The Beaches of Tampa Bay, Florida

Just off the Pinellas peninsula lies a string of barrier islands referred to as "The Gulf Beaches" (or "The Beaches of Tampa Bay," depending on who you ask). Three barrier islands, separated by "passes," make up this unique landscape. The longest island, Sand Key (sometimes referred to as Madeira Island), is home to Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, and Madeira Beach. Cross John's Pass and you reach Treasure Island. From there, head south across Blind Pass and you enter St. Pete Beach or Long Key (the two names are interchangeable for the area. Long Key is entirely made up of St. Pete Beach).

All of these island towns offer a wide variety of outdoor activities. Golf, fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, sailing, bicycling, snorkeling, and scuba diving can be found throughout the area. Of course, with roughly twenty miles of beautiful coastline, the Gulf Beach area is also a sun worshiper's paradise. And though these towns share some of the same recreational attributes, each community has its own distinctive flavor, making the choice of which to visit that much more difficult.

Belleair Beach and Belleair Shore are two entirely residential communities that, like all of the Gulf Beaches, border the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. Beautiful Gulf side homes line the beaches, and like other areas of the Gulf Beaches, visitors are more than welcome. The Belleair Causeway, a popular place to windsurf and kayak, connects Belleair Beach to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area mainland.

Belleair Bluffs is located just over the Belleair Causeway, and is an antique lover's delight with small boutiques and untold treasures waiting to be found. Belleair Bluffs is also home to some of the area's best restaurants.

Indian Rocks Beach is a three mile stretch of beach the locals refer to as "Our Little Piece of Heaven." Temporarily leave the sunshine and the many outdoor activities being offered, and visit theIndian Rocks Historical Society, a museum covering the history of the area, from Native American inhabitants, to Spanish explorers, to modern land speculators.

In addition to the beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants, Indian Shores is home to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, repair, recuperation, and release of sick and injured wild birds. World renowned for its captive breeding program of The Eastern Brown Pelican, tours are available Monday through Saturday for a visit to this fascinating wildlife refuge.

Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, and Redington Beach are three primarily residential communities named after Charles Redington, a wealthy land owner that established the towns back in the 1930's. Whether you are an experienced angler, or you just want to watch the sun disappear into the Gulf, you will discover the best of both worlds at the Redington Fishing Pier.

Madeira Beach is a quiet alternative to the more boisterous St. Pete Beach. Madeira is family oriented, and within walking distance of the beaches and shopping areas. The main attraction in Madeira Beach is John's Pass Village & Boardwalk. This cozy fishing village has tempting restaurants and eclectic boutiques that will excite any curious vacationer.

Treasure Island is a lively community made up of beautiful beaches, a rich nightlife, gorgeous residential communities, and retro architecture reminiscent of the 1950's.

St. Pete Beach is a combination of a laid back atmosphere and the exciting chaos that is a popular resort town.