PASS-A-GRILLE, Gulf Way, between First and 22nd avenues in southern St. Pete Beach (727-363-9247). This gay-friendly stretch of sand is one of the nicest beaches in the Bay area, and it's directly across from the popular Hurricane restaurant. Restrooms with showers and concessions are available, including a snack bar with great grouper sandwiches. Metered parking is $1.25 per hour, $5 for the day.
PICNIC ISLAND BEACH, 7404 Picnic Island Blvd., Port of Tampa (813-274-8615). Despite its location in an industrial area near MacDill Air Force Base, this beach is quite peaceful. The small stretch of sand is seldom busy and offers a great view of the Bay. There's a small fishing pier (not that you'd want to eat anything you caught), grills and shelters. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day.
REDINGTON SHORES, Gulf Boulevard between 174th and 183rd avenues (727-397-5538). Quiet, pristine beaches can be accessed at the County Park, 18220 Gulf Blvd. Parking is free.
SAND KEY PARK, 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater (727-588-4852). This 95-acre beachfront park is overwhelmingly popular during the sunny, temperate seasons and offers a stunning view of the sun setting across the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to swimming and fishing, the park features a boardwalk, a playground, a picnic area, great bird watching, restrooms, showers and umbrella/cabana rentals. Open 7 a.m.-dark, with lifeguards on duty every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Metered parking is 75 cents per hour.
SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLANDS, 23 miles W.S.W. of Fort Myers, off I-75 (239-472-1080). These barrier islands, approximately two hours south of Tampa Bay, are well worth the drive. The island beaches are rated among the best shelling grounds in the world and can be reached via a toll bridge on the Sanibel Causeway for $3 round trip. Beach area's include Bowman's Beach, on Sanibel's northwest end; Gulfside Park, off Casa Ybel Road; and Lighthouse Park, at Sanibel's southern end. All offer public access. Sanibel is the more rustic of the two, while Captiva has more rowdy beach bars and restaurants. Pets are not allowed on Captiva beaches. Parking is $2 per hour.
SHELL ROAD BEACH, located off Shell Road on Siesta Key. It's hard to find, though the line of cars down to the end of the block offer some indication of where the beach is. No facilities, just a quiet alcove of coastal bliss.
SIESTA BEACH, at Beach Road and Ocean Boulevard on Siesta Key (941-861-7275). This 40-acre park is roughly an hour south of Tampa Bay, and consists of nature trails, concessions, soccer and softball fields, tennis and volleyball courts, playground and picnicking facilities, and year-round on-duty lifeguards. And although there are 800 parking spaces, you better get there early if you want one. Siesta's pristine white sands are 99-percent quartz, pulverized to a fine powder; the sand's so reflective it feels cool on even the hottest days.
SUNSET BEACH, W. Gulf Boulevard, St. Petersburg. This beach, located between Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach, runs along a small road that continues after Gulf Boulevard turns toward St. Pete Beach. Caddy's Waterfront makes a good landmark: a classic beach bar (9000 Gulf Blvd.), always busy inside and out. The beach's charm and popularity as a surf spot is partially attributed to its inaccessibility and difficulty to find. Public access parking.
ST. PETE BEACH, along Gulf Boulevard (727-367-2735). This 1.5-mile-long beach located just north of the Don CeSar is conveniently situated near a variety of popular beach bars and restaurants. A favorite spot with the locals. Parking meters cost $1.25 per hour or $5 for the day.
ST. PETERSBURG MUNICIPAL BEACH, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island (727-360-3278). The municipal beach is one of the widest in Florida, stretching a quarter mile from the water to Gulf Boulevard. The beach has five volleyball courts, a small playground, concessions, showers, picnic tables, grills and restrooms.
TIKI GARDENS BEACH, 10601 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach (727-549-6165). This popular beach-access park was once a tiki-themed amusement center. It features basic beach amenities, including benches, water fountains, restrooms and a 170-spot parking lot.
TREASURE ISLAND BEACH, Gulf Boulevard and 112th Avenue, Treasure Island (727-549-6165). Treasure Island's beach is wide and busy. A nearby selection of restaurants and stores makes it feels like a little piece of the Jersey shore right here in Florida; access at 10400 Gulf Blvd.
TURTLE BEACH, located on Midnight Pass Road near the south end of Siesta Key (941-861-5000). Picnic shelters, free boat ramps, restrooms, dune walkovers, volleyball, playground equipment and more available. Walk for miles down the beach all the way to Casey Key. Prehistoric petrified sharks teeth buried in the sand make nice little souvenirs. No lifeguards on duty.
