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GULF COAST’S GREAT BEACHES

It’s summer and you’re in a prime location for visiting some of Florida’s best beaches. Whether you’re interested in trying out a new water sport or simply soaking up the rays, there is a beach for you. From family-friendly parks to high-energy public beaches, the Gulf coast offers superb sand and exciting entertainment for everyone. Check out some of the area’s favorite sunny spots:

FRED HOWARD PARK

Tarpon Springs

Located in the northern part of the Bay area, this 155-acre park provides access to the Gulf of Mexico by a 1-mile long causeway. The causeway is a great place to windsurf and try your luck at fishing. The park’s white, sandy beach makes it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Facilities include picnic shelters, playgrounds, softball fields, and launching area for canoes and kayaks. When not dipping their toes in the water, visitors can experience nature at its best. The park is home to some endangered and/or threatened species, such as eagles, gopher tortoises and fox squirrels. The park also has many different kinds of butterflies and birds. Fred Howard Park is a great place to spend the day with the family. For more information, call 727-943-4081. Click here for location.

CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK

Dunedin

Ranked as one of the Nation’s top beaches, this undeveloped barrier island offers some of finest sand around. The 3-mile nature trail that winds through a portion of the island introduces visitors to Caladesi’s interesting vegetation and wild life. Picnic pavilions, bathhouses, playground and a park concession are added attractions to this island. Fishing, shelling, and nature studies are also ways to further enjoy a visit to Caladesi Island State Park. Crowds are kept to a minimum since Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat, making this a relaxing destination. To catch a ride to Caladesi, hop on the ferry at Honeymoon Island. Entrance fees at Honeymoon Island are $5.00 for up to 8 people per car, $1.00 for an individual entrance. Ferry travels to Caladesi Island for a 4 hour stay - $8.00 per adult and $4.50 for children ages 4 - 12. Children under 4 years old are free (prices subject to change). Check out Caladesi Island and you’ll discover why out-of-town visitors call it “paradise”! For more information, call 727-469-5918. Click here for location.

CLEARWATER BEACH

If you’re looking for sugary sand, a spectacular children’s playground, water sports activities, great restaurants, cool gifts shops, and more, you’ll find it at Clearwater Beach. Well known by locals and out-of-towner alike, this beach offers something for everyone. Besides enjoying the beautiful waters of the Gulf, visitors can race through the waves on a jet ski or catamaran, take in breathtaking views from above via a parasail, or drop in a line from the edge of Pier 60. And when you’re ready to take a break from the sun and sand, stop by one of the many shops or eateries for a change of pace. Those who stay to watch the sun go down can also enjoy Pier 60’s nightly street festival featuring local artists, crafters, and performers – Sunset Celebrations. Come for the day and stay for the night! Note: traffic and parking can be a challenge so it’s best to get an early start when heading to Clearwater Beach. For more information, call 727-447-7600. Click here for location.

MADEIRA BEACH

This park offers 450 feet of beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Soft sand and soothing water are within reach from the 104-vehicle parking lot. This quiet location has a bathhouse and showers for your convenience. Once you have had your fill of the beach, head over to Madeira Beach’s other attraction – John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk. Located at 129^th Ave. East and Gulf Blvd., this world-famous fishing village is a cozy retreat from the sun. Offering quaint shops and scrumptious restaurants, John’s Pass is a favorite for those visiting the area. If you would rather obtain your own “fresh catch”, climb aboard one of the charter fishing boats and head out to sea for your chance at hooking a grouper! Lots of fun awaits you at the boardwalk. For more information, call 727-391-9951. Click here for location.

FORT DE SOTO PARK

Tierra Verde

Pinellas County’s largest park consists of over 1000 acres and five interconnected islands. Built between 1898 and 1903, the fort was named after explorer Hernando De Soto and was designed to protect Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War. Four original 12-inch rifled mortars remain (the only weapons of their kind still in the United States). Other pieces of the fort that are still in place include recoil cylinders, two six-inch Armstrong rifled guns and an observation instrument platform support. In addition to it’s historical points of interest, Fort De Soto also offers visitors eleven boat docks, a 238-site camp ground, two large swim areas with concessions and picnic areas, a 2.25 mile canoe trail, a 6.8 mile recreation trail, and plenty of nature guides and trails. There are also two fishing piers for those who want to catch their dinner or for those who simply want to watch. Large freighters can often be seen traveling through the shipping channel and dolphin can be spotted jumping in their wake. Come see why “Dr. Beach” named Ft. De Soto as the nation’s number two top beach in 2003! For more information, call (813) 866-2484. Click here for location.

EGMONT KEY STATE PARK

Just off Fort De Soto, this 440-acre island wildlife refuge was once a Civil War Navy Base. Ruins of the old fort are still there and many areas can be freely explored. Not only rich in history, Egmont Key also boast an abundance of wildlife including many species of birds, the gopher tortoise, and box turtles. The waters off this beach are often crystal clear and offer excellent opportunities for viewing the underwater wildlife! Swaying palm trees, excellent shelling and fabulous sand make this destination a perfect location to get away from it all! Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort De Soto Beach and is accessible only by boat or ferry. For more information, call 727-893-2627. Click here for location.

So many beaches and so little time! Pack your sunscreen and beach pail – plenty of fun in the sun awaits you. For more information about visiting a beach this summer, read:

AAA's Beach Vacation Travel Journal

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