{"id":17663,"date":"2013-07-17T08:45:22","date_gmt":"2013-07-17T08:45:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=17663"},"modified":"2021-10-28T16:43:19","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T16:43:19","slug":"the-many-beaches-of-tampa-bay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/the-many-beaches-of-tampa-bay\/","title":{"rendered":"The many beaches of Tampa Bay"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Pinellas County, Florida<\/a>, just a 30-minute drive west of Tampa International Airport<\/a>, is home to nearly forty miles of award-winning beaches that stretch from St. Petersburg<\/a> to Tarpon Springs, each with it\u2019s own distinct personality and charm. So we started at the south end of the county and worked our way north in search of which of these beaches fit each of our personalities. We concluded that we must have multiple personalities since each beach presented something we could appreciate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fort De Soto State Park
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If camping and communing with nature is what you\u2019re after, then Fort De Soto State Park is your ideal match. With 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands, you\u2019ll find more than 320 species of birds, such as pelicans, egrets, and herons, just to name a few. Accommodations consist of both RV and tent sites. Outdoor activities reign supreme with seven miles of paved trails, fishing from two piers open 24 hours a day, a boat launch, kayaking, canoeing, and plenty of soft sand. You can even bring along your four-legged family members since the beach is dog-friendly!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Pass-A-Grille Beach<\/span>
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Here you’ll find a laid-back vibe. Spend the afternoon strolling along historic 8th Avenue perusing its local shops and boutiques or plan to stay for the entire day since the sunset views from the rooftop bar at The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant are legendary. While parking fills up fast, the good news is that it\u2019s free.<\/p>\n

Treasure Island<\/strong><\/p>\n

Treasure Island is a casual beach destination with nearly four miles of white sandy beach for those who prefer that “Old Florida” feel. With one of the region’s widest stretches of beach, it\u2019s the perfect spot to go fly a kite. Be sure to check out the brand new one-mile long beach walk, with built -in benches, illuminated at night by turtle-friendly LED lights.<\/p>\n

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Viewfinder Tip: Don’t miss the grouper at one of the local restaurants.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Madeira Beach<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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When we think of Madeira Beach we think of John\u2019s Pass Village and Boardwalk, featuring 1,100-feet of boardwalk along the Intercostal Waterway and filled with shops and restaurants. \u00a0More grouper is brought into John\u2019s Pass by local fishing boats than any other place in the state, making it the perfect place to have lunch or dinner.<\/p>\n

Indian Rocks Beach\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indian Rocks Beach was developed in the 1920s as a weekend getaway destination for wealthy residents who lived inland. Today it\u2019s thriving with restaurants, shops, and parks. With more than 20 beach access points along Gulf Boulevard, you\u2019re sure to find the perfect place to set down your chairs and blanket. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sand Key Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t like crowds and the beach-going hoopla, then you may just fall in love with the less populated Sand Key Park. It does have some amenities though, including a couple picnic shelters with grills, public restrooms, water fountains, and a dog park, sharing the same sugar white sand and gorgeous Gulf of Mexico view that the other beaches along this stretch of Pinellas County do.<\/p>\n

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