The map to the left shows a series of numbers - these represent beaches - there are lots and lots!

Below we have more information on some of the nearest ones to us.

Recent Awards:

Fodor's Travel Publications, America's largest travel publisher, named Clearwater Beach one of the East Coast's 7 Best Family Beaches.

Clearwater Beach was referred to as a "a gem for families" with "gorgeous white sand, attentive lifeguards, shallow waters that are clear and warm, a pier, and plenty showers and restrooms."

Expert Dr Beach names Caladesi Island as Best USA Beach 2008 (it was second in 2006 and 2007).

TripAdvisor's 2009 list of the top ten beaches in the U.S. has Fort De Soto Park as best beach in the USA for the second consecutive year, while Honeymoon Island State Park ranked ninth.

Fred Howard Park and Beach (number 2 on map)

This 150-acre county park located west of Florida Avenue in Tarpon Springs features a mile-long causeway connecting the offshore swimming area and the mainland. The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset offering barbecue grills, sheltered pavilions, children’s playgrounds, public restrooms and beach showers. The area is popular for windsurfing and fishing.

See more of our own pictures of Fred Howard Park....
Link to official site for Fred Howard Park

Sunset Beach (number 3 on map)

Located at the west end of Gulf Road in Tarpon Springs, is a favorite with locals for picnics, swimming and boat launching. It has barbecue grills, sheltered picnic tables, bicycle stands and public restrooms. Hours are from sunrise to 10 p.m.

See more of our own pictures of Sunset Beach....

Honeymoon Island (number 4 on map)

This state park features sunbathing, shelling, swimming, fishing, picnic pavilions, bathhouses and a park concession building. The Caladesi Island ferry departs from Honeymoon Island. Like Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island is one of the state’s few undisturbed barrier islands. The Island also features two bird observation areas, a pet beach, two nature trails and one of the few remaining south Florida virgin slash pine stands. These large trees serve as important nesting sites for osprey. Honeymoon Island has more than 208 species of plants and a variety of shore birds, including several threatened and endangered species. A hurricane in 1921 separated what is now Caladesi Island. In the 1940s, 50 palm-thatched bungalows were built for honeymooning couples but were eventually used as R&R sites for wartime factory workers.

See more of our own pictures of Honeymoon Island....
Link to official site for Honeymoon Island

Caladesi Island (number 5 on map)

Some great news - this nearby beach has just been rated "No 1 beach in North America." This award came in 2008. In 2006 and 2007 it was rated 2nd best beach in the whole of the USA.

To get to the 600 acre island you have to get a boat across so the island is free of traffic. The boat leaves from Honeymoon Island state park - also well worth a visit in it's own right.

There are dunes and a 3 mile stretch of sand which is so good you feel like you could be on a Pacific island. Rent an umbrella and two chairs for $20. Look for shells, hire a kayak or walk the 3 mile nature trail.

Ferry leaves every 30 minutes from 10am. Prices are $10 adults and $6 children.

One of the few remaining large undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Caladesi is only accessible by boat. The island is ideal for swimming, shelling, fishing, picnics, skin and scuba diving and nature study. The park also has a three-mile nature trail winding through the island’s interior. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. A ferry departs hourly from nearby Honeymoon Island. Docks are available on the island for private boats. A snack bar and shelters are also available.

Link to official site for Caladesi Island

Clearwater Beach (number 6 on map)

This island is the most popular of all the area’s many beaches, especially with families. Clearwater Beach offers just about every water and beach activity imaginable. Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach features a family recreation complex on Clearwater’s expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing and concessions. The Sunsets at Pier 60 festival features music, entertainment and a beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunset throughout the year.

See more of our own pictures of Clearwater Beach....
Link to official site for Clearwater Beach

Crystal Beach (not on map)

This is very close to our apartments. Although called Crystal beach this isn't the place to go with the children as there are plenty of big family-friendly beaches nearby - this is really just a spot to watch the sunset and the birds. There are benches and boats docked.

See more of our own pictures of Crystal Beach....

Anderson Park (not on map)

This is about a mile up the road and also gives access to Lake Tarpon. Well worth a visit as it is absolutely beautiful. Great covered picnic areas and plenty of restrooms.

See more of our own pictures of Anderson Park....