Anclote Key

This State Preserve's 4-mile-long beach is an excellent swimming and nature study site. Six distinct biological communities provide habitat for dozens of species of bird life including the rare bald eagle and piping plover. A picturesque 1887 federal lighthouse stands sentinel on the southern end of the island while ospreys nest in the tall pines found throughout the island. Accessible only by boat, Anclote Key is a charming hideaway offering unmatched privacy.

Fred Howard Park

The perfect spot for windsurfing and fishing, this 150-acre county park features a mile-long causeway connecting the offshore swimming area and the mainland. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset, offering barbecue grills, sheltered pavilions, children's playgrounds, public restrooms and beach showers.

Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island is a Florida state park, and like most coastal parks, offers swimming, picnic facilities, shelling, fishing, restroom and bathhouse facilities, and concessions.  Honeymoon Island is also the departure point for the Caladesi Island Ferry, which cannot be accessed by land.  It is a great little day trip and highly recommended.  Both Islands are examples of the very few remaining Florida barrier Islands that remain undisturbed by development. In addition to the beach activities, Honeymoon Island is home to hundreds of plant species and a large variety of water foul, several species of which are threatened and endangered.  One cool aspect of Honeymoon Island is their very own "pet beach" where you can stroll along with your pooch!

Clearwater Beach

I would say one of the most beautiful beaches especially to walk on early in the morning!  The sand on this beach is so soft - not shelly like many of the beaches here.  It is a broad, white beach and popular with both visitors and locals!  From Pier 60 to the Sand Key Bridge, there is no lack of activities and resorts to keep you occupied.  Some of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach's most popular activities include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Shepard's Tiki Bar, Captain Memo's Pirate ship, and the Clearwater Marina with it's large fleet of fishing and sightseeing boats.  Sand Key Park is just over the bridge, and was named as one of the top 20 beaches in the country by Dr. Beach.  The park is known as one of the area's best kept secrets.  When you go to Pier 60 be sure to stop by and watch the "Bucket Man" perform! (He plays the drums on just a set of buckets!) 

Belleair Beach

This beach is the beginning of a narrow strip of gulf-side communities surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Belleair Beach boasts many lavish Gulf-front homes and several public beach access points along Gulf Boulevard. The largest site is at Morgan Street across from the Belleair Beach Yacht Club. The Belleair Causeway, a popular place to windsurf and kayak, connects Belleair Beach to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area mainland.  I will never forget vacationing there as a kid and bumming at the Belleair Beach Motel.

Indian Rocks Beach

A quieter alternative, with just over 4,000 year-round residents, and less tourist activities.  The small community offers fishing, golf, and of course water sports in addition to it's incredible beaches.  Indian Rocks is also home to some of the best known eateries along the West Florida Coast; including Brewmasters Steakhouse, Guppy's and Crabby Bills.  But I myself always enjoy the little dives, so if you get a chance check out what the locals love - PJs (for seafood) and Pajanos (the best hot steak subs in town!) 

Indian Rocks is a popular destination for families traveling with children and preferring a quieter stay. (It's also the home to many a celebrity - even Hulk Hogan!) 

Indian Shores

Is a tiny town, consisting of only 15 city blocks, and a population of only 1,400 people.  It is however, home to some fantastic restaurants; including Chateau Madrid, and Scandia.  Another very unique eatery here is Mahuffer's, which will give you a taste of Key West back in the days of Hemingway.  Definitely worth the stop.  You will also not want to miss the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary which is internationally famous for their work with Pelicans and other aquatic birds and wildlife.  Tours are available daily, and the entire family will be fascinated. 

Madeira Beach

Is joined to the Mainland by another of the area's causeways.  Another quieter alternative to the area's busier beaches, Madeira is a charm all it's own.  One of the more popular draws here is the John's Pass Boardwalk Village, which features shopping, eating, charters, and entertainment - Not to mention John's Pass itself which is one of Florida's most beautiful spots.  The John's Pass Seafood festival held here each October is one of the Tampa Bay area's most anticipated events.   

Treasure Island

One of the crown jewels of the Florida West Coast, Treasure Island is packed with beach and water sport activities.  As are most of the Pinellas beaches, Treasure Island is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and the intra-coastal waterway and Boca Ciega Bay to the east.  Rich in both Indian and prate history, Treasure Island is one of the Bay Area's most popular beaches. 

Redington Beach

This small community maintains two superb beachside parks – one on the Gulf for children and active adults, and the other on the bay side for a quieter, more relaxed experience. The beach access for this area is at 163rd Avenue East.

St. Pete Beach

Formerly known as St. Petersburg Beach, it is here you will find the most hotel/motel rooms of any suncoast beach.  You will also find shuttles to Shell Key, the Don Cesar Hotel, nearby Pass-a-Grille, and numerous restaurants. 

Pass-A-Grille Beach

The first established town on Florida's West Coast barrier islands and is a registered National Historic District. This area has no condominiums or high-rise buildings, keeping it a unique slice of old Florida. Sunset watches are popular at the area's public-access beach. The beach runs from 1st to 22nd Avenues along Gulf Way and ample public parking is available.

Anna Maria Island

The Anna Maria area, like Treasure Island has a rich Indian history and also rich entrenchments of Spanish Colonial history as well.  Here you will find the De Soto National Memorial which brings forth loads of information on Hernando De Soto, the Spanish explorer and his 16th century expedition.  Right down the road is Bradenton, Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium.  Head just a bit south towards Lido Key, and check out Sarasota's famous St. Armand's Circle.

Longboat Key / Lido Key / Siesta Key

Grouped tightly together just off the city of Sarasota, the Longboat area is upscale of what you generally find along the Pinellas beaches to the north.  Numerous tennis and golf communities dot the landscape, along with luxury condominiums.  St. Armand's Circle is a famous shopping district drawn around a beautifully landscaped circle.  Siesta Key is known for it's variety of bird life and quiet living.

Sanibel / Captiva Islands

Sanibel's beaches are known for its excellent shelling! There are numerous shelling charters available to take you to less-traveled areas as well.  Sanibel also offers a variety of canoe, bicycle and boat rentals so you can do exploring too.  A large portion of Sanibel Island is a dedicated nature preserve - over 40% of the Island is cordoned off as preserve area.  You can visit the J.N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or the Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W) Society as for guided tours and other services.

Captiva Island is just over the bridge from Sanibel, and is less inhabited.  It also offers spectacular beaches, boating, and a relaxing way of life found in few other areas.