Pinellas Park sits landlocked in the middle of the Pinellas Peninsula, but the city is less than a 30-minute drive from some of the finest beaches on Florida’s west coast. To the west, steady Gulf of Mexico surf washes shells ashore as beachgoers enjoy water sports and evening sunsets. And to the east, early risers can greet the sun’s appearance and a new day as scenic bayside beaches come to life.
Madiera Beach and Treasure Island
- Madiera Beach stretches for more than 2 miles along the Gulf Coast and is the closest beach to Pinellas Park. Driving to the beach takes about 15 minutes. Public parking and beach access are at the north end of the beach, but beachgoers can walk south and stake out a spot for sunbathing anywhere along the water. At the south end, visitors can enjoy watching a parade of charter fishing boats with the day’s catch as they cruise to docks along the Intracoastal Waterway. John’s Pass Village sits nearby, and features an 1,100-foot boardwalk along the waterway. It's a perfect spot for after-beach shopping, dining and entertainment. Just south of Madiera Beach and the waterway, the beach widens to form Treasure Island. The expansive beach is a perfect spot for kite flying and water sports such as jet skiing. Small cottages, motels and resorts line the beach offering a range of prices. Both beaches offer restrooms and beach showers.
Redington Shores
- North of Madiera Beach, and less than 20 minutes from Pinellas Park, Redington Shores features a 400-foot wide white sand beach. A beachside public park offers restrooms, beach showers and 170 parking spaces. A conservation program that protects seashore grasses and plants creates a natural ambiance for relaxed sunbathing and beach hiking. Nearby small hotels offer accommodations and seafood restaurants sit near the beach. Redington Long Pier juts 1,200 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and provides an expansive offshore view of the beach and surroundings. It's also a favorite spot for anglers to try their luck. Visitors can purchase a pier fishing permit which includes the Florida fishing license fee.
St. Petersburg Beach and Pass-A-Grille
- Surfers head to St. Petersburg Beach, one of the only surfing beaches on the Gulf Coast; it's only 20 minutes southwest of Pinellas Park. The popular beach attracts both locals and vacationers and is known for a variety of water sports. Besides surfing, visitors can jet ski and kite board, a sport where a rider is pulled across the water by a kite. The brightly-colored Don CeSar Beach Resort, or “pink hotel,” faces the beach. The iconic grand hotel has been serving beachgoers since 1928. A few miles south, the laid-back, Pass-A-Grille Beach offers sunbathing and swimming. The wide beach was named for “grillers” -- Cuban fisherman who smoked their fish on the beach before returning to their homeland. Both beaches offer restrooms, beach showers and parking.
Maximo, North Shore and Spa Park Beach
- Visitors can also choose bayside beaches. The 70-acre Maximo Park faces southern Tampa Bay. Serene water invites beachgoers to wade through the shallow waters and enjoy views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the massive bridge that connects the peninsula to the mainland. History buffs can hike along beach trails and see remnants of where Native Americans once lived. Near downtown St. Petersburg, Spa Park Beach features a white sand beach, quiet water and many beach activities, from sunbathing and swimming to paddle boating and jet skiing. At adjacent North Shore Park Beach, palm trees dot the waterfront and a playground welcomes young visitors. All park beaches offer restrooms and are about 20 minutes from Pinellas Park.
Fort De Soto Park Beach
- One of the area’s finest beaches lies at the very southern tip of the peninsula, Fort De Soto Park Beach. Palm trees and native grasses frame the 3-mile-long white sand beach. The beach is so large that even on busy days it's easy to find seclusion. Besides sunbathing, the low surf offers ideal conditions for swimming and kayaking. In addition to the beach, the 1,100-acre park offers nature trails, restrooms, showers, camping, food concessions and a boat ramp
