One of the Tampa Bay Area's most alluring attributes is without a doubt it's famed beaches.  In fact, what would a trip to Tampa be without visiting its signature coastal areas and taking in its sand, surf and sun?  Many consider this picturesque natural resource to be the cornerstone of the region.

When you factor in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, there are miles upon miles of gorgeous coastline to enjoy.

For your safety, the State of Florida has implemented a Beach Warning Flag System, that is in use at beaches throughout the Sunshine State.  The colored flag displayed at the lifeguard stand will let you know what the current surf condition is at that particular beach.  Please pay close attention to the color of the flag, as it could possibly save your life and those around you.

Except during inclement weather, there's never a bad time of the day to drop by a local beach.  Walking along the shore during a mild morning hour, lazing in a beach chair during a warm sunny afternoon, gazing out at a serene sunset or taking a romantic nighttime stroll are all popular round-the-clock beach activities.

Many of the Tampa Bay Area beach communities, both in Hillsborough and Pinellas County, offer concessions, picnic facilities and metered parking.  Some have restrooms and outdoor showers for your convenience.

Is today going to be a beach day?  How about tomorrow or the weekend?  Find out what the weather will be like for the days ahead by viewing the Tampa Bay 7-Day Forecast on our News & Weather Page.

Whether it's a sunny, partly sunny or somewhat cloudy day, don't forget to put on a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from the pleasant but intense rays of the Florida sun.

For some more great ideas about how to spend quality time outdoors in the area, please visit our Outdoor Activities Page.

Below is a list of the most popular coastal spots in the area.  Clicking on each image will display a Google Map detailing the exact location of that particular beach.  We've listed 18 beach areas for you to enjoy, and you simply can't go wrong with whichever beachfront location you decide to venture out to.

Archibald Memorial Beach Park 15100 Gulf Boulevard - Madeira Beach, Florida 33708 727.391.7373 Metered Parking Spaces Open 6am to Midnight Concessions Restrooms Picnic Tables Shower

Ben T Davis Beach 7650 Courtney Campbell Causeway - Tampa, Florida 33607 813.274.8615 Metered Parking Park Benches Picnic Areas Concessions Grills Volleyball Lifeguards

Caladesi Island State Park One Causeway Boulevard - Dunedin, Florida 33698 727.469.5918 No Parking - Park is only accessible by Watercraft Concessions & Grills Restrooms Beach Showers Chair, Umbrella and Kayak Rentals No Lifeguard on Duty No Pets or Alcohol Permitted

Clearwater Beach State Road 60 at West End - Clearwater, Florida 33767 727.462.6963 Metered Lots/Streets Lifeguards on Duty Volleyball Umbrella Rentals Restrooms Cabanas Concessions

Davis Islands Beach 900 Martinique Avenue - Tampa, Florida 33607 813.931.2121 Dog Beach on Premises Open Sunrise to Sunset Picnic Area Canoe Launch Boat Ramps

Egmont Key State Park 4905 34th Street South - St Petersburg, Florida 33711 727.893.2627 Open 8am till Sunset No Parking, Lifeguards, Restrooms, Showers or Concessions Park is only accessible by Watercraft

Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway South - Tierra Verde, Florida 33715 727.582.2267 Boat Launching Facility Camping Area Picnic Facilities with Grills Two Fishing Piers Snack Bar Restrooms Showers

Fred Howard Park Beach 1700 Sunset Drive - Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 727.943.4081 Open 7am to Dusk Picnic Shelters Restrooms Playgrounds Ball Field Wind Surfing Area Kayak & Canoe Launching Area Beach Showers

Honeymoon Island State Park One Causeway Boulevard - Dunedin, Florida 33698 727.469.5942 Open 7am to Dusk Picnic Pavilions Bathhouses Concessions Nature Trails Dog Beach

Indian Rocks Beach 1700 Gulf Boulevard - Indian Rocks Beach, Florida 33785 727.595.2517 Open 7am to Dusk 80 Parking Spaces Restrooms Outdoor Showers

John's Pass Beach 129th Avenue at Gulf Boulevard - Madeira Beach, Florida 33708 727.391.7373 Open 7am to Dusk Public Metered Parking Spaces Restrooms Showers on Beach Picnic Tables

Madeira Beach 14400 Gulf Boulevard - Madeira Beach, Florida 33708 727.391.7373 Open 7am to Dusk 104 Public Parking Spaces Restrooms Showers on Beach Concessions

Pass-A-Grille Beach 1st Avenue to 22nd Avenue at Gulf Way - St Pete Beach, FL 33706 727.367.2735 or 727.363.6594 Open 7am to Dusk Metered Parking

Picnic Island Park 7409 Picnic Island Boulevard - Tampa, Florida 33616 813.274.8615 Lifeguards on Duty Memorial Day to Labor Day 7.8 Acres of Beach Boat Ramp/Canoe Launch Dog Park Picnic Tables/Grills Restrooms Playground Pier

Redington Shores Beach 18200 Gulf Boulevard - Redington Shores, Florida 33708 727.588.4882 Open 7am to Dusk 170 Parking Spaces Restrooms Beach Showers 400-Foot-Wide Beach

Sand Key County Park Beach 1060 Gulf Boulevard - Clearwater, Florida 33767 727.588.4852 65-Acre Park Sailing Center Showers Restrooms Metered Parking

St Pete Beach Length of Gulf Boulevard - St Pete Beach, Florida 33706 727.367.2735 Open 7am to Dusk 235 Metered Parking Spaces Restrooms Showers Water Fountain Three Boardwalks to Beach No Lifeguard on Duty

Treasure Island Beach 10400 Gulf Boulevard - Treasure Island, Florida 33706 727.547.4575 Open 7am to Dusk 67 Public Parking Spaces Restrooms Water Fountain Beach Showers Bicycle Rack Concessions Picnic Area & Grills