Fronting Tampa Bay and offering one of the first sights of sand for those entering Tampa via Tampa International Airport, this narrow beach is attractively landscaped and stretches along the Courtney Campbell Causeway that connects Tampa with Clearwater. 7:30AM-Sunset

Forget your worries as you take a ferry to this 3-mile beach and explore the natural surroundings on one of the state’s last undeveloped barrier islands. Boaters, birdwatchers, and beachcombers can walk the sandy shore, then head inland to hike a wooded nature trail. 8:00AM-Sunset

Bring your beach umbrella or rent one; bring your beach chairs, and find your spot on the beach. Then give the kids the boogie boards and beach toys and you're set for the day in the sun on Florida's Beach - one of the top ten beaches in the nation – Clearwater Beach! All beaches are public, and accessible from convenient points, as well as the municipal beach adjacent to Pier 60. Every evening, enjoy Sunsets at Pier 60; and experience live free entertainment, artisans and street performers.  Lifeguards on duty 9:30AM-4:30PM

Davis Island Beach is a small beach, but most of the area is dedicated to being a dog park. In this dog park, canines can run off-leash. Davis Park also has a picnic area, a canoe launch and boat ramps. The entire park is approximately one acre. There also is a public beach in addition to the dog park. On the public beach there are "No Dogs on the Beach" signs. Dogs are not permitted on Tampa's public beaches. Anchored boats sometimes crowd the beach in front of this sandy spot near downtown Tampa. Daylight Hours

Visit Egmont Key State Park and enjoy the most beautiful waters of Tampa Bay. Relaxing and shell collecting along its pristine, palm tree lined, secluded beaches, is a year round favorite activity. Also see a 150-year-old working lighthouse, gun batteries built in 1898 to defend Tampa Bay and 100-year-old brick roads. There is no gift shop on the island, so please remember to bring water, food and sunscreen, when you visit. 8:00AM-Sunset

Fort DeSoto is a barrier island and 1,136-acre park. Besides a clean, wide beach with many shore birds, this park boasts two fishing piers, historic fort, and bayside campsites. A paved trail appeals to cyclists and inline skaters. Sunrise-Sunset

This family beach is best visited on weekdays when it’s not crowded. But even on busy weekends, the gentle waves and clean shoreline make for a pleasant visit. It’s also a popular site for fishing and windsurfing. 7:00AM-Sunset

A natural barrier island, this state park boasts four miles of sandy beaches, nature trails and abundant wildlife. Don't be surprised to see an endangered gopher tortoise walking across your path or hear the call of an osprey---or the bark of Fido, who can frolic freely on the dog beach. Honeymoon Island got its name from a Life Magazine contest for newlyweds in 1939; couples won a two-week honeymoon stay on the island. In 2007 Honeymoon Island was Florida's most visited state park. 8:00AM-Sunset

Many restaurants are within walking distance of this beach, attracting a quieter crowd with gentle shorelines. With more than 20 beach accesses along Gulf Boulevard, you’ll be able to be on the beach quickly. No set hours.