Are you looking to escape to a beachy oasis, but without all the crowds? Between finding parking and people-dodging, a beach day can be kind of stressful if you don't know where to go. Thankfully there are several hidden beaches near Tampa along the Gulf that are totally ready for you to hang your hammock & float the stress away.
While many of these beaches are less traveled and heard of than the big coastal tourist meccas like Clearwater, they're none the less spectacular.
So grab your beach chairs and some SPF because you'll be planning a much-needed ocean escape after reading about these 6 spots.
Editor's Choice: Washington Has A Jungle Oasis With A 200-ft-WIDE Waterfall That You Can Swim In
Key Vista Nature Park
Price: FREE parking & entrance
When: daily dawn-dusk
Address: 2700 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL
Why You Need To Go: A short hike will lead you to a beach that looks like it's part of an African safari wonderland.
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Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
Price: FREE parking & entrance
When: daily dawn-dusk
Address: 4835 Green Key Rd, Port Richey, FL
Why You Need To Go: This is a perfect spot to just hang up a hammock and watch the sunset.
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Anclote River Park
Price: FREE parking & entrance
When: daily dawn-dusk
Address: 1119 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL
Why You Need To Go: Whether you decide to relax under the shade trees or kayak to Anclote Key, no matter what you do here you'll surely have a good time.
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Sunset Beach Park
Price: FREE parking & entrance
When: daily dawn-dusk
Address: 1800 Gulf Rd, Tarpon Springs, FL
Why You Need To Go: Located in close proximity to Florida's biggest Greek tourist town, it's the perfect spot to hang out while you let your gyro digest.
Fred Howard Park Beach
Price: FREE admission
When: daily dawn-dusk
Address: 1700 Sunset Dr, Tarpon Springs, FL
Why You Need To Go: There's a secret island oasis only accessible through Fred Howard Park.
SunWest Park
Price: $5 for a daily pass
When: daily dawn-dusk
Address: 17362 Old Dixie Hwy, Hudson, FL
Why You Need To Go: This is the place for people who don't care for swimming with sea life. Set slightly back from the coast, this spring-fed lake has every amenity of a Gulf beach, plus some.
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We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.