best beach near Tampa

Our children are 8 %26amp; 9 and we have airline tickets already to Tampa,FL in April to spend a week . We plan on renting a condo but are not sure which beach area to stay at. We want to be able to stay right on the beach and be within walking distance, of shops and resturants l. We have been looking at Treasure Island,, and have heard St. John%26#39;s pass is quiet and has a nice boardwalk.

I am not opposed to driving a little farther south if it means the beaches are that much nicer.

We also welcome suggestions on places to visit while in the Tampa area.

best beach near Tampa

Sounds like Treasure Island or St. Pete Beach would fit. Clearwater Beach is a little closer to the airport, but the beach area there is more condensed in one area, so it gets a bit more crowded and in general, attracts a younger crowd.

While Treasure Island and St. Pete, and several other beach communities along the Pinellas county coast, is a very long stretch of beach, most people stick to the beach near their hotel, so it doesn%26#39;t get as crowded in any one area.

Johns Pass (not St. Johns) is very nice and I am sure your family would enjoy a day there. A variety of shops, restaurants, ice cream on the boardwalk, view of the boats going in and out of the gulf etc. Johns Pass is currently undergoing some construction and remodeling, but I have been there during it and it will still be enjoyable. I am not sure when the project is supposed to be completed.

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