State park · Dunedin
A boat‑only escape with sugar‑fine sand, mangrove kayak trails, and a historic homestead vibe. Frequently honored by Dr. Beach and Travel + Leisure; ferry runs from Honeymoon Island. Operated year‑round with storm‑recovery updates posted by Florida State Parks.
Beach · Pinellas County
Pinellas County’s crown jewel pairs a Civil War–era fort with one of Florida’s most photogenic beaches. North Beach fully reopened on Feb. 17, 2025; amenities continue to be restored. Recognized by Dr. Beach and celebrated by local media.
Building · St. Pete Beach
A historic, low‑rise beach town where galleries, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, and nightly bell‑ring sunsets anchor the scene. Featured by Lonely Planet and Florida Rambler for its old‑Florida character and shelling at the south jetty.
Park · Clearwater
A calmer alternative to Clearwater’s bustle—think nesting sea turtles, a salt‑marsh overlook, and ample parking. Reopened after 2024 storms; Pinellas County confirms current hours and $6 parking. Often recommended by Lonely Planet and local editors.
Public beach · Indian Rocks Beach
Residential and relaxed with dozens of public beach accesses and a loyal local following. The city confirms the 17th–18th Avenue access park’s 2025 reopening. Visit Florida spotlights its unfussy, family‑friendly feel.
Building · Clearwater
Yes, it’s popular—but the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 and walkable sands are Tampa Bay classics. Travel + Leisure named it among the world’s best white‑sand beaches; sunset buskers keep the tradition alive even during pier renovations.
Building · Treasure Island
Locals love this bohemian, LGBTQ‑welcoming pocket with a scenic boardwalk curving to Blind Pass. Profiled by Lonely Planet and the destination marketing team; facilities include restrooms and a pavilion.
Park · Tarpon Springs
A mile‑long causeway leads to a broad Gulf beach where kiteboarders and Greek‑heritage Tarpon Springs locals mingle at dusk. Pinellas County notes ongoing facilities repairs and flat‑rate parking; Visit St. Pete/Clearwater praises its windsurfing scene.
Historical landmark · Hillsborough County
Boat‑only beaches at the mouth of Tampa Bay with a 19th‑century lighthouse and Fort Dade ruins. Reopened in April 2025; reach it via the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto. Expect dolphins, tortoises, and powdery shoreline.
Beach · Anna Maria
A postcard‑perfect tip of Anna Maria with sweeping Skyway views and dazzling sand, often highlighted by Southern Living. As of Sept. 5, 2025, local officials posted a No Swim Zone on the north end—visit for sunset walks, not swimming.
A boat‑only escape with sugar‑fine sand, mangrove kayak trails, and a historic homestead vibe. Frequently honored by Dr. Beach and Travel + Leisure; ferry runs from Honeymoon Island. Operated year‑round with storm‑recovery updates posted by Florida State Parks.
Pinellas County’s crown jewel pairs a Civil War–era fort with one of Florida’s most photogenic beaches. North Beach fully reopened on Feb. 17, 2025; amenities continue to be restored. Recognized by Dr. Beach and celebrated by local media.
A historic, low‑rise beach town where galleries, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, and nightly bell‑ring sunsets anchor the scene. Featured by Lonely Planet and Florida Rambler for its old‑Florida character and shelling at the south jetty.
A calmer alternative to Clearwater’s bustle—think nesting sea turtles, a salt‑marsh overlook, and ample parking. Reopened after 2024 storms; Pinellas County confirms current hours and $6 parking. Often recommended by Lonely Planet and local editors.
Residential and relaxed with dozens of public beach accesses and a loyal local following. The city confirms the 17th–18th Avenue access park’s 2025 reopening. Visit Florida spotlights its unfussy, family‑friendly feel.
Yes, it’s popular—but the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 and walkable sands are Tampa Bay classics. Travel + Leisure named it among the world’s best white‑sand beaches; sunset buskers keep the tradition alive even during pier renovations.
Locals love this bohemian, LGBTQ‑welcoming pocket with a scenic boardwalk curving to Blind Pass. Profiled by Lonely Planet and the destination marketing team; facilities include restrooms and a pavilion.
A mile‑long causeway leads to a broad Gulf beach where kiteboarders and Greek‑heritage Tarpon Springs locals mingle at dusk. Pinellas County notes ongoing facilities repairs and flat‑rate parking; Visit St. Pete/Clearwater praises its windsurfing scene.
Boat‑only beaches at the mouth of Tampa Bay with a 19th‑century lighthouse and Fort Dade ruins. Reopened in April 2025; reach it via the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto. Expect dolphins, tortoises, and powdery shoreline.
A postcard‑perfect tip of Anna Maria with sweeping Skyway views and dazzling sand, often highlighted by Southern Living. As of Sept. 5, 2025, local officials posted a No Swim Zone on the north end—visit for sunset walks, not swimming.
State park · Dunedin
A boat‑only escape with sugar‑fine sand, mangrove kayak trails, and a historic homestead vibe. Frequently honored by Dr. Beach and Travel + Leisure; ferry runs from Honeymoon Island. Operated year‑round with storm‑recovery updates posted by Florida State Parks.
Beach · Pinellas County
Pinellas County’s crown jewel pairs a Civil War–era fort with one of Florida’s most photogenic beaches. North Beach fully reopened on Feb. 17, 2025; amenities continue to be restored. Recognized by Dr. Beach and celebrated by local media.
Building · St. Pete Beach
A historic, low‑rise beach town where galleries, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, and nightly bell‑ring sunsets anchor the scene. Featured by Lonely Planet and Florida Rambler for its old‑Florida character and shelling at the south jetty.
Park · Clearwater
A calmer alternative to Clearwater’s bustle—think nesting sea turtles, a salt‑marsh overlook, and ample parking. Reopened after 2024 storms; Pinellas County confirms current hours and $6 parking. Often recommended by Lonely Planet and local editors.
Public beach · Indian Rocks Beach
Residential and relaxed with dozens of public beach accesses and a loyal local following. The city confirms the 17th–18th Avenue access park’s 2025 reopening. Visit Florida spotlights its unfussy, family‑friendly feel.
Building · Clearwater
Yes, it’s popular—but the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 and walkable sands are Tampa Bay classics. Travel + Leisure named it among the world’s best white‑sand beaches; sunset buskers keep the tradition alive even during pier renovations.
Building · Treasure Island
Locals love this bohemian, LGBTQ‑welcoming pocket with a scenic boardwalk curving to Blind Pass. Profiled by Lonely Planet and the destination marketing team; facilities include restrooms and a pavilion.
Park · Tarpon Springs
A mile‑long causeway leads to a broad Gulf beach where kiteboarders and Greek‑heritage Tarpon Springs locals mingle at dusk. Pinellas County notes ongoing facilities repairs and flat‑rate parking; Visit St. Pete/Clearwater praises its windsurfing scene.
Historical landmark · Hillsborough County
Boat‑only beaches at the mouth of Tampa Bay with a 19th‑century lighthouse and Fort Dade ruins. Reopened in April 2025; reach it via the Egmont Key Ferry from Fort De Soto. Expect dolphins, tortoises, and powdery shoreline.
Beach · Anna Maria
A postcard‑perfect tip of Anna Maria with sweeping Skyway views and dazzling sand, often highlighted by Southern Living. As of Sept. 5, 2025, local officials posted a No Swim Zone on the north end—visit for sunset walks, not swimming.
