Tampa area beach question

[idlewood4]

I'm not one for crowds, but would love to find a typical beach we can visit for a few hours while in Tampa in August. We will have a rental car. Any suggestions? Any beaches with easy parking?

[runnin5k]

how long exactly will you be in the area? I just moved to Tampa and I will try to help, but traffic is unbelievable here so time is of the essence. :confused:

[tadjr]

Are you on time constraints to get to/from the beach to make a flight? If not, I would vote for Ft Desoto as my favorite beach. No crowds/shops/etc. Easy parking with lots of areas to choose from. I usually hit the north end and walk to the channel. Last two times I went I didnt see more than 5-10 people walk down to the end past us. It was recently announced as the best beach in the US by Dr. Beach.

http://www.fortdesoto.com/servlets/Directory

[idlewood4]

No time constraints. We are in the area for a week. Flying into Tampa, driving to Lakeland for a week, then Tampa for a few days pre cruise. Plan to spend 1 day at Busch Gardens, and one day at beach. So time is not a constraint. Your suggestion sounds perfect! I'm going to check out the web site now.

 

Thanks!

[vicocala]

Thanks Tadjr,

 

give away one of our best kept secrets!! ;)

 

Personally, I like Clearwater and if you have time to go east New Smyrna on the Atlantic isn't bad nor is Cocoa Beach.

[tadjr]

Thanks Tadjr,

 

give away one of our best kept secrets!! ;)

 

 

Hey, at least I didnt mention Egmont. Oops!

Go to the beach during a weekday and there is PLENTY of room to spread out. Ft Desoto is a little further drive, but well worth it.

I'm from Lakeland as well so if there is anything you need to know about staying there, let me know and I'll try to help. Even though my parents and sis still live there, I havent been back for any length of time and am amazed at how much things have changed since I lived there.

[DONDONMA]

IDELWOOD4...........if you have no time contraints, I would go accross the Causeway to Clearwater, keep going straight on Gulf to Bay all the way to Clearwater Beach. You can stay at Clearwater Beach or follow the road south all the way to ST Pete Beach. With hundreds of beaches and shops and things to do along the way. Or you could head north from downtown Clearwater to Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, or keep going to Tarpon Springs ( the Greek sponge dock village).

 

There are even beaches on the Tampa side of the Causeway as well as the Clearwater end.

 

We used to live in Clearwater/Dunedin 5 years ago and love that area........tons of things to do and see.

 

Whatever you do, Have a great time !

 

dondonma