Tampa Area Beaches

I have a day to kill in Tampa near the end of October. I would love to
spend it catching some rays on a beautiful gulf coast beach -- preferably
one with light crowds, white sand, and good swimming. I prefer natural
scenery to hotel-lined beaches (what I imagine Clearwater to be.)

I've heard very good things about Caladesi Island and Fort De Soto. Does
anyone have experiences with either of these beaches? Are there others that
you can recommend?

I can't drive too far from the Tampa/St. Petersburg area because I'm
catching a plane in the early evening.

Thanks.

I have a day to kill in Tampa near the end of October. I would love to
spend it catching some rays on a beautiful gulf coast beach -- preferably
one with light crowds, white sand, and good swimming. I prefer natural
scenery to hotel-lined beaches (what I imagine Clearwater to be.)

I've heard very good things about Caladesi Island and Fort De Soto. Does
anyone have experiences with either of these beaches? Are there others that
you can recommend?

I can't drive too far from the Tampa/St. Petersburg area because I'm
catching a plane in the early evening.

Thanks.


Haven't been to Caladesi Island but Ft. DeSoto is what you're looking
for - it's a good 45 minute drive from the airport but it's all
freeway (take 275 South from the airport and keep following it through
St. Petersburg until just before the Sunshine Skyway Bridge - you'll
see the exit sign). You'll find it non-crowded, clean and naturally
beautiful...it is NOT Clearwater Beach by any means. Take your own
food, drinks, accessories (there are no touristy shops to buy such
other than a convenient store well before you actually enter the
park). I think you'll enjoy Ft. DeSoto but maybe others can enlighten
you about Caladesi Island. Enjoy!