The abundance of natural beaches, parks, lakes and rivers greatly adds to the Tampa Bay area's overall appeal. Crowded cities and busy roads seem miles away when you paddle down the scenic Hillsborough River.
Snorkeling, diving, sailing, fresh or saltwater fishing, kayaking, chartering a sunset cruise or simply spreading out a towel and unpacking a picnic lunch in Tampa Bay's magnificent parks can be enjoyed almost every day of the year.
Tampa Bay's beaches and parks offer outdoor enjoyment all year-round.
15100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete, FL 33708
(727) 391-7373
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ride the Wave: This favorite hot spot is often busy on weekends, and has restrooms and restaurants nearby. A favorite for visitors and locals alike, this beach is a fun destination for all beach goers.
7650 Courtney Campbell Cswy., Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 274-8615
7:30 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: Fronting Tampa Bay and offering one of the first sights of sand for those entering Tampa via Tampa International Airport, this narrow beach is attractively landscaped and stretches along the Courtney Campbell Causeway that connects Tampa with Clearwater.
1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 469-5918
8:00 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: Forget your worries as you take a ferry to this 3-mile beach and explore the natural surroundings on one of the state’s last undeveloped barrier islands. Boaters, birdwatchers, and beachcombers can walk the sandy shore, then head inland to hike a wooded nature trail.
West end of S.R. 60, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Lifeguards on duty 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ride the Wave: This wide beach of sugar-fine sand draws volleyball players, sun worshippers, and swimmers.
900 Martinique Ave., Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 931-2121
Daylight hours
Ride the Wave: Anchored boats sometimes crowd the beach in front of this sandy spot near downtown Tampa. A great spot for reading or sunning.
4905 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711
(727) 893-2627
8:00 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: Visit Egmont Key State Park and enjoy the most beautiful waters of Tampa Bay. Relaxing and shell collecting along its pristine, palm tree lined, secluded beaches, is a year round favorite activity. Also see a 150-year-old working lighthouse, gun batteries built in 1898 to defend Tampa Bay and 100-year-old brick roads. There is no gift shop on the island, so please remember to bring water, food and sunscreen, when you visit.
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715
(727) 582-2267
Sunrise to sunset
Ride the Wave: Fort DeSoto is a barrier island and 1,136-acre park. Besides a clean, wide beach with many shore birds, this park boasts two fishing piers, historic fort, and bayside campsites. A paved trail appeals to cyclists and inline skaters.
1700 Sunset Dr., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
(727) 943-4081
7:00 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: This family beach is best visited on weekdays when it’s not crowded. But even on busy weekends, the gentle waves and clean shoreline make for a pleasant visit. It’s also a popular site for fishing and windsurfing.
1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 469-5942
8:00 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: Sandy shores surround this island getaway, though some are rocky.
1700 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
(727) 595-2517
No set hours
Ride the Wave: Many restaurants are within walking distance of this beach, attracting a quieter crowd with gentle shorelines. With more than 20 beach accesses along Gulf Boulevard, you’ll be able to be on the beach quickly.
129th Ave. along Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
(727) 391-7373
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ride the Wave: This popular beach borders the waterway pass, so a constant parade of boats and watercraft can be seen on the water. The beach often has riptides, so swimmers have to be careful. But if you would rather sun than swim, it’s a good destination.
14400 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
(727) 391-7373
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ride the Wave: A favorite among tourists and locals, this wide, sandy beach is packed on weekends with families, singles, young, and old.
Off Gulf Way, from 1st Ave. to 22nd Ave., St.
Petersburg, FL 33706
(727) 367-2735
No set hours
Ride the Wave: This wide, beautiful beach is perfect for sunbathers and sightseers alike.
7404 Picnic Island Blvd., Tampa, FL 33616
(813) 274-8615
7:30 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: At Picnic Island you can rent a shelter for a party, play on the beach and playground, or fish from the pier.
1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33767
(727) 588-4852
7:00 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: This flour-fine sandy beach may be one of the widest—and whitest—in Florida beyond the Panhandle.
All along Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
(727) 367-2735
No set hours
Ride the Wave: The white sandy beaches and calm waters make this beautiful island a popular family destination on weekends.
10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706
(727) 547-4575
7:00 a.m. to sunset
Ride the Wave: This big, wide community beach has better shells than most beaches, but arrive early for the best ones.