Quick Guide to St. Pete/Clearwater's Best Beaches

We've taken the hard work out of determining which beaches to go to. Follow our writer's suggestions for your perfect beach.

1. Fort De Soto Park

Name: Fort De Soto Park
America's No. 1 Beach 2005
One Word: Massive!
On the Postcard: By far the best county park I've ever visited. Camped here and rode bikes around the islands. The solitude of Egmont Key is a boat ride away.
Best Asset: Variety of activities
Go: 7 a.m. to sundown
Has: Fishing pier, historic fort, boat launch, picnic pavilions, showers, restrooms, concession, paved bike trail, bicycle, canoe and kayak rentals, wilderness trail, dog beach & Paw Playground, campground, summer lifeguards

2. Caladesi Island State Park

Name: Caladesi Island State Park
America's No.1 2008
One Word: Serene
On the Postcard: We found a secluded beach and dove in. At shoulder depth we could still see our feet.
Best Asset: Translucent blue water
Go: 8 a.m. to sundown. Accessible only by ferry or private boat.
Has: Concession, cabanas, showers, boat slips, kayak rentals, nature trails

3. Pass-A-Grille Beach

Name: Pass-A-Grille Beach
One Word: Quaint
On the Postcard: Found the most charming Old Florida community.
No high-rises, no stress. Just cozy restaurants, eclectic shops, open beach
and terrific sunsets.
Best Asset: Commerce-free beach front (shops and such are across the road)
Go: Anytime
Has: Showers, restrooms, concession

4. St. Pete Beach

Name: St. Pete Beach
One Word: Classic
On the Postcard: Tried boogie boarding, but preferred being a beached whale while kids rode the waves.
Got to go. They're begging for ice cream cones.
Best Asset: Natural beauty with modern conveniences
Go: Anytime
Has: Showers, restrooms

5. Shell Key

Name: Shell Key
One Word: Pristine
On the Postcard: Feel like an explorer on this undeveloped island. Just me, the surf, tall dunes, hundreds of water birds and shells.
Best Asset: Shells
Go: 7 a.m. to sundown. Accessible only by ferry or private boat.
Has: Bird sanctuary

6. Treasure Island

Name: Treasure Island Beach Access
One Word: Wide!
On the Postcard: A rainbow of kites propels men in carts amazingly fast over the sand as I sip a margarita at
a beachside tiki bar and taste the good life.
Best Asset: Room to play
Go: Anytime
Has: Showers, restrooms, concession stand, volleyball courts

7. Madeira Beach

Name: Madeira Beach Access
One Word: Fishing
On the Postcard: Caught a red drum at the beach. It was three feet long, really.
Best Asset: Historic John's Pass fishing village
Go: Anytime
Has: Marina (on the Intracoastal Waterway), beach showers, restrooms

8. Sand Key

Name: Sand Key Park
One Word: Undeveloped
On the Postcard: Stretched out on the pale sand, looking across the turquoise waves at the Clearwater Beach skyline, and I'm wondering why you're not here.
Best Asset: Sugar-white sand
Go: 7 a.m. to sundown
Has: Picnic tables, showers, restrooms, lifeguard (from March through Sept.), Paw Playground, cabana rentals

9. Clearwater Beach

Name: Clearwater Beach
One Word: Excitement
On the Postcard: Definitely the best city beach on the Gulf. Caught a national beach volleyball tournament, then a juggling act at Pier 60. P.S. Bought you a handcrafted necklace at the sunset festival.
Best Asset: Sunsets at Pier 60
Go: Anytime
Has: Lifeguards, pier, beach volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, playground, concession stand, marina

10. Honeymoon Island State Park

Name: Honeymoon Island State Park
One Word: Peaceful
On the Postcard: We kayaked, then devoured lunch at this charming little café (the only concession in the park). Collected some cool shells.
Best Asset: No crowds
Go: 8 a.m. to sundown
Has: Four miles of beach, dog park, hiking trails, nature center, guided nature tour, kayak rentals, playground, concession, showers, restrooms, $5 entry fee

To learn more, go to http://www.floridasbeach.com/topbeaches.