Beaches

This undeveloped 385-acre barrier island off Dunedin has four miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities along the Osprey Trail. Upon arriving, visit the Rotary Centennial Nature Center to learn about the island. Swim, hike, bike, kayak, or simply relax.

Top Tip: Honeymoon Island boasts one of the prettiest dog beaches around!

Caladesi landed on Dr. Beach's Top 10 Beaches of 2016 and was voted No. 6 Best Beach in Florida by USA Today in 2015. The island is accessible only by boat—ride the ferry from Honeymoon Island, or rent a kayak and tour the mangrove trails. Natural beauty meets modern amenities with an on-site concession, showers and changing rooms. 

Top Tip: Bring beach chairs and a cooler, or rent a beachside cabana.

Fun-loving Clearwater Beach was voted the No. 1 beach in America by Trip Advisor in 2018 and 2016 (it was also named No. 7 in the world in 2018!). Wide sugar-sand beaches and emerald-clear surf dotted with dolphins make this an active beach scene. Soak in the sun, then dust off the sand and enjoy all this city-beach has to offer from downtown Beach Walk's shops, to waterfront restaurants like Frenchy's, and rooftop bars including Jimmy's Crow's Nest. 

If you prefer solitude with spectacular gulf views, quiet and romantic Sand Key Park is just a bridge away from the lively Clearwater Beach. Pack a picnic and set up camp at the tables on the north side of the island, or grab a fishing pole and kick back at this 95-acre county park with its wide beach, picnic pavilions and bathhouses. Explore the trails and boardwalk that winds through a salt marsh, and after a storm, collect shells along the shore.

Top Tip: It’s super-easy to drive and park at this beach, with nearly 700 spaces and a daily parking fee of only $5.

Your stress will be gone with the wind when you chill out with the locals and condo vacationers along quiet Belleair Beach. Find a spot on 4,500 feet of secluded shoreline dotted with the area’s most lavish mansions and settle in for a reverie of sun, sand and seagulls. Parking spots can be nabbed at the beach access points with trails leading through the dunes to the beaches of this low-key gulf-front community.

Top Tip: Bring snacks and water: there are no public facilities or commercial establishments on this stretch of beach.

Time for a nostalgic taste of Old Florida along this narrow barrier island. Some 20 beach access points lead to the picture-perfect beach. When hunger and thirst strike, you’ll find lots of options. The flip-flop crowd makes a beeline to Lulu’s Oyster Bar and Tap House, while Guppy's on the Beach Grill & Bar serves al fresco seafood and cool drinks. 

Top Tip: Come early to grab a parking spot at Indian Rocks public beach.

Brilliant white sand and sparking blue water attract many vacationers to Gulf Boulevard. You're bound to find a peaceful stretch of sand among the three small communities of Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Beach. Take a stroll at sunset or cast a line along the 1,200-foot-long fishing pier, where local anglers hook tarpon and snook (rentals and bait are available).

Head to “Mad Beach” where Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk is buzzing with more than 100 shops and restaurants in a Old Florida-style waterfront atmosphere. Take the Tom Stuart Causeway, an impressive bridge with great views, to this bustling beach. Explore the surf shops and art galleries, then enjoy fresh seafood along the boardwalk at the Friendly Fisherman or Sculley’s.

Top Tip: The annual John’s Pass Seafood & Music Festival is a family-friendly event featuring music, arts and crafts, and, of course, some of the best seafood in St. Pete/Clearwater.

Three miles of sparkling sand lines the gulf with an array of lodging, from luxury resorts to kitschy hotels and small inns. Hang out at the surrounding popular beach bars, and for live music and dancing on the weekend, head over to Gators Café and Saloon at John’s Pass. Dance to the bongos at a Sunday night drum circle an hour before sunset.

With miles of beaches, surf shops and boutiques, along with a vast array of lodging, dining and water sports for all ages, it's easy to see why St. Pete Beach was voted TripAdvisor’s No. 7 Beach in the U.S. in 2018. From The Don CeSar, to the family-friendly TradeWinds Island Resorts and dozens of hotels and small inns, there’s a place for all tastes and budgets. Try Jimmy B’s, the Undertow and Harry’s for a cocktail, or try one of the area's rooftop lounges for 360-degree views.

An added bonus: if you feel the need for some culture and an urban vibe, fun-filled downtown St. Petersburg is just 20 minutes away.

Pass-a-Grille is the epitome of old Florida charm. Voted one of the Top 5 beaches in Florida by USA Today in 2015, it's widely considered a “locals’ beach,” so you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to live here with a visit to PAG. The beach stretches four miles of natural shoreline, along with tasty eateries like Paradise Grille and the Hurricane Restaurant (try the grouper sandwich). Reel in fish from Merry Pier (rod rentals available), or browse the shops and galleries along the Eighth Avenue Historic District.

This popular 1,136-acre county park stretches over five islands. Take in the natural scenes at Fort De Soto Park, with sights of the impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge from the east end of the island. There are numerous beaches across the islands with shallow surf, picnic areas, a seven-mile paved trail, historic fort and a fishing pier. Fuel your adventure at the on-site concession before renting a kayak or bike.

Top Tip: Let the kids explore the awesomely spooky remains of the 19th century fort, then catch the ferry to Egmont Key for a chance to do some snorkeling.