Beaches near Tampa?

[natstroop]

We'll be heading to Tampa after our WDW stay to fly home. We'll have a few hours to mess around and would like to see a beach. I've read that Clearwater is gorgeous, but is there a beach closer to Tampa (in the bay perhaps) that is just as gorgeous? Or does it pay to go the extra 20+ miles to Clearwater?

[Womble]

As you can see by my signature I've not been too WDW for a few years, the reason for this is two fold, 1st off I've now got a fear of crowds! 2nd we go to Clearwater.

It is probably the best beach I've ever been on, considering the amount of hotels and visitors it recieves. At the weekend it does get busy but it has never seemed crowded.

If you are going eat at Cleawater I would recommend Cooters. It is a 5 minute walk from the Pier and beach. (it has great chicken wings and locally caught fish of the day.)

I would highly recommend taking the extra time and go to Clearwater Beach.

[Jared]

If you are going eat at Cleawater I would recommend Cooters. It is a 5 minute walk from the Pier and beach. (it has great chicken wings and locally caught fish of the day.)

No way! Frenchy's all the way!

[Altair]

Caladesi Island State Park, just north of Clearwater.

[Melanie]

We lived in Tampa for 3 years, and only ever went to the beach once. Yep, weird, I know. We went to Treasure Island, and I wouldn't recommend. We did go to Madiera Beach 4-5 times, but mainly for the shopping/restaurants. I grew up in NC and am partial to NC and SC beaches (aka Atlantic), so Gulf beaches never really have appealed to me.

That said, my friends and neighbors raved about Siesta Key near Sarasota and Anna Maria Beach near Bradenton.

[AgentC]

I am not a huge beach person, so we don't go very often. If we don't go local, we do tend to head to Pinellas County. Most of the beaches there are better than the beaches closer to Tampa. There are some beautiful views along the Courtney Campbell Causeway and a small beach but it is right ( and I mean right) off a major highway and near the airport.

Clearwater Beach is always popular. Pass-a- grille/St. Pete Beach is also nice.

Fort De Soto and Caladesi Island are rated top beaches that are worth checking out.

[MNNHFLTX]

Another vote for Pass-a-grille and St. Pete Beaches. Indian Rocks Beach was also a favorite of ours--it is less crowded.

[Womble]

No way! Frenchy's all the way!

I'd agree with the Original Frenchy's, for the grouper sandwich, but overall it's a bit limited on menu and size of restaurant, where as

Frenchy's Rock a way Beach is more of a place to be seen, the music can be a be good, if not a bit to loud, I really don't need that if I'm eating! ( my goodness! I've turned into my Dad!)

Frenchy's Saltwater is nice, only ate there once, I found the service to be very slow! Will try again in a couple of weeks time!



Sorry! back to the beaches.
I'd agree the other beaches recommended are nice ( except for Anna Marie Beach) never been there, so that is on my list of places to try. Thanks Melanie
The only caution I would add if you choose Caladesi state park the best beach is a boat ride away.

[AgentC]

I checked with a friend who lives right near the water in Tampa to make sure I didn't miss anything. She always goes to the Pinellas/Clearwater beaches. She said the causeway beach is small and not very nice.

The other Pinellas Beaches are further south than Clearwater but pretty easy to get to. You take 275S and then there are exits marked Gulf Beaches.

[natstroop]

Thanks for the tips! It looks like we have a lot of options to choose from. We've got some time to decide. We're not going until December. Hopefully it won't be too cold yet to go in the water. The kids really enjoy taking a dip.

[Sportster]

Clearwater would probably be your easiest to get to, and it is a pretty town and beach.

My favorite is Anna Maria Island, by far!! Beautiful beaches and the island has a really cool "vibe". My folks live in Bradenton and its just a short ride to AMI. We go there everytime we visit.