Best beach near Tropicana field

[jjj444]

We are heading to an afternoon baseball game in May and planned on hitting the beach first. We are staying in Orlando and driving out for the day. I had heard that Fort Desoto was close to the Devil Rays Stadium, but not sure. If anyone could recommend a beach good for relaxing, shelling and play for 2 kids I would appreciate it.

 

[jjj444]

bump

 

[Detailor]

The Fort DeSoto county park is about 15 miles from Tropicana Field (maybe a 25 to 30 minute drive). The park features nice beach area that hasn't had many people visiting when we've been there. Very relaxing but I don't recall seeing many shells worthy of collecting.

There are lots of beaches along the gulf coast that are north of the Fort DeSoto beaches and closer to Tropicana - Pass-a-Grille Beach, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island Beach, Madeira Beach - all with access from Gulf Boulevard. However, I suspect there's limited public parking provided by the county along that stretch though as there are a lot of hotels right up the gulf side.

Dick Taylor