Tampa area beachside communities: Where to Live, Play & Eat
Location of the beaches in Tampa Bay
Both Pinellas and Pasco counties have beachside communities. The west coast of Florida as some of the top beaches in the state so they are popular for both residents and tourists. For our purposes we’ll concentrate on Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are also popular communities.
Beachside real estate options in the Tampa area
There is a little bit of everything in the beachside communities: waterfront homes and condos, Intercoastal homes and condos, townhouses, bungalows and single-family homes.
Best things to do in the beachside communities
Of course, the world-class beaches are a main draw. But there are many water activities as well (boating, jet skiing, fishing).
Parks in the beachside communities
Outside of the beach, there are several parks in the beachside communities including:
- Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve (nature trail in Indian Rocks Beach)
- Kolb Park (playground, tennis courts, basketball, ball fields in Indian Rocks Beach)
- Sunside Vista Trailhead Park (boardwalk, dog park in Treasure Island)
- Pier 60 (playground, fishing pier in Clearwater Beach)
- Boca Ciega Millenium Park (fishing, canoe launch, dog park, nature trail, observation trail, playground, picnic shelters in Seminole)
- Fort DeSoto State Park (camping, beach, fishing, playgrounds in Tierra Verde)
Biking & walking trails in the beachside communities
Most locals choose to walk the beach or boardwalks along the beach. But there are trails at these parks:
- Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail
- Sunside Vista Park
- Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve
- Fort DeSoto State Park
Places to eat in the beachside communities
There are many local options to eat in the beachside communities. Many have local seafood as their specialty but most also have good burgers, salads and sandwiches. Some of our top choices:
- Doc Ford’s Run Bar & Grille (Madeira Beach)
- Sweet Sage Café (Madeira Beach)
- Crabby’s On the Pass (Madeira Beach)
- Mad Beach Craft Brewing (Madeira Beach)
- Kooky Coconut (Indian Rocks Beach)
- Crabby Bill’s (Indian Rocks Beach)
- Guppy’s On the Beach (Indian Rocks Beach)
- Keegan’s Seafood Grille (Indian Rocks Beach)
- Salty’s Island Bar & Grill (Clearwater Beach)
- Gondolier Pizza (Clearwater Beach)
- Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (Clearwater Beach)
Places to have fun in the beachside communities
Again, the beach is the main draw. And the water (the Gulf and Intracoastal). Some of our favorites:
- Alligator & Wildlife Center (Madeira Beach)
- John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk (Madeira Beach)
- Smugglers Adventure Golf (Indian Shores and Madeira Beach)
- Splash Harbor Water Park (Holiday Inn at Indian Rocks Beach)
- Indian Rocks Historical Museum (Indian Rocks Beach)
- Treasure Island Golf Center (Treasure Island)
- Seaside Bird Sanctuary (Indian Shores)
- Locked Up Escape Room (Madeira Beach)
Places to shop in the beachside communities
There are many local options for shopping along the beach. Some of our favorite shops:
- The Florida Winery (Madeira Beach)
- Candy Kitchen (Madeira Beach)
- Lori’s Soap & Sponge Market (Madeira Beach)
- Beach Fun and Games (Madeira Beach)
- Shores Surf Shop (Indian Shores)
- Beach Shop Go! (Redington Shores)
There are a variety of grocery store options in the beachside communities including Winn Dixie and Publix.
Schools in the beachside communities
The schools are run by the Pinellas County School district. Most of the are not in the beachside communities. Here are a few of the local schools:
Madeira Beach
- Orange Grove Elementary
- Madeira Beach Elementary
- Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8
Indian Shores
- Bauder Elementary
- Seminole Middle
- Seminole High
Indian Rocks Beach
- Country Day Montessori
- Anona Elementary
- Seminole Middle
- Seminole High
Clearwater Beach
- Sandy Lane Elementary
- Dunedin Highland Middle
- Clearwater High
- Plato Academy
Treasure Island
- Azalea Elementary
- Azalea Middle
- Boca Ciega High
St. Pete Beach
- Azalea Elementary
- Azalea Middle
- Madeira Beach Middle
- Boca Ciega High
- Gulf Beach Elementary Magnet
- Montessori by the Sea
- St. John Vlanney Catholic
Tierra Verde
- Gulfport Elementary
- Bay Point Middle
- Lakewood High
Hospitals in the beachside communities
There are several hospitals in close proximity to the beachside communities as well urgent care centers and doctor’s offices. The hospitals are HCA Florida Largo, HCA Pasadena and Morton Plant. There are larger hospitals (Johns Hopkins All Children’s, St. Anthony’s, Bayfront St. Pete) in nearby St. Pete.
Ready to move to the beach?
Who doesn’t dream of a beach view with quick access to the beach? Make your dream a reality. Our real estate team, with more than 30 years working and living in Tampa Bay, is here to help you find the perfect home. Call or text us today: 813-541-5320