Tampa Bay Beaches

Anclote Key is a small island off the coast of Florida near Tarpon Springs. The Key is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle, and piping plover. President Grover Cleveland declared Anclote Key a lighthouse reservation in 1886. Anclote Key lighthouse makes a picturesque spot at the south end of the island.

Fred Howard Park is a Pinellas County park in Tarpon Springs. The park was donated to the County by the City of Tarpon Springs. The main feature of the 155 acre park is the 1,000 foot public beach. A mile long causeway connects the swimming area with the mainland. The beach is a popular spot for fishing and windsurfing.

Sunset Park in Tarpon Springs is a favorite spot among locals for picnics, barbeque and swimming. There is also a boat launch.

Honeymoon Island State Park is connected to the mainland by the Dunedin Causeway. Fishing is a popular activity at the beach. Surf and pass fishing can yield flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon. Concessions, Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Showers, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing

Caladesi Island State Park is a beach that has been ranked among the top ten beaches in the United States. There is a 99 slip bayside marina, or in calm weather, anchor offshore. Overnight docking is permitted in the bayside marina. Activities include: Boating, Concessions, Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Showers, Scuba Diving, Swimming, and Wildlife Viewing

Clearwater Beach offers many activities and a beautiful powder white sand beach. The Pier 60 Park features a recreation complex with covered playgrounds, fishing and concessions. Many hotels and restaurants are available on Clearwater Beach like the popular Shephard's Beach Resort.

Sand Key Park features 1/2 mile of white-sand beach, two bathhouses, picnic shelters, approx. 900 metered parking spaces and lifeguard stations. You get to Sand Key by driving south from Clearwater Beach over the Clearwater Pass Bridge or by taking the Belleair Causeway and then going north on Gulf Boulevard. The park is open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Belleair Beach is a city operated public beach that features several access points along Gulf Boulevard. Public parking is available at City Hall or at the Belleair Beach Yacht Club.

Indian Rocks Beach is just south of Belleair Beach and is also accessed along Gulf Boulevard. There are many shops, bars and restaurants along with 20 public beach access points. Indian Rocks Beach access park, located at 1700 Gulf Boulevard, provides ample parking, restroom facilities and outdoor showers.

Indian Shores Beach most popular access point is at 19601 Gulf Boulevard at the Tiki Gardens beach access park. Tiki Gardens features 170 time metered parking spaces, restroom facilities, benches, a water fountain and beach showers. There are several other access points as well.

Reddington Shores lies just south of Indian Shores and is a 3.5 acre park that features restroom facilities, beach showers, and a 400-foot-wide beach. Redington Shores features several beach accesses including the Beach Access Park at 18200 Gulf Boulevard.

North Reddington Beach lies just to the south and is a small community that offers more secluded spots to get away from the crowds. Beach access points can be found between 170 - 173rd streets along Gulf Boulevard.

Madeira Beach Access Park includes parking for 104 vehicles, a restroom, and two showers located on the beach. Nearby is the famous John's Pass area known for the scenic John's Pass Village and a collection of shops and restaurants.

Treasure Island is a happening spot. Dozens of bars and restaurants make this a very popular spot to beach during the day and party into the night with live music and dining. Beach access is available at six parking areas along Gulf Boulevard including Treasure Island Beach Access Park at 10400 Gulf Boulevard. This access offers ample parking, restroom facilities and beach showers. Three public boat ramps and a marina are also available.

St. Pete Beach is a 7 mile long barrier island. The entire length on the Gulf of Mexico is a beautiful white sandy beach dotted with hotels. Including the world renowned Don Cesar Beach Resort and Spa. If you're not staying at one of the hotels on St. Pete Beach, access is available at Upham Beach Park on Gulf Boulevard from 67th to 70th Avenue and Pinellas County Beach Access Park on Gulf Boulevard at 44th Avenue.

Pass-A-Grille Beach is 30 blocks long and barely one block wide. There are no high-rise condominiums and it's known as a great place to watch the sunsets that the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands are known for. The beach runs from 1st to 22nd Avenues along Gulf Way and plenty of public parking is available.

Shell Key of course is known as a great place to collect shells. There are no roads to this barrier island but there are plenty of charter boats out of St. Pete or John's Pass available to take you there for a relaxing day of collecting shells, sunbathing, watching the dolphins in the surf or fishing.

Fort De Soto Park offers seven miles of beaches among it's 900 acres. The park features a fort built during the Spanish-American War. In addition to the top-ten ranked beach, the park features
• an 800-foot-long boat launching facility with five floating docks
• 235-site family camping area
• 2 large swim centers
• 14 large group picnic shelters
• snack bar/souvenir shop
• 4.2-mile recreation trail connects the campground with the North and East Beach Swim Centers and the historic fort
• 2.25-mile recreational canoe trail
• 1-mile nature trail