Tampa FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Tampa, Florida.
1. Ben T. Davis Beach
URBAN BAYFRONT RELAXATION
Ben T. Davis Beach offers a wide sandy shoreline right along the Courtney Campbell Causeway, providing easy access for both locals and visitors. The calm waters of Tampa Bay make it ideal for swimming, picnics, and beach volleyball, while breathtaking sunsets enhance the laid-back atmosphere. Its convenient location and proximity to restaurants and bars add to its popularity as a city beach escape.
2. Cypress Point Park
TRANQUIL GULFSIDE GREEN SPACE
Cypress Point Park boasts a serene beach setting just minutes from downtown Tampa, featuring scenic walking trails and relaxing picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy activities like disc golf, beach yoga, and birdwatching in a peaceful, natural environment. Its versatile recreation offerings and shaded shelters make it a favorite for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quiet waterfront retreat.
3. Picnic Island Park
SPACIOUS FAMILY BEACH
Picnic Island Park sits along the southern edge of Tampa, offering a sandy swimming area, boat ramp, and dedicated dog beach. The park's wide open spaces, volleyball courts, and fishing pier cater to groups seeking diverse waterfront activities. With its laid-back vibe and facilities for both land and water recreation, it's a welcoming spot for a day by the bay.
4. Davis Islands Seaplane Basin
HARBOR-VIEW LOCAL ESCAPE
Located near downtown, Davis Islands Seaplane Basin features a sandy beach area with sweeping views of boats and planes gliding by. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or launch kayaks into the calm harbor waters, with the skyline as a backdrop. Its unique blend of aviation sights and relaxed beachfront atmosphere makes it a popular urban getaway.
5. Tampa Riverwalk
SCENIC URBAN WATERFRONT
The Tampa Riverwalk stretches along the Hillsborough River, offering access to boat docks, splash pads, and riverside parks in the heart of downtown. Visitors can enjoy cultural attractions, water taxis, and kayaking amid vibrant city energy and frequent events. Its blend of scenic beauty, recreation, and city attractions creates a unique waterfront experience.
6. Clearwater Beach
AWARD-WINNING GULF COAST
Clearwater Beach is famous for its powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and lively beachfront promenade filled with shops and restaurants. A hub for swimming, parasailing, and dolphin-watching cruises, it's consistently ranked among the top beaches in the U.S. Its festive atmosphere and stunning sunsets make it a premiere beach destination just west of Tampa.
7. Fort De Soto Park
EXPANSIVE ISLAND PARK
Fort De Soto Park encompasses miles of pristine shoreline, tidal pools, and nature trails across several islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Its beaches are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and shell hunting, with amenities like bike rentals and a historic fort to explore. The park is celebrated for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and family-friendly picnic spaces.
8. Caladesi Island State Park
SECLUDED NATURAL PARADISE
Accessible only by boat or ferry, Caladesi Island State Park offers unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and kayak routes through mangrove forests. The crystal-clear waters and soft sand create a tranquil environment for swimming, shelling, and birdwatching away from the crowds. Its untouched setting attracts those seeking a true escape into Florida's coastal wilderness.
9. Fred Howard Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL PARK
Fred Howard Park features a sandy Gulf beach connected to the mainland by scenic causeway, surrounded by calm waters ideal for swimming and kayaking. The park offers picnic shelters, a playground, and a wildlife-rich natural setting, making it a favorite for families and nature lovers. Its panoramic ocean views and relaxed mood set the scene for a peaceful day outdoors.
10. Honeymoon Island State Park
WILDLIFE AND SANDY SHORES
Honeymoon Island State Park is renowned for its broad sandy beaches, coastal trails, and abundant birdlife along the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking in a natural environment that's perfect for spotting ospreys and gopher tortoises. Its combination of wildlife viewing and classic beach activities offers both adventure and tranquility.