Tampa, Florida · Beaches

The Best Beaches Near Tampa for a Family Beach Day

Tampa is your gateway to some of the most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches in the country, white sand, warm turquoise water, and stunning sunsets that never get old. Here are the top 5 beaches you have to hit on your Tampa trip!

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Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 (727) 562-4800

Consistently ranked the #1 beach in the U.S., Clearwater Beach delivers sugar-white sand and crystal-clear turquoise Gulf water that genuinely lives up to the hype. Pier 60 is the heart of the action with nightly Sunsets at Pier 60, street performers, artisan vendors, and a show-stopping sky every evening. Parasailing, dolphin tours, jet skis, and deep-sea fishing all launch right from the shore, and Mandalay Avenue's restaurants and bars are just steps away for happy hour. About 45 minutes from Tampa, it's the ultimate beach day destination.

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St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 (727) 363-9245

St. Pete Beach is one of Florida's most beloved coastal destinations, wide stretches of brilliant white sand, warm Gulf water, and sunsets that look like they were painted. The historic Pass-a-Grille neighborhood at the southern tip is a charming Old Florida beach village with great seafood restaurants, a boutique shopping district, and some of the most peaceful beach access on the entire Gulf Coast. Don Cesar, the iconic pink resort, lords over the shoreline and is worth a visit for a drink even if you're not staying. It's about 50 minutes from Tampa and very worth the drive.

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Where You'll Sleep

Two Big Homes Minutes From All of It

Sixteen real beds, a heated pool steaming at sunrise and a pickleball court out back, 12 minutes from TPA.

Twilight from above: court, pool, hot tub and fire pit inside one fenced yard

Tampa Bae at twilight from above: the pickleball court, heated pool, hot tub and the 16-chair fire pit, all inside one fenced backyard

Twilight at Tampa Bae: the pool glowing, umbrellas up, the mural lit, and the whole house waiting for your crew

The whole backyard from above: private pickleball and basketball court, pool deck with umbrellas, hot tub, play set and fire pit

Loved by Big Families

Tampa, FL92 reviews

Tampa Bae

Everyone under one roof, everyone happy, and you finally get to relax

16 guests · 6 bedrooms · 10 beds · 3 baths

Heated Pool
Sleeps 16
Pickleball Court
Movie Theater

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Also onAirbnb VRBO

The backyard: pool, hot tub, pickleball court, swings and games in every corner

Twilight with string lights, the fire pit and the glowing pool

Airbnb Guest Favorite · Top 10%

Tampa, FL173 reviews

Rustic Retreat

The one where nobody wanted to leave the house

16 guests · 5 bedrooms · 13 beds · 3 baths

Guest Favorite
Heated Pool
Pickleball Court
Sleeps 16

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Also onAirbnb VRBO

Halloween Week and Thanksgiving, Sorted

Happening Near Tampa Right Now

Happening NowSelect nights through October 31, from 7pm

Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay · About 25 minutes from both Tampa homes · Teens and adults

Haunted houses, scare zones and the coasters running in the dark. This one is for the teens and the grown-ups, so plan a movie night at the house for the little ones.

Details

Happening NowFriday to Sunday nights through October 31, 4pm to 10pm

Creatures of the Night at ZooTampa

ZooTampa at Lowry Park · About 20 minutes from Tampa Bae · All ages

The zoo after dark with trick-or-treat trails, glowing lanterns and a family-friendly haunted neighborhood. Costumes welcome, strollers fine, nobody jumps out at the kids on the family trail.

Details

From Oct 30October 30 to November 1 (moved from early October because of weather)

Oktoberfest Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, downtown · About 20 minutes from both Tampa homes · All ages by day

Steins, bratwurst, oompah bands and the river right there. Saturday runs all day, so the kids can come for the pretzels and the games before the evening crowd arrives.

Details

See everything on around Tampa this season

Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 (727) 595-2517

Indian Rocks Beach is the laid-back local favorite that visitors stumble on and immediately wonder why they haven't been coming here for years. The beach is wide, the Gulf water is warm and clear, and the whole vibe is relaxed in a way that bigger tourist beaches can't pull off. The small beach town has a great collection of waterfront restaurants, tiki bars, and surf shops all within walking distance of the sand. It stays less crowded than Clearwater even in peak season, making it a perfect choice if you want the same beautiful Gulf water with a little more room to breathe. About 45 minutes from Tampa.

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Honeymoon Island State Park

1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 (727) 469-5942

One of Florida's most visited state parks, Honeymoon Island offers four miles of pristine Gulf beach, nature trails through virgin slash pine forest, and one of the best osprey sanctuaries in the state. The North Beach is calm and ideal for families, while the South Beach faces open Gulf with more surf and dramatic views. After your beach day, charming downtown Dunedin is five minutes away with great craft breweries and waterfront dining. It's also the ferry launch point for Caladesi Island, one of Florida's top-rated undeveloped beaches.

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John's Pass Village and Boardwalk waterfront at Madeira Beach, Florida

Madeira Beach & John's Pass

12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 (727) 391-9951

Madeira Beach combines gorgeous Gulf Coast shoreline with the lively energy of John's Pass Village & Boardwalk, a waterfront stretch of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, fishing charters, and watersports outfitters perched right on the inlet. The beach itself is wide and beautiful, and dolphin sightings from the boardwalk are practically a given. Watch the sunset from a waterfront table with fresh grouper and a cold drink in hand, it doesn't get much better than this. About 50 minutes from Tampa and the perfect mix of beach and beach-town atmosphere.

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Want the full write-up with more photos? Read it on visittampafl.com.

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