23 low-key beaches within driving distance of Tampa

Apollo Beach Nature Reserve

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 34 mins
Open simply from sunrise to sunset, Apollo Beach Nature Reserve is arguably as popular as a birding site as for its beachy views. Unlike many Tampa Bay beaches, Apollo Beach Nature Reserve allows pets on the beach.

Photo via Google Maps

Caladesi Island

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 52 mins
The beautiful white sand beaches and idyllic blue water of Caladesi Island are a prize you have to work for. There are no bridges stretching out to this unsettled spit of land west of Dunedin, so the island is only accessible by personal boat, ferry or, if you feel like a workout, kayak. Aside from the restrooms and food stand built in recent years, Caladesi Island is completely empty, free of hotels, restaurants and homes.

Photo via floridastateparks.org

Bean Point at Anna Maria Island

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hr 14 mins
Once home to the founder of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point is now a facility-free hidden gem for those in the know. Bean Point has no parking lot and no obvious entrance, but if you keep an eye out, you’ll see signs marking beach access points scattered along North Shore Drive. A few street parking spots are available, but grabbing a ride on the island’s free trolley may be a safer bet.

Photo via annamaria.com

Chauncey Howard Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hr 13 mins
Chauncey Howard Park is really quite simple: boardwalk, sand, water. Aside from a few water fountains, scattered benches and a small rinse off station, Chauncey Howard Park is about as undeveloped as south-central Florida beaches get. No pets or alcohol are allowed at Chauncey Howard, and the closest parking is 0.2 miles up the street.

Photo via venicegov.com

Belleair Beach

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 41 mins
Belleair Beach is all about no-nonsense relaxation. You can’t drink, you can’t bring pets and they don’t want you running around playing sports. While Belleair Beach residents have access to the beach through four separate entrances, the metered parking at Morgan Park is the only area in Belleair Beach with public access. Morgan Park is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo via visitstpeteclearwater.com

Blind Pass Beach

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hr 29 mins
Cast a line from the dock, launch a canoe or take a walk down the coastline at Blind Pass Beach. There aren’t a ton of amenities here, but parking is plentiful and free. Plus, you can drink on the beach here without having to hide it, which is rad.

Photo via scgov.net

Cypress Point Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 12 mins
Beach flowers freckle the white sand dunes of Cypress Point Park against a backdrop of the coast of Clearwater across Old Tampa Bay. Hit up the free parking, then cast a line, launch a canoe or just lounge. It’s your day. There are no rules (except no alcohol, fires or pets on the beach, of course).

Photo via tampagov.net

Fred Howard Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 53 mins
Wind and tide patterns make the beach at Fred Howard Park a favorite for windsurfers. After a few hours in the sun, you can take a break under one of the picnic shelters, or explore the park’s butterfly garden, softball field, playground or nature trail. As a state park, there’s no alcohol allowed in Fred Howard Park, but parking costs $5.

Photo via Google Maps

Fort DeSoto Dog Beach

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 41 mins
This section of Fort De Soto’s coastline is devoted to furry friends. Dog Beach offers pet owners the opportunity to let their pets run and play off-leash in an area surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land.

Photo via Pixabay

Nokomis Public Beach

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hr 8 mins
Separated from Pelican Alley and Pop’s Sunset Grill by a bridge and a narrow strip of water, Nokomis is Sarasota’s oldest public beach. Like many barrier islands, Nokomis isn’t packed with frills. There’s a boat ramp, bathroom, pavilion and pier to fish from, all open from 6 a.m. to midnight. You can drink, but not out of glass. And while there’s a lifeguard to keep your human babies safe, the furry ones are going to have to sit this one out.

Photo via scgov.net

Gasparilla Island State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hr 54 mins
The white sands of this barrier island and separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. The state park at the southern tip of the island features the restored 1890 Port Boca Grande Lighthouse just off the shore. If you get hungry, “South Beach” seafood restaurant is right around the corner.

Photo via floridastateparks.org

E.G. Simmons Park in Ruskin

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 39 mins
E.G. Simmons Park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer for a $2-per-car entry fee. Here, Visitors can kick back on the 700 foot of beach, hit the volleyball court, fish from the pier or paddle through the mangroves in a canoe or kayak rental. E.G. Simmons Park also offers two playgrounds for the little ones.

Photo via hillsboroughcounty.org

Egmont Key State Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa:
The only way to get to Egmont Key is by private boat or ferry, more specifically, Egmont Key Ferry or the Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise. Both typically leave in the morning and return in the early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to soak up the sun, take a swim or catch a few fish away from the hassles of the mainland.

Photo via visitstpeteclearwater.com

Gulfport Beach

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 34 mins
Gulfport Beach is where you go when you straight-up don’t want to talk to anyone. Overlooking Boca Ciega Bay, Gulfport Beach stays pretty quiet. This is a great spot to just get away from it all, have a little picnic and watch the tide roll in.

Photo via visitstpeteclearwater.com

Indian Rocks Beach

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 44 mins
Indian Rocks Beach may not be alcohol (or pet) friendly, but the business owners across the street have no such restrictions. A quick jog across Gulf Boulevard and you’ll find yourself surrounded by oyster bars, tiki bars and seafood joints to satisfy your cravings for drink and grub. There is loads of free parking up and down the 3 mile stretch of coast coastline.

Photo via Google Maps

Longboat Key

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 1 hr 17 mins
Keep your eyes peeled while driving along Gulf of Mexico Drive or you just might miss those little blue and white beach access signs. The dark, granular sand shores of Longboat key do not have any public facilities and neither alcohol nor pets are allowed, but a number of shops and restaurants at the center of the island should suit your needs for a day at the beach.

Photo via Visit Sarasota County/Youtube

North Beach at Fort De Soto Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 49 mins
North Beach’s large pirate ship playground, splash lagoon just above the tide, concessions and covered picnic areas make for the ideal family day at the beach. As part of Fort De Soto Park, North Beach also offers a gift shop, but parking for the beach will set you back $5.

Photo via visitstpeteclearwater.com

Picnic Island

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 21 mins
Lay out in the sand or swim in the surf at this quiet little beach. In addition to playgrounds, a sand volleyball court and a disc golf course, Picnic Beach offers a pier for the angler and a dog-friendly beach area for families with pets.

Photo via tampagov.net

Redington Shores

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 42 mins
Home to several waterfront bars and beachy restaurants, this tiny seaside community really prides itself on the Redington Long Pier. The unmistakable landmark of Redington Shores stretches over 1200 feet out into the Gulf, hosts a concession stand, bait shop and crowds of visitors and eager fishermen.

Photo via townofredingtonshores.com

Sand Key Park

Estimated drive time from Tampa: 49 mins
Just a short drive from the crowds of Clearwater Beach is Sand Key Park. This stretch of beach is known for its quiet serenity and excellent seashell hunting. There is a dog park up from the beach, but pets must be on a leash outside of this designated area. Parking at Sand Key Park costs $5 at the pay station.

Photo via visitstpeteclearwater.com