Summer is here, and while these beaches stay hot year round, it’s time to kick back and stick your toes into the sand of one, or all, of Tampa Bay’s many beautiful beaches. From globally-recognized Clearwater Beach to Anna Maria Island’s hidden Bean Point, here’s a list of the most beautiful beaches across the Bay.

Caladesi Island State Park Pinellas County Ranked No. 2 on Dr. Beach’s 2022 nationwide list, this offshore island can only be accessed via boat or ferry, a large reason as to why the getaway spot remains peaceful and pristine. The state park features a bayside marina for docking, hiking trails, fishing docks, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and cafe. Pets must be leashed in the park and are not allowed on the beach or ferry. No alcohol permitted. Photo via Florida State Parks/website
Indian Rocks Beach & Indian Shores Pinellas County These two beaches are slowly becoming favorites among locals due to their wide variety of amenities while still offering a hometown feel. From locally-run beach shacks like Kooky Coconut and Aloha to Go to Mexican-American spots like VIP Cuisine and Jake’s Coastal Cantina, there are so many walking-distance options to grab food at after hot day in the sun. You also won’t want to miss out on Splash Harbour Water Park’s slides and lazy river. No alcohol permitted on the beach.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Madeira Beach Pinellas County Mad Beach, named Tripadvisor’s No. 9 beach in 2021, is most famous for its John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. The waterside complex features over 100 beach shops, famous restaurants, a local brewing company, water activities and other attractions—including an interactive alligator discovery center. Outside of the Pass, some of the local’s favorite bars include Saltwater Hippie, The Brass Captain, Cambria and Daiquiri Deck. Alcohol is allowed but not in glass containers.Photo via Visit Florida/website
Sand Key Park Pinellas County Tucked away behind salt marsh park, Sand Key’s beach is a much more peaceful experience than its hectic big brother down the street, Clearwater Beach. The secluded beach offers cabana rentals across from Marriott Suites, a boardwalk, two playgrounds—one for kids, one for dogs, bathrooms, showers and concession. Expect a $5 daily parking fee and no alcohol permitted.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website Credit: Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Redington Shores Pinellas County Located somewhere between Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, Redington Shores is a relaxing experience perfect for a last-minute, casual beach day. There’s plenty to do around town, including mini-golf, water sports, shopping, art and more. Some of the locals’ favorite food spots include Frog Pond, My Happy Place and newly-opened Burrito Social. No alcohol or pets allowed.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Treasure Island Beach & Sunset Beach Pinellas County Located on the coast of the pirate-themed town, Treasure Island’s beaches are uncommonly wide—making it easy to spread out, find your own patch of sand and set up a game of Spikeball. Some of the local’s favorites include Sloppy Joe’s shrimp gumbo, Caddy’s grouper sandwich and the historic Thunderbird Resort that’s been around since 1957. Alcohol is allowed but not in glass containers.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Shell Key Pinellas County Located in the mouth of Tampa Bay, Shell Key is a pristine, untouched island that can only be accessed via boat or public shuttle. Given that the island is undeveloped, there are no amenities. This spot is a perfect getaway for experienced fishermen and campers. No alcohol allowed. Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Honeymoon Island State Park Pinellas County Similar to Caladesi, Honeymoon offers beautiful beachside views, blue skies, active wildlife, nature trails and essential amenities. Unlike Caladesi, this island can be accessed via car, a much more practical option for many. If you want to hit both islands, you can take Honeymoon’s ferry to Caladesi for $16 round-trip. Parking costs $8 per vehicle and no alcohol permitted.Photo via Florida State Parks/website
Pass-a-Grille Beach Pinellas County Sitting on the southern tip of St. Pete beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach’s jaw-dropping sunsets are only a 20-minute drive from Downtown St. Pete. A unique feature about Pass-a-Grille is that the open-concept beach has no buildings built directly on it other than Paradise Grill, giving it a refreshing feel compared to some of Tampa Bay’s clustered beaches. Boutiques, outdoor art markets, fishing piers, ice cream and more are all within walking distance. Alcohol is not allowed. Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Fort De Soto’s North Beach Pinellas County Known for it’s clear waters and sand dollars, Fort De Soto’s North Beach might be the park’s most beautiful asset, which says a lot. The kids will love to play in North Beach’s shallow tidal pools and pirate playground and the park’s secluded mangrove canals are awesome to kayak, paddleboard and fishing spots. Fort De Soto charges a $5 entrance fee per vehicle and alcohol is not allowed. Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Clearwater Beach Pinellas County Voted as the No. 1 beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor multiple times, Clearwater Beach’s famous white sand, clear waves and bustling city life is known across the world for a reason. Despite it being a tourist hotspot, Clearwater Beach is still a must visit at least once this summer and has plenty of new restaurants, bars and activities to check out if you haven’t been in a while. No alcohol is allowed on the beach and parking varies.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
St. Pete Beach & Upham Beach Pinellas County After Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach is arguably Tampa Bay’s second most popular spot to stick your toes in the sand and stingray shuffle in the salty waves. With social beach bars like Postcard Inn and Jimmy B’s, sand volleyball courts at northern Upham Beach and a giant inflatable water slide and zipline at TradeWinds Resort, there is more than a day’s worth of activities to stay busy. Alcohol consumption is limited to hotel guests and parking varies.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Siesta Key Beach Sarasota County TripAdvisor’s No. 1 beach in the U.S. in 2020 features soft sand, skin-tanning sun and a day full of fun. With a free trolley that takes you around the island, you can hit the waves, eat and shop at Siesta Key Village and explore the key’s parks all in one visit. Non-glass alcoholic beverages are allowed on the beach but pets are not.Photo via Visit Sarasota/website
Fred Howard Park Pinellas County With 155 acres of scenic landscape spread alongside the Gulf of Mexico, this park hosts an array of wildlife, from ospreys to manatees to gopher tortoises. The park features white sandy beaches, kayak launches, playgrounds, a ball field, picnic shelters, bathrooms and showers. Daily parking fees cost $5 and no alcohol permitted. Photo via Adobe Credit: Photo via Adobe
Bean Point at Anna Maria Island Manatee County Bean Point’s sandy shores is a secluded beach located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. The hidden gem can only be accessed via foot, bike or a free trolley that still requires a mile walk. Alcohol is not allowed and no pets on the beach. Photo via Adobe
Belleair Beach Pinellas County Belleair Beach is a quiet and peaceful residential beach hidden behind million dollar waterfront homes. Parking may be tricky, as Morgan Park is the only access spot for nonresidents to pull into. There are no public restrooms or amenities and alcohol and pets are not allowed on the premises.Photo via City of Belleair Beach/website
Egmont Key State Park Hillsborough County Dolphin cruises, scenic snorkeling and touring historical ruins are just a few adventures to embark on while visiting the island. Egmont can only be accessed via the Egmont Key Ferry and costs $40 for adults and $20 for ages 3-11. No alcohol or pets allowed.Photo via Visit St. Pete Clearwater/website
Longboat Key Sarasota County With over 11 different beach accesses, Longboat Key is a favorite among Sarasota locals looking to catch a breeze and take a swim. There are no beach amenities, but you can grab nearby food at The Lazy Lobster and Drydock Restaurant or head to the busy St. Armands Circle just down the road. No alcohol or pets on the beach.Photo via Visit Florida/website
Picnic Island Park Hillsborough County Picnic Island Park has two white sandy beaches, one for humans, one for dogs. The park is a perfect day out for the family, featuring a sand volleyball court, disc golf course, playground, outdoor fitness system, kayak launch, bathrooms and showers. Parking is free.Photo via City of Tampa/website
Apollo Beach Nature Preserve Hillsborough County Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a habitat restoration area that includes a 2-acre beach perfect for sunbathing, picnicking and fishing — but not swimming. The preserve also features a nature trail and a 37-foot observation tower for incredible sunset views. Pets are allowed but not on the tower. Photo via Adobe