Now that I’m done with sunny Ben T. Davis Beach, I’ve been looking around for absolute best, sparklingest beach. To my unmitigated suprise, there doesn’t seem to be a consensus. Owing to my fondness of superalitives and easy categories, I’m in dire need of advice. So far I’ve ventured to the aforementioned Ben T. Davis, which was somewhat underwhelming. Which I’m told is a common sentiment. Also relegated to notches on my belt are Clearwater Beach and Fort Desoto Park.
While Clearwater has nice water and friendly sand, it apparently gets packed on the weekend. I’ll have to admit that my only foray to that particular location occurred back in January, when locals were wearing sweatshirts and complaining about how freezing cold 70 degrees feels. Coincidentally, the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce advertises Clearwater Beach as being sunny too.
Fort Desoto seems like a peaceful place. I was fortunate to see some spectacular white sand and crystal clear water back around Thanksgiving when I came down to scope out new possible digs. I think, however, that last weekend we made it to a different side, East Beach – North Beach? The sand was not so nice and the water was murky and dredged with seaweed. Maybe a Tampa Expert can differentiate for me.
The folks I’ve met in North Tampa swear to me by gum that Caladesi Island State Park is THE it spot, even if it’s only accessible by boat. I’m tempted to try, regardless of the daunting prospect of hopping the ferry at Honeymoon Island. So you tell me, what beach should I really know about, where is Tampa Bay’s hidden gem?
John
3 years ago
Never been to Caladesi (even though it’s in my neck of the woods here in North Pinellas) but I think of Honeymoon Island as pretty good… Everyone swears by Caladesi though so I’d say that’s the safe bet for “Hidden Jewel”.
There’s also Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs but that’s underwhelmed me every time I’ve been there. Others love Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach….
dreaming
3 years ago
pass-a-grill just s of st pete beach is quite pristine, w the added bonus of some cool restaurants nearby, plus the old standby hurricane bar (which isnt much except for the roof at sunset).
id rec the pool at the don cesar in s pete beach, foloed by a quick stroll up the beach northward to the undertow, a finer example of fla beach bar youd be hard pressed to name. beware: its not a place for peeple not at least passably pretty…
Rachel*
3 years ago
1. Make a friend with a boat and get yourself to Egmont Key from Tierra Verde.
2. Fort DeSoto North Beach – before sunset, wade across to the inlet, make out under the pine barrens, swim back while thinking about baby-making not baby makos.
3. Caladesi – bring weirdo amounts of cash, like twenty-three dollars or something for the ferry.
4. Turtle Beach – Over the Sunshine Skyway, good luck finding it; it might too good to give away; there’s turtles everywhere!!!!
Sandy
3 years ago
Once again, rachel hits the nail on the head. Pass-a grille is tourist-y but still a really nice view. Venice beach is another that used to be nice, now flooded with shark-tooth hunters. Egmont is cool and interesting if you have a waverunner or boat. Head south for better stuff: Captiva, Sanibel, Boca Grande. You will find lots of beach access cut off by fat-cat landowners who somehow think they own the beach, too, but there are still a few places to see the real Florida. Unfortunately, hardly any of them are in Tampa itself.
Deb
3 years ago
St. Pete is nice but gets just as crowded as Clearwater. Not sure if the are still uncrowded, but a few years back Sand Key and Reddington Beach (just south of Clearwater) used to be nice and did not have many people there.
Stephen
3 years ago
The thing about Caladesi island being only accessible by boat is a myth – you can walk there from Clearwater Beach if you don’t mind walking a few miles. Just go to Clw. Beach and walk north, you’ll eventually see a sign reading “Caladesi Island”. I’m not really sure why they still call it Caladesi island anymore, as a hurricane fused it with Clw. Beach years ago.
Rachel*
3 years ago
Stephen – A hurricane fused it? That’s awesome! I’m totally gonna do that now!