Caladesi!

Tampa is filled with so many beaches that offer everything from shelling to surfing. Here are some of the area’s top beaches. If you’re averse to crowds, skip these.

Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi is accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island, and is one of the gems along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s a great place for kids to go shelling, and also for swimming because the water is warm pretty much year around. There is also a three-mile nature trail that allows you to get closer to nature.

Fort de Soto County Park

Fort de Soto enjoys widespread popularity because it has garnered a lot of top honors as America’s best beach, and with good reason. The sand is pure, and there are great shelling opportunities. In short, it is a classic good beach. There is playground equipment for kids too. Fort de Soto is located in the southwest corner of Mullet Key and at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The Fort itself is a historical landmark, and was visited by Spanish explorers.

Siesta Beach

This beach won the distinction of having the “whitest and finest sand in the world” at the 1987’s International White Sand Beach Challenge, and is a very athletic beach with tennis and volleyball courts everywhere. It is located on the Central West Coast of Florida.

Egmont Key State Park

Featuring nature trails, picnic areas as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beach and do some shelling. It’s primarily a wild life refuge but also has a beautiful beach, and is accessible only by private boat.

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photo: mattmangum