Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater – usually referred to as Tampa Bay – are home to some amazing and unique beaches.
Tampa
Two beaches along Tampa – which sits on the water of Tampa Bay – are noteworthy. Ben T. Davis Beach near the airport offers boat ramps, picnic shelters and white sand.
Pine Key (or Beer Can) Island is between Tampa and Apollo Beach. This stunning but secluded island is just 23 acres and can only be reached by boat.
Clearwater Beach
The northernmost developed barrier island along the Tampa Bay beaches, Clearwater Beach offers the same white sand as its neighbors.
The lifestyle here is more active, with jet-skiing, parasailing, cycling and rollerblading common up and down the stretch.
Caladesi Island State Park
For a more remote island, visit the 600-acre Caladesi Island State Park— accessible only by boat. Fortunately, you can catch a ferry at the docks situated at the southwest end of Honeymoon Island.
Once you dock, grab what you need at the concession stand before heading to the beach so you can spend an interrupted stretch of time just chilling on the shoreline or exploring the island.
Honeymoon Island State Park
The 385-acre park was formed in 1921 when a hurricane split Honeymoon from her sister island Caladesi.
Although undeveloped, Honeymoon Island brims with amenities, including a picnic pavilion, playground, concession stand, nature center, and even a pet beach at the park’s southern portion.
Fort De Soto Park
This county park, just a short drive from St. Petersburg, is often lauded as the best beach in the U.S. by the experts. It’s the only park in Pinellas County where dogs are allowed on the beach.
The park is actually five interconnected islands. Visit a Spanish-American War-era fort, explore the mangroves on a kayak and snorkel the clear waters surrounding the park.
