Zephyrhills FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Zephyrhills, Florida.
1. Clearwater Beach
PRISTINE WHITE SAND PARADISE
Clearwater Beach is one of the most renowned beaches near Zephyrhills, located about an hour's drive away. The beach features stunning white sand shores, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and the lively Beach Walk promenade with numerous restaurants and shops.
2. St. Pete Beach
LAID-BACK COASTAL GEM
St. Pete Beach offers a relaxed beach experience approximately an hour from Zephyrhills with its wide shoreline and calm Gulf waters. The beach is known for its spectacular sunsets, family-friendly atmosphere, and variety of beachfront accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to charming inns. Visitors can enjoy swimming, parasailing, paddleboarding, and dining at waterfront restaurants along the shore.
3. Fort De Soto Park
NATURAL BEACH WILDERNESS
Fort De Soto Park spans five interconnected islands with over seven miles of waterfront, offering a more primitive and natural beach experience about an hour from Zephyrhills. The park features pristine beaches, a historic fort, camping facilities, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in a less commercialized setting. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking along nature trails, and bird watching in this expansive coastal preserve.
4. Honeymoon Island State Park
UNSPOILED NATURAL ESCAPE
Honeymoon Island State Park is located about 46 miles from Zephyrhills, featuring four miles of beautiful beaches and natural coastline. The park offers excellent shelling opportunities, fishing spots, boating access, and hiking trails through one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere, wildlife sightings including osprey and eagles, and the dog-friendly Paw Playground beach area on the southern end.
5. Fred Howard Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL RETREAT
Fred Howard Park encompasses 155 acres of parkland and beach connected by a scenic one-mile causeway to the Gulf of Mexico. The park features white sandy beaches, swimming areas, and facilities including picnic shelters, playgrounds, and beach wheelchair accessibility. Visitors can enjoy water activities like swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing in this well-maintained county park that offers a more intimate beach experience.
6. Sunset Beach
PEACEFUL FREE WATERFRONT
Sunset Beach is a quiet coastal getaway in Tarpon Springs offering free parking, pavilions, BBQ grills, and a band shelter for visitors. The beach features gorgeous water views in an idyllic setting surrounded by palm trees with multiple benches close to the water's edge. While the sand may not be as fluffy as larger beaches, the peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxation, reading, and enjoying spectacular sunsets.
7. Caladesi Island State Park
SECLUDED ISLAND PARADISE
Caladesi Island State Park is an unspoiled barrier island accessible only by boat or ferry service from nearby Honeymoon Island. The park is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, nature trails through tropical mangroves, and kayaking routes through a mangrove forest. Visitors enjoy the uncrowded shores, excellent shelling opportunities, and the chance to experience one of Florida's few completely natural islands.
8. Anclote River Park
COASTAL RIVER ACCESS POINT
Anclote River Park offers a unique combination of river and Gulf access with a small beach area, boat ramps, and fishing opportunities. The park features picnic facilities, a playground, and a marked swimming area where the Anclote River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere, the opportunity to watch boats coming and going, and the chance to view the historic Anclote Key Lighthouse from shore.
9. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
MAGICAL SPRING ADVENTURE
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is famous for its crystal-clear spring waters, live mermaid shows, and the refreshing swimming area at Buccaneer Bay. Visitors can enjoy Florida's only spring-fed water park with water slides, a white sand beach area, and swimming in the constant 74-degree waters. The park offers unique water experiences including river boat cruises, kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River, and viewing underwater performances through the submerged theater.
10. Treasure Island Beach
WIDE BEACH FAMILY FUN
Treasure Island Beach boasts some of the widest shorelines in the Tampa Bay area with three miles of white sand along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, water sports rentals, and the popular Beach Trail that runs the length of the island. Visitors enjoy the spacious beachfront, tiki bars, restaurants, and regular community events including sunset celebrations at Caddy's on the Beach.