Tampa beach

[sunnydays28]

Which beach is closest to Busch Gardens? We are arriving at opening on Feb. 13, leaving mid-afternoon and and want to hit a beach for a little while before dinner and driving back to Orlando. Nothing major, looking for free or very cheap, good parking, clean and safe, just a chance for my young daughter to put her toes in the water, watch the waves crash and dig in the sand a few minutes. My mom is handicap so we need something with close access.

 

[bucsfan1029]

I’d recommend a beach on the gulf coast (Indian Rocks, Madeira, St. Pete Beach, Redington), which would require you to go to Pinellas County (St. Pete / Clearwater area). From Busch Gardens it would probably be about a 45 minute drive (I-275 over the bridge, then some city driving in St. Pete). There are some closer beaches along the bay, but if you want to see a true Florida beach I would highly recommend driving an extra 20 minutes and going to the gulf.

 

[sunnydays28]

Thanks for the info.

Aren't all the beaches on that side the Gulf Side? As opposed to the Atlantic, right? Is a bay warmer than the Gulf? I don't mind a bay, as long as there is sand. We just need close and safe.

Anyone else?

 

[bucsfan1029]

For the most part, all the beaches are on the gulf. However there are a handful of beaches along Tampa Bay that are closer, but not as nice. They are both pretty much the same temperature. The main difference is that the beaches along the gulf are what Florida is known for…nice resorts, sand, water, etc. The beaches along the bay are usually part of a city park so it’s mostly just local people. Also, the bay is surrounded by land on 3 sides, versus the gulf where you can look out and see water for hundreds of miles (amazing sunsets!).

If you want to go with the closer option along the bay, it’s probably just a 20 minute drive from Busch Gardens. Check out the Ben T. Davis beach in Tampa. It’s right next to the Causeway, so it’s a pretty safe location. There’s also a Bahama Breeze restaurant nearby if you are hungry. For what you are looking for (toes in the sand and water, etc.), I think it will do just fine. Plenty of parking available too...

If you get out of Busch Gardens a little early and what to spend some time along the gulf, I recommend you check out John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach. You can check out the beach, then walk across the street and checkout the boardwalk area, which is alongside the intercoastal waterway. Tons of cool shops and great restaurants (especially if you like seafood).