Florida’s Gulf Coast has hundreds of immaculate beaches and cozy keys, which are small, flat, and sandy islands. Tampa is the perfect place to visit and use as a base for some of these popular travel destinations—whether you’re in it for some rest and relaxation or adventure and exploration. So fly into the Tampa International Airport (TPA), rent a car at our TPA car rental location, and head for the coast. Make sure to stop and visit some of these beautiful Florida parks along the way.
1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
Sand Key houses a public park, complete with picnic areas and a dog area, as well as a public beach. For birders and other visitors wanting to observe some of Florida’s wonderful wildlife, this is the perfect stop. The island’s salt marsh provides feeding and nesting grounds for heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga, and common moorhen. Sea turtles lay their eggs every year on the beaches of Sand Key, and if you time it right, you can witness a hatching.
Offshore Island, Dunedin, FL 34698
This island is famous for its pristine white sand beaches, which have been rated America’s Best Beach in the past. You can sit back and soak up the sun on the beach, or take advantage of one of the many recreation opportunities on the island. A three-mile trail gives nature lovers a chance to appreciate the island wilderness. On the trail lies what’s left of the Scharrer Homestead, built in the 1880s. For those who prefer aquatic activities, the park’s kayak trail allows you to explore the mangroves and the bay. Buy a picnic lunch from the marina, stroll along the boardwalk, or rent a boat to go fishing in the bay. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to savor the beauty of Caladesi Island.
1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
At the end of the Dunedin Causeway, you’ll find Honeymoon Island, the most-visited state park in Florida. Honeymoon Island is known for more than four miles of spotless beach, where the honeymoon-style cabanas that gave the island its name once stood. People flock to these beaches to swim, fish, and collect shells. When the surf is high, locals grab their surfboards and head to the point of the island to catch the waves. Birdwatchers like the Osprey Trail, which leads hikers through one of the last virgin slash pine forests, and is a good place to see osprey, bald eagles and great horned owls. You can rent a bike or a kayak or grab a bite to eat at one of the island’s two snack bars.
Avis is here to help you enjoy Tampa and its surroundings to the fullest. To help you save money on Florida toll roads, we have an e-toll program available. Our quality car rentals can be found at all of our Tampa locations. For a trip to Tampa or anywhere else, get your rental car from Avis to ensure you have the best vacation possible!