Tampa Area Guide to:
BEACHES & BEACH PARKS
In all likelihood, I will come to regret publishing some of this information, but it's the truth, so publish I must. The reason I might regret it some day is because every time you publish the name and location of a little-known, quaint local spot, you will slowly see it fill up with people, and then you have to put your thinking cap back on and go find yourself a new local spot. I could try to prevent this from happening, but I'm starting to accept it as just part of the Circle of Life when you live in a sought-after, touristy spot.
Clearwater Beach
This is already a jam-packed area during high season, but even locals feel like it's worth the hassle of getting in and out. Clearwater Beach is fun, whether you're having a day in the water with your kids, or a night out with your pals, there is something to appeal to just about everyone's desire for fun happenings. Be sure to visit Pier 60 as the sun goes down to see all the notable characters and artisan souvenirs.
This is already a jam-packed area during high season, but even locals feel like it's worth the hassle of getting in and out. Clearwater Beach is fun, whether you're having a day in the water with your kids, or a night out with your pals, there is something to appeal to just about everyone's desire for fun happenings. Be sure to visit Pier 60 as the sun goes down to see all the notable characters and artisan souvenirs.
The causeway ("that big bridge thing" for non-Floridians) can take an hour to cross during peak season, so do yourself a big favor, and see if you can take the water taxi at 100 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33755. It is possible to park for free in this area, and even the pay-to-park lots on the mainland here are much cheaper than anything you will find out on the small island of Clearwater Beach. This is a tip that could really save you a lot of stress and hassle, so research it a bit before you go.
See www.clearwaterferry.com for rates & schedules.
Sunset Park
1800 Gulf Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
http://www.ctsfl.us/sunset%20bch.htm
http://www.ctsfl.us/sunset%20bch.htm
Free to park, a very low-key beach full of locals. There is a restroom here, which is typically open whenever the park is open. Since it is a Tarpon City Park, it may not be open on all holidays. We recently drove by the gate on July 4th, 2018 and the park was closed. Not sure if it was for the holiday, or for some other reason, like maintenance. Swimming may be limited at low tide, but wading and sunning are always fun here. The beach itself is nice and has plenty of sand to lie out on and soak up the sun.
I only have one request: If you're going to come to Sunset Beach, please, please please do your best to help maintain the low-key, quiet local atmosphere of this hidden gem. Don't crank your music too loud, and pick up after yourself before you leave, and we can all go on feeling like it's still a hidden spot.
I only have one request: If you're going to come to Sunset Beach, please, please please do your best to help maintain the low-key, quiet local atmosphere of this hidden gem. Don't crank your music too loud, and pick up after yourself before you leave, and we can all go on feeling like it's still a hidden spot.
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| Sunset Beach, Tarpon Springs, Florida |
Fred Howard Park
1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Parking is free on the mainland, or $5 on the causeway or the beach ($5 lets you park all day). Rent a paddleboard or a kayak, or sun bathe. White(ish) sand, and not usually very crowded. The very North side of the island always has the fewest people if you want to sun and read your book. Plan to come at high tide if you want to swim. At the peak of high tide, this place can be a sea safari, you will glide over the wildlife, but still be very close to the action, maybe 4 to 5 ft above the sea floor. Of course, make sure to bring a dive flag. Venture out past the sandy area near shore, into the seaweed forests, and you are likely to see multiple types of crabs, sting rays, mullet and other fish, horseshoe crabs, and scallops. I have yet to see any sharks at this particular beach, but don't rule it out.
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655
A little further out, but worth the drive if you want to do a long hike or bike. There's no beach here, but it's a different flavor, all its own. Take lots of water, there is none available in the park. Free to park. The main feature here is a long, straight strip of pavement, about 13 miles long, which connects to the Suncoast Trail at the far end. Free to park.
Tortoise is expected, and close-up deer sightings are common. We have also seen numerous armadillo, raccoon, alligators, rattlesnakes and hawks on the trail. Last week, a fellow bicycler said he'd just seen a baby bear. We pressed ahead and did not see any bears.
There are off-pavement opportunities to hike and bike, though we have not explored them as much as we have the main trail.
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Tampa Area Guide to: RESTAURANTS
Tampa Area Guide to: RESTAURANTS
