of playing in the sand, head to the pirate-themed playground for fun.
Redington Shores:
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The wide beach gives families plenty of room to spread out and relax without feeling crowded.
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The warm waters are calm and shallow, ideal for young children and beginner swimmers.
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The picnic area overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, providing a stunning view while you enjoy your lunch or snacks.
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Onsite beach chairs and umbrella rentals make it easy to set up your perfect beach spot without having to bring everything from home, so you can relax and enjoy your day hassle-free.
Treasure Island:
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White sand beaches have plenty of fun and games, including kite flying and tossing a frisbee.
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Family-friendly events, including live music, sandcastle-building competitions, festivals, and other kid-friendly environments, are held throughout the year.
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Breathtaking sunsets paint the sky in beautiful colors, making it a magical place to unwind in the evening and capture some amazing photos.
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Kids can burn off some energy on the beachfront playground.
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Comfort amenities like restrooms and showers ensure you have everything you need for a pleasant day at the beach, allowing you to focus on having fun and making memories.
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John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk has shops and restaurants and is the perfect spot for viewing dolphins, birds, and other wildlife.
Sand Key Park:
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A white sand beach with clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
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Kayak and bicycle rentals are available for exploring the area, giving you the chance to discover hidden gems along the coastline and enjoy the fresh air.
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Nature trails, including the Sand Key Park Loop, offer great opportunities for walking, jogging, or biking.
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Picnic areas with grills make it an ideal spot for a family outing, where you can cook up a tasty meal and enjoy quality time together in a beautiful setting.
4) The Best Beaches Near Tampa Bay For Party-Goers
Are you ready to trade your work shoes for flip-flops? Tampa Bay has several beaches that transform into hot party spots once the sun goes down. Whether you want to sip on cocktails, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, listen to live music, or dance the night away with friends, Tampa Bay beaches have it all:
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St. Pete Beach – Known for its lively beach bars and vibrant nightlife, St. Pete Beach is a prime spot for beach parties. There’s something for everyone – from live music and dance clubs to comedy clubs, rooftop lounges, and beach bars. For those who enjoy spending their night playing arcade games and savoring craft beers, there are several arcade bars, too.
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Clearwater Beach – Offers something for every type of party-goer, from rooftop bars and eclectic dive bars to live entertainment and a bustling boardwalk.
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Madeira Beach – Prides itself on having a variety of nightlife spots around. So, if you are looking for a tropical cocktail with a view, a place to dance the night away, or a quiet spot to sip on a glass of wine, there is a place for you.
Pro Tip: The easiest way to get around to all the different night spots is on a party bus. The above beaches are on party bus routes.
5) Tampa Bay’s Best Beaches For Watching Sunsets
Tampa Bay’s beaches are not only for daytime fun but offer some of the most breathtaking sunset views you’ll ever witness. Here are a few prime spots to catch the golden hour:
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Honeymoon Island State Park – Honeymoon Island offers a serene escape with beautiful white sand beaches and stunning sunsets. The natural beauty and local wildlife on Honeymoon Island make for a beautiful spot to relax and watch the sunset.
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Courtney Campbell Causeway – Though technically not a beach, the scenic route connects Tampa and Clearwater and offers stunning views of Old Tampa Bay. It has pull-offs where you can stop and watch the sunset paint the sky.
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Clearwater Beach – The Pier 60 area is known for its nightly sunset celebrations, with music, street performers, and local vendors.
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Ben T. Davis Beach – It may be a narrow beach, but it is a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the sunset over the bay.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially at popular locations like Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, where crowds can gather for the sunset celebrations. Bring a blanket or beach chair, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning colors of the sky as the sun sets!
6) Best Tampa Beaches For Dogs
Humans are not the only ones who enjoy the white sand and warm waters. Here are a few beaches where your furry companions can play, too:
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Fort De Soto Dog Beach – Located within Fort De Soto Park, this beach has a designated dog area where dogs can run off-leash and play in the water. The park also has dog-friendly trails and plenty of space to play.
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Davis Islands Dog Beach – This small, off-leash beach in Tampa is perfect for dogs to play and swim in the calm waters. It’s a friendly spot where your dog can play with other dogs.
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Sand Key Park – Sand Key offers a dog-friendly beach area where dogs can roam off-leash. The park has picnic areas and nature trails, making it a fun outing for your four-legged companion.
Pro Tip: It’s important to keep your furry friend hydrated, especially on hot days, so pack a portable water bowl for easy access. Additionally, consider bringing some toys to keep your dog entertained and engaged while they play in the sand.
7) Best Beaches Near Tampa Bay For Dolphin Watching
Tampa Bay’s coastline is a prime location for spotting playful dolphins. Here are a couple of top spots for dolphin enthusiasts:
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Clearwater Beach – Known for its clear waters and frequent dolphin sightings, it offers numerous boat tours and dolphin-watching excursions. Pier 60 is a great place to catch a glimpse of dolphins.
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John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk – Watch for dolphins swimming near the boats, and the boardwalk offers a clear water view, too.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for a closer look and check out guided tours for the best dolphin-watching experience.
End Your Beach Trip With An Unforgettable Sunset Cruise
After a day of fun in the sun, unwind with our unforgettable sunset cruise. Experience the breathtaking hues of a Tampa Bay sunset as you glide across the water. Let the serenity of the evening waves and the stunning views create lasting memories for you and your party.
As you relax on board, enjoy the gentle breeze and the soothing sounds of the water. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your day and soak in the beauty of nature.
Book your sunset cruise today for the perfect end to your beach adventure!