Beaches · Tampa · United States
The best beaches in and near Tampa
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa · Photo: Ebyabe, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Clearwater Beach (About 40 km, 45 minutes by car). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C/70°F or more) in March–November.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- March–November
- Warmest sea
- 30°C (86°F)
Plan a trip to Tampa
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
The beaches
About 40 km, 45 minutes by car · Families and first-timers
1.Clearwater Beach
Wide white sand, calm water and lifeguards, with hotels, restaurants and Pier 60's sunset gathering.
About 45 km, 45 minutes by car · Couples and resort stays
2.St. Pete Beach
A long Gulf beach lined with hotels, including the pink Don CeSar, and many beach bars.
About 55 km, 50 minutes by car · Nature lovers and quiet beach days
3.Fort De Soto Park
A county park of five islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay, with quiet beaches, a historic fort and nature trails.
About 50 km, 50 minutes by car · Shelling and wildlife
4.Honeymoon Island State Park
An undeveloped barrier island with shell beaches and an osprey trail; ferries cross from here to Caladesi Island.
About 50 km plus a short ferry · Escaping the crowds
5.Caladesi Island State Park
A car-free barrier island reached by passenger ferry or kayak, with a long, quiet stretch of soft sand.
About 15 km, 15 minutes by car · A quick sunset near the airport
6.Ben T. Davis Beach
A small bay beach on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, good for sunset and kitesurfing rather than swimming.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C (66°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| February | 19°C (66°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| March | 21°C (70°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| April | 24°C (75°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 30°C (86°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| August | 30°C (86°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| October | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| November | 23°C (73°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| December | 20°C (68°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Tram — The TECO Line Streetcar uses replica vintage cars on a short line between downtown, the Channel District and Ybor City's 7th Avenue, and has been fare-free in recent years.
- Boat — The Pirate Water Taxi stops at points along the Riverwalk, from the Channel District to Armature Works, on a hop-on, hop-off ticket.
- Ferry — The seasonal Cross-Bay Ferry links downtown Tampa with downtown St.
- Bus — HART runs the city bus network, including a route between the airport and downtown; it is cheap but infrequent for sightseeing.
- Car — A car is the practical way to reach Busch Gardens, the Gulf beaches, Tarpon Springs and the springs north of the city.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in March–May and October–November. The busiest of those is March, so book early.
Beach safety
Visitor areas are generally fine, but keep an eye on belongings in Ybor City late at night and use rideshares between districts. The bigger hazards are natural: summer heat, frequent lightning storms (leave the beach or water when you hear thunder) and hurricanes from June to November — follow official instructions if a storm approaches. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Tampa have beaches?
Yes: Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Fort De Soto Park, Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi Island State Park and Ben T. Davis Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Tampa?
Usually March–November, when the sea averages 21°C (70°F) or more.
+What is the best beach near Tampa?
Clearwater Beach: Wide white sand, calm water and lifeguards, with hotels, restaurants and Pier 60's sunset gathering.