Located to the North of St Petersburg, Clearwater Beach attracts a lot of straight folks, and an especially large quantity of college-aged beach-goers. Especially during Spring Break, beware though…as most are straight. Plan on a long drive there and hope for some parking, but it is said to be “the beach to go to in Fl, if you don’t want a big-name beach.”

Wide sugar-sand beaches and emerald-clear waters (you might spot a dolphin or two!) make this the perfect beach scene. Soak in the sun, then dust off the sand and enjoy all this city-beach has to offer from Beach Walk’s shops, to waterfront restaurants such as Frenchy’s, and rooftop bars including Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest.

Legend holds that a pirate named John LeVique was the first European to “settle” the Madeira Beach area. Today, Madeira Beach, a Gulf of Mexico beach city just west of St. Petersburg, is best known for the sea-themed John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, which serves up shops and eateries and a 1,100-foot boardwalk along the Intracoastal. Madeira Beach’s 2.5-mile beach attracts devotees of sun and sea, and fishing in the primary sport activity. More grouper is brought into John’s Pass than any other place in the state. In addition, each October, Madeira Beach hosts the Seafood Festival at John’s Pass, which attracts as many as 130,000 visitors to its celebration of food, music, and arts and crafts.

A mixed bag of a beach, kinda gay, kinda redneck, kinda touristy with John’s Pass Village…a little of everything here.

Accessible only by boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War. In 1898, as the Spanish-American War threatened, Fort Dade was built on the island and remained active until 1923.

In addition to touring the historic sites and trails, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing & snorkeling, and picnicking. Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort De Soto Beach.

Due to the remote nature of the island, there is no drinking water on the island and there are no stores. Please remember to bring water, food and sunscreen when you visit.

Passage Key, also known as Naked Island is about a mile from the Skyway Bridge, just off Anna Maria Island. What was once a small sand island that would disappear at high tide has recently (last couple of years) become a beautiful exposed sand island with some new growth vegetation.

It still is the popular place for boaters that opt for a clothing optional (why it’s called Naked Island) area for socializing. Because of its small size and importance to wildlife, the refuge is closed to all public use. No people allowed on the actual beach, as it is a protected bird sanctuary, so please note that you must stay in the waters off the shores. Most folks anchor their boats and socialize in knee- to waist-deep water anyway… On any given weekend you can find 100+ boats! It’s a ton of fun for the open minded and those that don’t get offended by social nudity.

*Please note that the nudity is not technically permitted in Pinellas/Manattee counties, however, even though this area is routinely patrolled by the Sheriff’s Office, Fish and Game Officers, and the Coast Guard, they don’t seem to have an issue with the nudity as long as it remains non-sexual.

On the southern tip of St Pete Beach, this narrow island (only 1 block wide) has lots of charm. Going way back when the Lighted Tree was one of the only gay bars in the area, Pass-A-Grille has attracted Gays & Lesbians over the decades. The bar has long closed, but many still appreciate the charm of the area.

Often listed in the top ten beaches in the country, Fort Desoto is a county park, which retains its natural beauty in many areas. With a large boat ramp, campground, and biking/ hiking trails, it can be busy in season. Gorgeous Sunsets, great views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and lots of secluded areas make it a great beach destination.