13 Best Beach Resorts In Tampa, Florida - Updated 2024

Francis
Francis 
Updated
| 7 min read

Beach resorts let you enjoy views of the ocean and many fun activities without the hassle of long drives. In the city of Tampa where almost every day is sunny, excellent beachfront resorts are aplenty. At beach resorts, travelers can get their fill of delicious food and refreshing drinks. For fun things to do, go shopping, watch entertaining shows, or enjoy a walk on fine sand. Swim, surf, or do shuffleboard on the beach. Beach resorts are also well-located. They are near top attractions. Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which is a zoo and an amusement park in one. Discover the city’s 10,000 years of history at Tampa Bay History Center. Relish great food and beer at Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Have a leisurely stroll at Tampa Riverwalk and spot some manatees playing in the river. Read on for the best beach resorts in Tampa, Florida.

Upcoming events

  • Tampa Riverfest: Held in the fist weekend of May, Riverfest celebrates Tampa’s diverse culture and offers family-friendly fun, and I’d love to check it out. The festival takes up almost all of Tampa Riverwalk and offers food trucks, live band performances, and other specials.

  • Gasparilla Pirate Fest: Usually organized in January, Gasparilla Pirate Fest is perhaps the most uique festival that Tampa can offer. The pirate-themed event includes a pirate crew sailing across the Tampa Bay, a parade of pirates, and music performances pirate style!

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.

Beach life in Tampa

Tampa is a renowned holiday destination in Florida and is home to quite a few charming beaches. Those planning on vacationing with their pooches should head to Picnic Island Beach Dog Park. The off-leash area offers picnic amenities, so carry along a treat for yourself and your pup and enjoy a day out in the sun. Ben T Davis Beach is another spot that you’ll love, and the narrow stretch of sand offers grills for a fun afternoon cookout.

Seafood is phenomenal in the city, and with its air of multiculturalism, you can get any kind of cuisine. Head to Oystercatchers for succulent dishes featuring Maine lobster, white shrimp, and jumbo scallops. Haiku is an eatery that brings an Asian twist to the local seafood and their umami glazed salmon and lobster yakitori have already got me salivating.

To get the most out of your vacation in Tampa, head to the city anywhere between January and April when the sun is at its prime.

Beach resort in Tampa, Florida

1. Sailport Waterfront Suites (from USD 196)

Where is your favorite seat at Sailport?

Where is your favorite seat at Sailport?

Posted by Sailport Waterfront Suites on Wednesday, August 12, 2020

An all-waterfront, all-suite beach resort, Sailport Waterfront Suites on the coast of Old Tampa Bay will surely be one of your favorite places. Exceptionally striking is the heated outdoor pool and the beach nearby. Spacious rooms all come with a private balcony and a full kitchen. Wi-Fi is free and widely accessible. Smoke some barbecue. Play beach volleyball. Tone your muscles at Fitness Island, an outdoor fitness center.

I’d love to savor some of the specials at the poolside bar and grill, Big Bamboo Bayside. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is only a 22-minute drive from the resort.

  • Property highlights: The on-site fishing pier is a great spot to relax and cast a line.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: The Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite can house four guests and has a private balcony overlooking Old Tampa Bay. If you're looking for a long stay here, you can instead opt for the Extended Stay Suite which has a kitchenette and laundry appliances.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "There is a small beach of sand, but you cannot go in the water. There's a bulkhead." - by Google reviewer, Joette Tripoli
Stayed at this property?

Sailport Waterfront Suites

Wifi Available

Address: 2506 North Rocky Point Drive, Pelican Island, Tampa (FL), United States, 33607
28.89 km (18.0 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

Nearby beach resorts

2. Dolphin Beach Resort (from USD 169)

This beachfront resort is located along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Along with cozy rooms designed in a contemporary setting, this hotel also offers free Wi-Fi that can be used for both work and leisure. Rooms with a beach view offer scintillating sights of the pristine waterscape.

Guests can savor an American breakfast every morning of their stay here. Rejuvenate in the outdoor heated pool with a relaxing swim. Cars can be parked onsite for free without the need for a prior reservation.

The stunning St. Pete Beach is only a six-minute drive from the hotel and you can spend a fun day with the little ones by the waters while making sandcastles, walking on the warm dunes, and soaking up the sun.

  • Property highlights: The activities available here include private catamaran charters and island tours, so a thrilling vacation is guaranteed.
  • Nearest beach: It's just a short walk to the beach from the pool.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: The Deluxe Beachfront Room with a patio option is arguably the best as the private patio opens right out onto the sands.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "The location is perfect! Walking distance to the beach and nearby restaurants and shops. The resort provided activities/games on the beach, which made my vacation more fun. I loved the idea of a drink and food stand they provided on the beach for beach goers. It was so convenient and the staff were amazing!" - by Google reviewer, Angelica Calabrese
Stayed at this property?

Dolphin Beach Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 4900 Gulf Blvd
10.04 km (6.3 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms

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3. Sandalwood Beach Resort (from USD 179)

Posted by Sandalwood Beach Resort on Saturday, August 29, 2020

This 3-star resort is only a seven-minute walk from the lovely North Redington Beach. Along with cozy rooms designed in a contemporary setting, this hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi that can be used for both work and leisure. Back in your room after a great day of sightseeing, you can heat up a snack in the microwave and enjoy an episode of your favorite show on the flat-screen TV. Guests can lounge on the terrace and soak up the sun.

  • Property highlights: Apart from its oceanfront location, the accommodation is close to other attractions and restaurants in the area.
  • Nearest beach: The property is situated right beside the white sands.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: Book a premium Gulf-front unit and enjoy excellent views even while indoors.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "Beach is beautiful, the water is clear and you can see the sand. Beach has white sand." - by Google reviewer, Jeremy Dotson
Stayed at this property?

Sandalwood Beach Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 17100 Gulf Blvd
3.62 km (2.3 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Non-smoking rooms Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms Free parking Internet services Lift Express check-in/check-out

4. Bungalow Beach Resort (from USD 319)

Located near Bradenton Beach, this property features a private beach area. The uniquely designed guestrooms carry a calming ambiance and ensure a good night’s rest after a long day of traveling.

You can get a picnic started in the outdoor area by having a nice barbeque, and I’d love to try out some of the local grill recipes. Enjoy good conversation with loved ones and bonfire evenings over food and drinks. Hang out by the poolside with granola bars and tasty munchies or rejuvenate with a few relaxing laps in the heated pool.

  • Property highlights: With its beautiful "Old Florida–style" bungalows, this historic property is sure to provide a welcoming stay.
  • Nearest beach: Some of the bungalows are set directly on the beach, and the others are not so far from the sands.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: Book Mermaid Bungalow #116 Gulf as it's the only one of the beach-facing bungalows that offers air conditioning.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "The property's beach lounge chairs and umbrella were wonderful and made going to the beach so easy!" - by Google reviewer, Riley
Stayed at this property?

Bungalow Beach Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 2000 Gulf Drive North
36.9 km (23.0 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Free parking Internet services

5. Safety Harbor Resort & Spa Trademark Collection by Wyndham (from USD 219)

This resort serves as an excellent spot for a beach getaway and is located in a natural mineral spring.

Children will enjoy a kids’ meal specially curated for them while you head to the nearby golf course for a few rounds of the game on a balmy afternoon. Enjoy a restorative treatment or a Turkish hammam in the state-of-the-art wellness spa. If your muscles feel sore after a hectic day of exploration, you can hop inside the hot tub and have a deep soak. An equipped fitness center lets you have a good workout after a holiday-heavy meal.

  • Property highlights: The on-site 50,000-square-foot (4,645.16-square-meter) spa offers massages, spa treatments, facial treatments, and even more, so you can have a completely rejuvenating vacation.
  • Nearest beach: The property is within a 10-minute drive of Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach.
  • Suggested rooms/units: The Full Suite Poolside King is sure to provide that luxurious vacation of your dreams.
Stayed at this property?

Safety Harbor Resort & Spa Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 105 North Bayshore Drive
24.05 km (15.0 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna

6. Shephard's Beach Resort (from USD 299)

The property is situated steps away from Clearwater Beach. Its surrounding area abounds with plenty of opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling which makes the property a fun place to stay.

The guest accommodations come equipped with air-conditioning and a complimentary internet connection along with plush beds and fresh linen. Guests can unwind by watching movies on a flat-screen TV that streams premium channels.

A swimming pool awaits you after a long day of travel so you can enjoy a nice swim before retiring to your room. If you like to exercise every day, there is a 24-hour gym at your disposal. With the white sand beach nearby, you can always have a nice day out with the family by the waters and engage in recreational activities such as kayaking and parasailing.

  • Property highlights: Live bands play at the property daily, so you'll never be bored here!
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: The Sunset Suite offers spectacular views, and it's perfect for couples with its LED rain shower.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "The beach at the hotel is small but lots of options being close to the hotel and a public beach across the bridge at the park or walk towards town to the public beaches along the way." - by Google reviewer, Dar Marith
Stayed at this property?

Shephard's Beach Resort

Address: 619 S Gulfview Blvd
19.12 km (11.9 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
great place and very clean
Host:
the staff was great
everyone is very welcoming and attentive
all outside bartenders very friendly and great service
amazing great atmosphere beautiful great staff
Location:
the property is in a great location with lots of stuff to do just there alone
Read more reviews
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7. Sheraton Sand Key Resort (from USD 246)

Guests say that their stay at Sheraton Sand Key Resort was unforgettable. The resort is well-located. Views are stunning, and the service is excellent and efficient. Drink wine on the balcony and enjoy the cool breeze. Savor an appetizing breakfast delivered to your door. For quick snacks, I’d head for the resort’s poolside café. You will have plenty to do here, as the resort also has three tennis courts, an exceptional fitness center, a glamorous pool, and a watercraft rental. The town center of Clearwater Beach is only a trolley ride away from the resort while Clearwater Marine Aquarium is only a 10-minute drive away.

  • Property highlights: The large seafront pool deck has a lot of loungers, so you can easily enjoy a leisurely pool day.
  • Nearest beach: The large beach extends all the way up to the buildings.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: Opt for the suite with a king bed and Gulf views so that you can always keep the sea in your sight.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "Gorgeous beach with lots of space! Clean and beautiful water and beaches!" - by Google reviewer, Krystle Merry
Stayed at this property?

Sheraton Sand Key Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 1160 Gulf Blvd
17.71 km (11.1 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Business centre

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8. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa (from USD 282)

Near the Gulf of Mexico, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa offers stunning views of the sunset. It is in close proximity to the beach. It features an inviting lobby. Relax in style at the resort’s full-service Sandava Spa. Take a dip in the rooftop pool. Enjoy working out at the 24-hour fitness center. Guest rooms and suites feature a balcony, a kitchen or a kitchenette, and a flat-screen TV with access to a yoga workout program. The bath is well-appointed, and the beds are comfortable. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is only a four-minute drive away from the hotel.

  • Property highlights: The beachfront property's eight-floor pool deck is a great spot to watch the sunset.
  • Nearest beach: Clearwater Beach is right across the road from the property.
  • Suggested rooms/units: Beside the private balcony, the King Bed Premium Room has 600 square feet (55.74 square meters) of space.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "Beach access was easy and the hotel provided beach towels. I loved the concrete walking path along the beach." - by Google reviewer, Julie R
Stayed at this property?

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 301 S Gulfview Blvd
19.81 km (12.4 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

9. Sirata Beach Resort (from USD 234)

Boasting alluring views of the Gulf of Mexico, Sirata Beach Resort is a stunning hotel where you can do many exciting activities. Enjoy parasailing or wave running at the sea. Take a dip in any of the three pools with cabanas and a whirlpool. Laze around on the hammock or simply relax in one of the beach cabanas. Walk on white sand and swim in the beach. Select rooms feature a balcony where you can take in captivating views of the sea. Egmont Key State Park is a 19-minute drive away from the resort while Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is only 13 minutes away.

  • Property highlights: A wide array of watersports, including parasailing, banana boat rides, waverunner rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding, is available here.
  • Nearest beach: The sea is just a short walk away.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: The beachfront guestrooms are perfect options since they have a patio or balcony that opens out onto the sands, so the sea is never too far.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "It is right on the beach so we spent everyday going on a morning beach walk." - by Google reviewer, Kendall Fellers
Stayed at this property?

Sirata Beach Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 5300 Gulf Boulevard
9.52 km (6.0 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

10. Sandpearl Resort Private Beach (from USD 393)

Just 100 meters (328.1 feet) away from Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl Resort Private Beach, a four-star beachfront resort, is an excellent establishment where you can have access to a white-sand beach. It is also an ideal place for watching the sunset, parasailing, and playing a game of beach volleyball. You can also experience fine dining at the beachfront. The resort boasts a lagoon-style outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and elegant rooms with Wi-Fi access and walls painted in lovely hues. Each room has a flat-screen TV and a docking station. Delight in the views of Mandalay Bay and the Gulf of Mexico from your room. Also, art enthusiasts will love the fine art gallery on site.

  • Property highlights: Camp Ridley is the property's kids' club and welcomes kids of ages 5 through 10. Children are taken on scavenger hunts, nature walks, and more.
  • Nearest beach: The beach is just beyond the pool.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: Opt for the One-Bedroom King Suites for excellent views and complete amenities including laundry appliances.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "Beautiful hotel beautiful location right on the beach have a great restaurant bar right on the beach you can sit and have cocktails and eat on the sand." - by Google reviewer, Lisa Pickens
Stayed at this property?

Sandpearl Resort

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 500 Mandalay Ave
20.79 km (13.0 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

11. TradeWinds Island Grand (from USD 199)

Located just 200 meters (656.2 feet) away from the beach, TradeWinds Island Grand is a striking beach resort with 5 outdoor swimming pools, 4 trendy restaurants, and an elegant spa. Surf, swim, collect seashells, or simply walk around the sandy beach of St. Pete Beach. Play beach volleyball with friends. Go paddle boating with your kids. Enjoy a game of tennis. Choose a room with views of the Gulf of Mexico. Families with babies can also avail themselves of the 24-hour babysitting services for an additional fee. Fort De Soto Park is only a 16-minute drive away from the resort.

  • Property highlights: When you stay at this property, you can enjoy the amenities of RumFish Beach Resort as well.
  • Nearest beach: The beach is just a short walk from the property.
  • Suggested rooms/units: Opt for the Gulf-front View Penthouse for the most luxurious and memorable stay.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "Great resort, amazing beach, couldn't get enough of the water slide on the beach." - by Google reviewer, Syed Ali
Stayed at this property?

TradeWinds Island Grand

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 5500 Gulf Blvd
9.24 km (5.8 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

12. Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa (from USD 220)

Right on the beach, not far from Pier 60, is a well-maintained resort with complete amenities and facilities. Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect place for a beach holiday. It boasts a beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The outdoor pool is gorgeous and is just a five-minute walk away from Pier 60. Relax by the pool and watch the sun go down while sipping a cocktail from Tiki Bar. The dishes at Carambola look absolutely delicious, and I’d make sure to grab a meal here if I’m staying here.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is only a four-minute drive away from the resort while Sand Key Park is only six minutes away.

  • Property highlights: The property has private cabanas and a tiki bar on its beach, so a fabulous seaside getaway is assured.
  • Nearest beach: The property is nestled on 10 acres (4.05 hectares) of pristine sands, so you can take as long a walk on the beach as you desire.
  • Beach access: Private
  • Suggested rooms/units: You'll surely delight in the views from the room with two double beds and a Gulf view.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "The beach is beautiful. They offer so much stuff to do for free or a small charge. They have everything there that you would want or need." - by Google reviewer, Summer Shultz
Stayed at this property?

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 400 Mandalay Ave
20.43 km (12.7 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

13. Opal Sands Resort (from USD 479)

Highly rated by couples, Opal Sands features resort-style luxuries that will make it your favorite place: a full-service spa, a large fitness center, waterfront dining, and tropical-inspired cocktails. You normally don’t go to a resort for the food, though the on-site restaurant, Sea-Guini, offers delightful sea-to-table dishes that bring out great seafood flavors to the fore. Each room has a balcony, along with a TV, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. A private bath for each room is also included. See dolphins at Winter & Hope at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is only a seven-minute drive from the hotel.

  • Property highlights: The accommodation has an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
  • Nearest beach: You can simply step off the main resort area onto the sand.
  • Suggested rooms/units: The two-bedroom suites with a kitchenette guarantee that your family has all the space and amenities they need.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

  • "Best beach, best water, best view on West Coast of Florida," - by Google reviewer, Nicholas Smith
Stayed at this property?

Opal Sands

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Tactile

Address: 430 Gulfview Boulevard
19.41 km (12.1 mi) from Madeira Beach Access

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

Have a fun time in Tampa

For a truly fun and relaxing beach vacation, head to the diverse and fun place that is Tampa, Florida. With its pristine beaches, theme parks, and world-class beach resorts that shout “Luxury all the way!,“ you will certainly have a wonderful time in the city. I’m also hooked to the culinary diversity of the region and will probably head out on a food tour on my vacation here. So book one of these best resorts and head to the beautiful city of Tampa.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Francis is a versatile writer, an ardent reader, and a dedicated traveler. His culinary adventures take him to minimalist sushi restaurants, and he finds joy in strolling through Chinatown,...Read more

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