Gulf Coast Beaches Prove Why They Are a Top Destination
Headed to the beach? Expect company.
The beaches in Greater Tampa Bay are among the most popular in the country, let alone the state. With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, crystal blue waters and picture-perfect white sands, it is easy to see why so many people frequent these shores year-round.
Hidden gems such as Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin or Bean Point Beach in Bradenton offer quiet and serene glimpses of the area’s natural life. Honeymoon Island State Park is a small, romantic spot to watch the sunset. Belleair Beach offers fishing charters, shopping and watersports. Indian Shores, John’s Pass, Redington Shores and Sand Key are some of just a few more of the many seaside towns with their own secrets, excitement and history.
From the active beachgoer to the sun bather, there is that perfect spot in the sand for everyone. So, when planning an ideal beach day, keep in mind that the question is not if or when, but rather — which one?
Clearwater Beach
Regularly ranked one of the best — if not the very best — beaches in the country and world, Clearwater certainly lives up to its reputation. Known for its nearly year-round warm water, white sand and picturesque views, Clearwater Beach often tops the charts for locals as well.
Clearwater hosts numerous points of interest and entertainment hotspots, including restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and a full marina, yet retains a charming small-town feel. Directly center is Pier 60, where, on any given weekend, street performers, musicians and local artists showcase their skills and talents. Come back often enough, and a few faces will become easily recognizable.
The variety of activities, entertainment and relaxation in Clearwater Beach means that no two beachgoers will ever have the same beach day.
St. Pete Beach
Rivaling Clearwater Beach in size and notoriety is St. Pete Beach. The beach west of St. Petersburg is known for its restaurants, watersports, craft beer and shopping, all of which contributed to its vote as TripAdvisor’s No. 2 Beach in the U.S. in 2020.
The atmosphere at St. Pete Beach is unlike any other. Famous old hotels like the Don CeSar — known locally as the Pink Palace — immerse visitors in the extensive history of the area. A landmark on the beach since its construction in 1928, the Don CeSar is an elegant, luxurious hotel where guests can spend a few nights or grab a few drinks.
Feeling a little more adventurous? On the northern end of the beach is Pass-a-Grille, a hotspot for parasailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding. Long stretches of unincorporated sands and warm Gulf waters make Pass-a-Grille the ideal spot to try something new.
Madeira Beach
Nestled between the beaches of Clearwater and St. Pete is the town of Madeira Beach. Ranked ninth on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best Beaches in 2021, “Mad” Beach is popular for its relaxing atmosphere, live music, seafood, shops and festivals.
Like José Gaspar for Clearwater, legend tells of pirate John Leveque who supposedly first landed on and settled the area that came to be Madeira Beach. While the history may be apocryphal, its buccaneering influence on this seaside town provides a very real and unique experience.
Mad Beach’s 2 ½ miles of beach are open all year round, while the 1,100-foot John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk features local stores, retail shopping and history. Madeira Beach is a small, picturesque town with a big-city personality. Whether guests consider themselves a tourist, a historian or a corsair, Madeira will have something waiting.
While these are some of the most notable and unique beaches in the area, they are hardly the only options. So, head to the beach this weekend — chances are, the weather will be perfect. The water will be warm. The sand will be soft. Welcome to the beaches of Greater Tampa Bay.
By Ryan Walsh
