The Suncoast
Tampa & Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a large natural harbor and shallow estuary connected to the Gulf of Mexico on the west central coast of Florida, comprising Hillsborough Bay, McKay Bay, Old Tampa Bay, Middle Tampa Bay, and Lower Tampa Bay.
Tampa is a city on Tampa Bay, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. A major business center, it’s also known for its museums and other cultural offerings. Busch Gardens is an African-themed amusement park with thrill rides and animal-viewing areas. The historic Ybor City neighborhood, developed by Cuban and Spanish cigar-factory workers at the turn of the 20th century, is a dining and nightlife destination.
(Source: Wikipedia)
With its mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors, vibrant business districts and beautiful waterways, Tampa is a wonderful place to work, play and unwind.
Downtown is alive with urban parks, including the gorgeous Tampa Riverwalk, hip bars and innovative restaurants and amazing restorations of turn-of-the-century buildings.
For residents and visitors alike, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tampa, whether it’s paddling along the Hillsborough River, sampling tequila at a margarita festival, enjoying a pro football or hockey game, riding a thrill-coaster at Busch Gardens or attending an opera at the Straz Center.
Tampa is known for being a great city for all ages and tastes, offering hotel accommodations that fit any budget and catering to everyone, including families, outdoor adventure seekers, and foodies and wine connoisseurs. Once known as a melting pot for all cultures and settlers, Tampa remains a welcoming place for those seeking fun, opportunity and a chance to try new things.
While it’s only a short, 30-minute drive to the beaches, Tampa’s real strengths lie in its city life.
Ybor City, which was created around the Cuba cigar-rolling industry in the late 1800s, is now world renowned as a hot nightlife spot, its old red brick buildings now filled with lively music, cocktails and late-night dancing.
Downtown is now packed with young condo residents, and with them came a crop of new fusion-cuisine dining options, craft cocktail and beer bars, and regular festivals, concerts and events hosted in the well-kept Curtis Hixon Park.
Nearby Hyde Park, an upscale shopping and dining district, there are boutique stores and national brands, as well as excellent restaurants and bars. But one of the great things about Tampa is you can venture outside of the urban, metro centers to find plenty to do off the beaten path.
(Source: www.visitflorida.com)
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach was named “Best Beach Town” in 2013 by USA Today. Its beautiful white sand and sparkling waters, diverse variety of restaurants, family water sports and cruises have proven to be very attractive features of homebuyers from all over the country.
Clearwater Beach offers something for everyone. Cyclists and rollerbladers glide along a winding beachfront promenade lined with casual seafood restaurants and cafes. Don’t forget to visit dolphins and other marine life at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. At sunset, Pier 60 hosts a nightly festival with street performers and craft vendors.
Here are the must see beaches in Pinellas County in the Clearwater area:
HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK
This undeveloped 385-acre barrier island off Dunedin has four miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities along the Osprey Trail. Upon arriving, visit the Rotary Centennial Nature Center to learn about the island. Swim, hike, bike, kayak, or simply relax.
CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
Caladesi landed on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches of 2016 and was voted No. 6 Best Beach in Florida by USA Today in 2015. The island is accessible only by boat—ride the ferry from Honeymoon Island, or rent a kayak and tour the mangrove trails. Natural beauty meets modern amenities with an on-site concession, showers and changing rooms.
CLEARWATER BEACH
Fun-loving Clearwater Beach was voted the No. 1 beach in America by Trip Advisor in 2018 and 2016 (it was also named No. 7 in the world in 2018!). Wide sugar-sand beaches and emerald-clear surf dotted with dolphins make this an active beach scene. Soak in the sun, then dust off the sand and enjoy all this city-beach has to offer from downtown Beach Walk’s shops, to waterfront restaurants like Frenchy’s, and rooftop bars including Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest.
SAND KEY
If you prefer solitude with spectacular gulf views, quiet and romantic Sand Key Park is just a bridge away from the lively Clearwater Beach. Pack a picnic and set up camp at the tables on the north side of the island, or grab a fishing pole and kick back at this 95-acre county park with its wide beach, picnic pavilions and bathhouses. Explore the trails and boardwalk that winds through a salt marsh, and after a storm, collect shells along the shore.
BELLEAIR BEACH
Your stress will be gone with the wind when you chill out with the locals and condo vacationers along quiet Belleair Beach. Find a spot on 4,500 feet of secluded shoreline dotted with the area’s most lavish mansions and settle in for a reverie of sun, sand and seagulls. Parking spots can be nabbed at the beach access points with trails leading through the dunes to the beaches of this low-key gulf-front community.
INDIAN SHORES & INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
Time for a nostalgic taste of Old Florida along this narrow barrier island. Some 20 beach access points lead to the picture-perfect beach. When hunger and thirst strike, you’ll find lots of options. The flip-flop crowd makes a beeline to Lulu’s Oyster Bar and Tap House, while Guppy’s on the Beach Grill & Bar serves al fresco seafood and cool drinks.
For more information about Clearwater Beach visit https://www.clearwaterbeach.com/.
St. Pete Beach
St. Petersburg is a city on Florida’s gulf coast, part of the Tampa Bay area. It’s known for its pleasant weather (hence its “Sunshine City” nickname), making it popular for golfing, boating, fishing and beachgoing. Its waterfront parks host the Dali Museum, featuring surrealist works of art; the Museum of Fine Arts, with works ranging from ancient to contemporary; and Mahaffey Theater, home of the Florida Orchestra.
The City of St. Pete Beach is a barrier island community located just off the Pinellas County mainland of Saint Petersburg, just south of Treasure Island, and 20 miles from Clearwater Beach. With miles of pristine, white sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, an abundance of recreational opportunities, restaurants, and shopping, St. Pete Beach is one of the most enjoyable places to live and vacation, in the world.
The City of St. Pete Beach has a permanent population of about 10,000 residents, but is also a popular winter residence for people living in other parts of the United States, Canada and Europe. Nearly 28 percent of the total residential homes and condominiums in St. Pete Beach are owned by people claiming primary residence elsewhere, reflecting a high volume of seasonal visitors.
Here are the must see beaches in Pinellas County in the St Pete Beach area:
NORTH REDINGTON BEACH & REDINGTON SHORES
Brilliant white sand and sparkling blue water attract many vacationers to Gulf Boulevard. You’re bound to find a peaceful stretch of sand among the three small communities of Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Beach. Enjoy a relaxing stroll at sunset or sunbathe on the warm, wide beach.
MADEIRA BEACH
Head to “Mad Beach” where Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk is buzzing with more than 100 shops and restaurants in a Old Florida-style waterfront atmosphere. Take the Tom Stuart Causeway, an impressive bridge with great views, to this bustling beach. Explore the surf shops and art galleries, then enjoy fresh seafood along the boardwalk at the Friendly Fisherman or Sculley’s.
TREASURE ISLAND
Three miles of sparkling sand lines the gulf with an array of lodging, from luxury resorts to kitschy hotels and small inns. Hang out at the surrounding popular beach bars, and for live music and dancing on the weekend, head over to Gators Café and Saloon at John’s Pass. Dance to the bongos at a Sunday night drum circle an hour before sunset.
ST. PETE BEACH
With miles of beaches, surf shops and boutiques, along with a vast array of lodging, dining and water sports for all ages, it’s easy to see why St. Pete Beach was voted TripAdvisor’s No. 7 Beach in the U.S. in 2018. From The Don CeSar, to the family-friendly TradeWinds Island Resorts and dozens of hotels and small inns, there’s a place for all tastes and budgets. Try Jimmy B’s, the Undertow and Harry’s for a cocktail, or try one of the area’s rooftop lounges for 360-degree views.
PASS-A-GRILLE BEACH
Pass-a-Grille is the epitome of old Florida charm. Voted one of the Top 5 beaches in Florida by USA Today in 2015, it’s widely considered a “locals’ beach,” so you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to live here with a visit to PAG. The beach stretches four miles of natural shoreline, along with tasty eateries like Paradise Grille and the Hurricane Restaurant (try the grouper sandwich). Reel in fish from Merry Pier (rod rentals available), or browse the shops and galleries along the Eighth Avenue Historic District.
SHELL KEY, FORT DE SOTO PARK & EGMONT KEY
This popular 1,136-acre county park stretches over five islands. Take in the natural scenes at Fort De Soto Park, with sights of the impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge from the east end of the island. There are numerous beaches across the islands with shallow surf, picnic areas, a seven-mile paved trail, historic fort and a fishing pier. Fuel your adventure at the on-site concession before renting a kayak or bike.
For more information on St Pete Beach visit http://www.stpetebeach.org/
The Howard Group
Serving the growing communities of Tampa, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Carrollwood, Lutz, Westshore, Westchase, Citrus Park, Odesa, Trinity, and Land O' Lakes
(813) 455-9638
