Whether you’re looking for things to do or a place to relax, Tampa Bay beaches are the perfect place to hang out. Locals know that every beach has its own vibe, so there’s something for everyone!
Check out our quick and easy guide to the top 7 beaches in Tampa Bay.
Clearwater Beach is the most famous beach in the Tampa area. Rated number one beach in the nation by TripAdvisor in 2019, this is a must visit spot.
Clearwater has a huge sandy beach and a bustling beach town. If you’re looking for beach bars and additional entertainment, this is the place for you. And don’t forget to stop by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and say ‘hi,’ to Winter!
With a touristy feel, this spot is super fun. Walking around the beach, you can always find fun events–like the occasional huge blow up slide.
St. Pete Beach another one of Tampa Bay’s most popular beaches. Enjoy corn hole, volleyball, cabanas for rent, and more all while soaking up the sun.
Also known for its great nightlife, St. Pete Beach showcases a variety of awesome beach bars. We recommend catching the beautiful sunset before bar hopping for the night!
Fred Howard Park is an island oasis in beautiful Tarpon Springs. Never crowded or busy, this is a top favorite for any Tampa local.
A mix of beach vibes and Greek culture, the surrounding shops and restaurants offer a unique experience you can’t find anywhere else.
Fred Howard Park also has bikes and other watercraft–like kayaks, paddleboards, and even pedal boats–for rent. Sounds like fun if you ask us!
With a short drive from St. Pete, you can find Indian Rocks Beach. This hidden gem is for you if you’re looking for a quiet and calm beach vibe. This beach also is more local than other Tampa Bay beaches, with the surrounding areas not being extremely commercial.
We recommend bringing lawn chairs and your favorite umbrella here to chill out from your workweek.
If you’re in the Clearwater area but you want to avoid the crowds, head over to Sandkey beach.
Near the main Clearwater beach, this spot offers a more low key vibe. Offering beach volleyball and cabanas available for rent, this is great to visit with a small group of friends or family. They even offer free beach wheelchairs such that disabled visitors can enjoy the water!
We recommend visiting the nearby Colombia restaurant for lunch or dinner. After, check out some clearwater beach bars and dance the night away!
Next to St. Pete Beach, you’ll find Treasure Island. This beach is known for being super clean.
There are also a lot of fun things to do in Treasure Island! We recommend signing up for one of the locally owned dolphin tours.
Hop on a boat with their entertaining tour guides and see one of Tampa’s favorite sea animals.
Siesta Key beaches are known for their sugar-white, quartz-crystal sand. If you haven’t been yet, get ready for the most gorgeous sand! Their water is also deep and beautiful, making it the perfect beach oasis. There are even nearby areas where you can find snorkelers observing Florida sea life!
If you’re looking for more entertainment after the beach, their beach town is great for some low-key activities. You may run into the Siesta Key Drum Circle, known for their performances on the sand! Or visit Siesta Village for different shopping boutiques and local coffee.