While every sunset is beautiful, there’s something magical about witnessing our planet’s golden orb descending below the horizon while relaxing on one of our state’s west coast beaches, which offer an idyllic vantage point to soak in the charm of the setting sun as its rays dance across the sparkling blue water of the Gulf of Mexico.
Florida offers an abundance of pristine beaches stretching from Pensacola to Naples but there are plenty of spots along Pinellas County’s 35 miles of award-winning white sand beaches to soak up the views that are just a short drive from Plant City via I-4 to I-275.
Pile into your vehicle for a quick road trip that’s sure to please everyone in the family.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Address: 1 Causesway Blvd, Dunedin
At a cost of just $8 per vehicle carrying up to eight people or $4 per single-occupant vehicle, this beach offers four miles of pristine white-sand beach lapped by clear, calm Gulf water. Amenities include showers, restrooms, a cafe that serves food and drinks and a concession that rents bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas.
Clearwater Beach
Address: 7 Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach was just named USA Today 10 Best Best Beach in the South- coming in at #1. This beach is idea for watching the sunset because it hosts a nightly sunset celebration on Pier 60. The all-ages festivities, which begin two hours before sunset until two hours after sunset, feature artisans and performances by firebreathers, dancers and musicians.
Sand Key Park
Address: 1060 Gulf Boulevard, Clearwater
Step away from the hustle and bustle of Clearwater Beach to quiet Sand Key. With nearly 700 parking spaces, this 95-acre county park offers plenty of sand, picnic pavilions, a playground and bathhouses. The park has lifeguards on-duty from mid-March to mid-September. There’s also a nature trail and salt marsh. Park entrance is free but parking costs $5 per day. Only credit cards are accepted.
Indian Shores & Indian Rocks Beach
Address: 18th Avenue, Indian Rocks Beach
With 27 public beach access parks, parking spaces are plentiful and some are free. Public restrooms are available at three locations within the city: Main Beach Access Park, Kolb Park and the IRB Nature Preserve/Dog Park. Most access parks also have beach showers, bicycle racks and trash receptacles. There is handicap access to the beach area via a boardwalk. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Madeira Beach
Address: 14400 Gulf Boulevard, Madeira Beach
While best-known for John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, a quaint grouping of shops, eateries and a jumping-off point for fishing trips and other excursions, Madeira Beach’s two and a half mile beach still offers plenty of sun and sand. Ample paid parking can be found at Madeira Beach Access Park. Public restrooms and showers are also available.
Treasure Island
Address: 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island
With nearly four miles of beaches, finding a quiet spot to snag a slice of paradise should be easy. Beach accesses are marked with distinctive blue and orange seagull signs, which also indicate where there is beach parking, handicapped access and other amenities. City-owned parking lots are metered or have pay stations that take credit cards. Parking fees average about $2.75 per hour.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Address: 113 11th Avenue, St. Pete Beach
Located at the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille is a quiet, laid-back beach town dotted with restaurants, ice cream shops and even a pickleball court. Four miles of powder-soft sand give visitors plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy the view. Metered parking spaces are available along Gulf Boulevard.
Fort De Soto Park
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde
The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto consists of 1,136 acres that is home to a historic fort, more than 7 miles of waterfront, a boat-launching facility, 15 picnic shelters, a campground, playgrounds, restrooms, recreation trails, a dog park, a concession stand and fishing piers. A daily parking fee of $5 is collected at the park entrance. For the best beach view of the sunset, turn right on Anderson Boulevard and follow the road until it ends.
Watching the sunset on Florida’s west coast beaches serves as a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us and embrace the simple joys that life in the Sunshine State has to offer. For more information about Pinellas County beaches visit pinellas.gov.