Top 5 Beaches
in Tampa, FL
Tampa is your gateway to some of the most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches in the country — white sand, warm turquoise water, and stunning sunsets that never get old. Here are the top 5 beaches you have to hit on your Tampa trip!
1. Clearwater Beach
(727) 562-4800
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Consistently ranked the #1 beach in the U.S., Clearwater Beach delivers sugar-white sand and crystal-clear turquoise Gulf water that genuinely lives up to the hype. Pier 60 is the heart of the action with nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 — street performers, artisan vendors, and a show-stopping sky every evening. Parasailing, dolphin tours, jet skis, and deep-sea fishing all launch right from the shore, and Mandalay Avenue's restaurants and bars are just steps away for happy hour. About 45 minutes from Tampa, it's the ultimate beach day destination.
Visit Clearwater Beach
2. St. Pete Beach
(727) 363-9245
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
St. Pete Beach is one of Florida's most beloved coastal destinations — wide stretches of brilliant white sand, warm Gulf water, and sunsets that look like they were painted. The historic Pass-a-Grille neighborhood at the southern tip is a charming Old Florida beach village with great seafood restaurants, a boutique shopping district, and some of the most peaceful beach access on the entire Gulf Coast. Don Cesar, the iconic pink resort, lords over the shoreline and is worth a visit for a drink even if you're not staying. It's about 50 minutes from Tampa and very worth the drive.
Visit St. Pete Beach
3. Indian Rocks Beach
(727) 595-2517
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
Indian Rocks Beach is the laid-back local favorite that visitors stumble on and immediately wonder why they haven't been coming here for years. The beach is wide, the Gulf water is warm and clear, and the whole vibe is relaxed in a way that bigger tourist beaches can't pull off. The small beach town has a great collection of waterfront restaurants, tiki bars, and surf shops all within walking distance of the sand. It stays less crowded than Clearwater even in peak season, making it a perfect choice if you want the same beautiful Gulf water with a little more room to breathe. About 45 minutes from Tampa.
Visit Indian Rocks Beach
4. Honeymoon Island State Park
(727) 469-5942
1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
One of Florida's most visited state parks, Honeymoon Island offers four miles of pristine Gulf beach, nature trails through virgin slash pine forest, and one of the best osprey sanctuaries in the state. The North Beach is calm and ideal for families, while the South Beach faces open Gulf with more surf and dramatic views. After your beach day, charming downtown Dunedin is five minutes away with great craft breweries and waterfront dining. It's also the ferry launch point for Caladesi Island, one of Florida's top-rated undeveloped beaches.
Visit Honeymoon Island
5. Madeira Beach & John's Pass
(727) 391-9951
12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Madeira Beach combines gorgeous Gulf Coast shoreline with the lively energy of John's Pass Village & Boardwalk — a waterfront stretch of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, fishing charters, and watersports outfitters perched right on the inlet. The beach itself is wide and beautiful, and dolphin sightings from the boardwalk are practically a given. Watch the sunset from a waterfront table with fresh grouper and a cold drink in hand — it doesn't get much better than this. About 50 minutes from Tampa and the perfect mix of beach and beach-town atmosphere.
Visit John's Pass Village