Tampa Bays Gulf Beaches are some of the best in the community, ranking consistently in the top ten in the world.  The beach at Caladesi Island State Park is a top-notch destination for sunning, swimming and kayaking. Because the island can only be accessed by boat, a ferry runs twice hourly from Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area.

The aqua blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico are visible from the crest of the bridge leading into Indian Rocks Beach.  Enjoy food with Key West flair.  Stroll into the sunset hand in hand with your lover.

Cradled in the shadow of the Sunshine Skyway and visited by thousands of people a year is the Fort DeSoto Park.  The park is a collection of five keys that make up the 900-acre county park and provide seven miles of pristine beach.

Fort DeSoto was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, was built in 1898 in an effort to provide protection to Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War.

The park provides two piers for fishing that are outfitted with bait, tackle and food stores. There are four miles of paved bike trails, picnic, a boat ramp and swimming beaches with lifeguards during the season.  The camping area has water and electric hook-ups, a charcoal grill, restrooms and laundry facilities.

The names of the five keys: Mullet, Madelaine, St. Jean, St. Christopher and Bonne Fortune.

Beach goers flock near the shoreline at Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island.  ''Welcome to a very happy place'' proclaims a sign at Cafe on the Beach.
Happy indeed. With all-you-can-eat buffets, sunset dinners, pancake breakfasts and live music - the beach here may be an afterthought.  Enjoy pure beach dining, as  patrons line up at the buffet, eating in bikini tops and bathing shorts in the outdoor patio.

A singer or duet frequently take the stage. A little shop, selling post cards and beach gear, is located across the cafe.
Holmes beachgoers will also find a small playground, fishing pier and showers. Beach chairs and umbrellas are for rent and a lifeguard is on duty.
A parking lot is located behind the cafe, or visitors can snag a parking space down a side street.