7 Best West Central Florida Beaches With the Most to Do This Summer (2023)

Are you looking for the best West Central Florida beaches for your next beach vacation? 

Did I hear vacation? Shell yeah! 

Stop your surfing because The Florida Hipster Blog is here to help. 

I have narrowed down the 7 best West Central Florida Beaches which are sure to bring you the most sand-sational beach days. 

Some of the best beaches in Florida can be found in West Central Florida.  

With magnificent beaches, crystal-clear waters, and springs, it is a popular vacation destination for all ages.

The popular cities of Florida fall within West Central Florida of Clearwater, Crystal River, St. Petersburg, and The lightning capital of the World, Tampa. 

The Avalon Hotel in Clearwater. View from the balcony with red Pirate ship. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.
View of the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach, Florida

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What is West Central Florida?

West Central Florida has cities and counties that line up along the Gulf of Mexico in the central area of the Sunshine State.

Downtown Tampa at Sunset. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.
Downtown Tampa, Florida

West Central Florida Counties

  • Citrus County
  • Hernando County
  • Hillsborough County
  • Manatee County
  • Pasco County
  • Pineallas County
  • Polk County
  • Sumter County County
Map of the West Central Florida beaches

Here are a Few West Central Florida Cities You Must Visit:

  • Honeymoon Island
  • St. Petersburg
  • Tarpon Springs
  • Brandon
  • Treasure Island
  • Homosassa
  • Brooksville
  • Caladesi Island State Park
  • Madeira Beach
  • Crystal River
  • Dunedin

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Top 7 West Central Florida Beaches to Visit This Year

Now that you know where West Central Florida is located and the more popular towns in this area, it’s time to go over which beaches are a must on your trip.

Fort De Soto Park. One of the best free things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

So, let’s get started shell we!

1. Clearwater Beach

Great for families with the shallow waters and perfect for those wanting an active beach scene, it makes sense why Clearwater Beach is often considered one of the best beaches in the country. 

One of the best things to do in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Beautiful bay area with boats docked. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Why Clearwater Beach is One of the Best West Central Florida Beaches

The white sugary shores are clean and easy on the feet with the powder-like sand. It’s the ultimate for magical strolls at the shoreline and building sandcastles!

But the beautiful long boardwalk brings some competition as another great place to catch the epic sunsets that Clearwater Beach brings every night. 

What to Know Before You Go

Clearwater Beach always has something going on from festivals to concerts. 

Sign to Pier 60, Aquarium, Clear Sky and more. One of the best things to do in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, jazz, blues, and reggae festivals, and even nightly celebrations with Sunsets at Pier 60. 

It’s not just the clear blue waters that have people flocking to one of the best beaches in Florida. 

The Avalon Hotel in Clearwater view from the Gulf of Mexico Beach. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Parking isn’t always the easiest so try not to get there too late whether it be for a day at the beach or one of their events. 

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2. Caladesi Island

The undeveloped beach vibes of Caladesi Island have helped make it into Dr. Beach’s list of top 10 beaches for several years running. 

Caladesi Island water. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

Why Caladesi Island is One of the Best West Central Florida Beaches

A getaway to Caladesi Island feels a bit like a deserted island and a hidden gem of a paradise. 

Caladesi Island blue emerald water. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

The unspoiled nature and remote vibes have you far removed from the hustle and bustle of life. 

What to Know Before You Go

There is a 20-minute ferry ride to reach Caladesi Island which you can catch in Honeymoon Island State Park at the dock. 

Caladesi Island. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

Just know that they only allow you to stay for 4 hours. 

Pack a picnic and retreat onto the remote beaches but if you forget the cooler there is Café Caladesi so don’t worry. 

One of the highlights of the island is exploring the natural beauty that remains.  So, try and set aside time to paddle through the mangrove forests on one of their kayak rentals. 

3. Treasure Island

Although only 3 miles long, Treasure Island is one of my favorite Florida beaches because it is so wide that everyone can find their perfect spot. 

Jet Ski Rentals and Parasailing in Treasure Island, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Why Treasure Island is One of the Best West Central Florida Beaches

Don’t let the name Treasure Island fool you! It’s not all about pirates and tourist attractions. 

John's Pass Village Wide Shot in Treasure Island, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Sundays bring the Treasure Island Drum Circle and everyone out having a good time feeling like kids again. Dance, join in or just sit back and enjoy. 

November is an amazing time to visit when Sanding Ovation comes to town for its world-class sand sculpting. 

Keep reading to learn about the best bars in Treasure Island, Florida. Captain Bill's Oyster Bar with NikkyJ on the left after leaving and tropical fruity drink on the right. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.
Relaxing on the beach after a nice lunch at Captain Bill’s Oyster Bar.

The weekend also brings an arts & crafts market, beer gardens, and food trucks.

What to Know Before You Go

Made up of 3 different beaches and areas, everyone is sure to find their perfect day out.

Boat Dock Tour in Treasure Island, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Central Beach Area is in the heart of Treasure Island and the widest part of the beach. You can find shops to browse, hotels and even a children’s playground. 

Stop in at the Florida Shell Shop and fall back into Old Florida. 

Things to do in Tampa Bay, Florida NikkyJ at Treasure Island Beach near St Petersburg and Tampa, florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.
Treasure Island, Florida

I love finding a new treasure every time to remind me of my days at one of the best beaches in West Central Florida.

Sunset in Treasure Island, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

To either side are Sunshine Beach and Sunset beach.

Treasure Island, Florida Sunset Cafe and Beach Bar Tropical Drink next to lounge chairs. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

This is where you can find your private space of peace at the shore. When I visit, I always like to set my beach chairs up here and escape into a good book read.

4. Crystal River (Fort Island Gulf Beach)

Citrus County isn’t just home to all the citrus trees throughout the county, there’s a little hidden gem tucked away in Crystal River.

Crystal River Florida Three Sisters Springs Drone Shot. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.
Three Sisters Springs

Fort Island Gulf Beach is a beautiful spot to spend the day.  

Why Crystal River is One of the Best West Central Florida Beaches

After a day of adventuring in the spring or kayaking with the manatees, try dolphin spotting out at Fort Island Gulf Beach. 

Crystal River Florida Manatee under water. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Sometimes you can see them out in the Gulf waters swimming. 

Plus, it’s the beach that my dad used to take me to a lot when I was a child. There’s also so much of our family history in this Florida beach town.

What to Know Before You Go 

Fort Island Gulf Beach is a small cove beach with shallow waves from the Gulf so it’s an awesome place to stop and hang out at the water.

Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, Florida Pier. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

I love to bring some beach chairs and feel the breeze of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Families are always out for the day with picnics or out fishing on the pier. 

Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River, Florida barriers in the water. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

It’s great because there are buoys out in the water, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and showers to clean off before you head back home. 

5. St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is a true postcard come to life with its amazing waters of light blue greens and powdered sugar-like sands. 

St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

Why St. Pete Beach is One of the Best West Central Florida Beaches

If beach bummin’ all day long is your thing then the laid-back vibes of Passe-de-Grille is calling your name.  

Loews Don Cesar Pink Hotel St. Petersburg Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

And for those that can’t just lay out all day then St. Pete Beach has paddle boarding, water trikes, and kayak rentals waiting for you. 

Day or night, St. Pete’s Beach keeps you busy with tropical party cruises or out in search of dolphins. 

Dolphin Quest Tour at St. Pete Beach. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

One of my favorites is glass-bottom kayaking during the day. 

St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Keep reading to get the best west central Florida beaches.

But if you don’t mind staying late, wait until the sun goes down and try out an LED-illuminated night tour in a glass-bottom kayak. 

What to Know Before You Go

Take advantage of the outdoor showers, rinse off, and hit up Corey Ave for some shopping.

6. North Redington Beach

If you are looking for a beach that is still a bit under the radar then North Redington Beach may be where you want to sink your toes in the sand. 

Under the pier at North Redington Beach. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

Why North Redington Beach is One of the Best West Central Florida Beaches

North Redington Beach is just right for those that aren’t looking for the party scene.

North Redington Beach. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

It gives you that bit of a secluded feeling for that much-needed breath of fresh air we all need sometimes. 

What to Know Before You Go

There is lots of parking here, with restrooms and showers and plenty of space. The shoreline is made for long walks, spotting dolphins, and seabird watching.

Under the pier with a bird at North Redington Beach. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

Sweet Sage Café & Boutique is an absolute must stop, just look for the colorful and fun looking building on Gulf Boulevard. 

The boutique and gift shop are full of cool gifts and unique décor. 

However, the café is what makes it truly special. 

Pier at North Redington Beach. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

The menu is awesome with so many tasty treats and the Doggie Dishes on their Canine Menu makes your furry babies in canine heaven where they can dine in the Garden of Eatin’.

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7. Honeymoon Island State Park

Make your way to the end of the Dunedin Causeway and you will find an island getaway and oasis right here in West Central Florida. 

Bench on the beach at Honeymoon Island State Park. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

Why Honeymoon Island State Park is One of the Best West Central Florida Beaches

I fell in love with Honeymoon Island State Park from the moment I pulled up to its sparkling white shores. 

Lush road to Honeymoon Island State Park. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

The shore is a paradise to stroll along and search for shells.

With kayaks to rent you can explore and discover Pelican Cove or paddle out in search of dolphins and manatees. 

Beach chairs on the sand at Honeymoon Island State Park. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

And Wheel Fun Rentals lets you adventure around the island on their cruiser bikes.  

Water splashing on rocks at Honeymoon Island State Park. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

They even have kid bikes, tandems and other speciality cycles, so take your pick!

What to Know Before You Go

If you only want to visit to catch one of the stunning sunsets it’s only $4 just get there one hour before the park closes. Or spend the day and it’s only $8!

Honeymoon Island State Park. One of the best West Central Florida beaches

You don’t need to wait until you have a partner to enjoy a day out at one of the best beaches in West Central Florida. 

It’s pet friendly so bring your furry loved one. 

My Final Thoughts on the Best West Florida Beaches

For families, foodies, partygoers, and kids from all over the country, these beaches won’t disappoint on your next trip to West Florida. 

7 Best West Florida Beaches Travel Guide
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I can’t recommend enough to you the Florida coastline for all of your summer, sun, and beach needs this year.

Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!

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