Beaches across the bay, like St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach, may seem like the prime attractions for relaxing by the sea. However, Tampa boasts a few prime spots for kicking back and enjoying all the perks a beautiful beach has to offer. When it comes to beaches in Tampa, here are a few of our favorites!
Apollo Beach
Located a little under 20 miles south of Tampa, Apollo Beach sits along the 24-mile Canaveral National Seashore. Apollo boasts a peaceful, relaxing beach environment perfect for those looking for a quiet beach setting away from all the hustle and bustle.
Ben T. Davis Beach
Enjoy a magnificent view of the Tampa Bay while soaking up the sun and kicking back at one of the best beaches in Tampa. Enjoy amenities like picnic shelters, beach volleyball, grills, and more. Ben T. Davis Beach is about 10 minutes from Downtown Tampa, right next to the Courtney Campbell Causeway.
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Davis Islands Beach
Located at the very end of the beautiful Davis Islands, this beach offers a quiet seaside location perfect for romantic dates, relaxing with a book, and so much more. In addition, Davis Islands Beach has a dog park, picnic area, canoe launch and boat ramps.
Picnic Island Beach
Enjoy 7.8 acres of sandy beach access at Picnic Island Park located at the southern point of Westshore overlooking the bay towards St. Petersburg. Tampa Bay residents and visitors alike enjoy everything from canoeing to picnicking, fishing, and more at Picnic Island Park. A dog park is also on site.
Beer Can Island
Formally known as Pine Key Island, this tiny, uninhabited island is a prime destination for boaters looking for island fun and good times. Located between Apollo Beach and South Tampa, this tiny island is only accessible by boat but is truly one of the best and most unique beaches in Tampa.
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Cypress Point Park
Tucked away, right by Westshore Plaza, sits the serene Cypress Point Park. Visitors can venture down the beach for a scenic walk, bicycle through the nature trail, or just relax and take in the view. With benches, a boardwalk, canoe launch, and picnic pavilions, Cypress Point Park provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
As a South Tampa native, I know the pain of wanting to be at the beach without wanting to take the 45-minute trip across the bridge. Going to the beach shouldn’t – and doesn’t – have to be an all-day commitment. With so many local beaches in Tampa, explore your options with any free time you’ve got – it’ll be worth it!
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