Long Beach weekend near Tampa

Question

Looking for recommendations for fall trip to Tampa area and what beaches are best with walk ability to restaurants etc. thanks!

Answer

A fall weekend near Tampa is a great idea — the beach towns along the Tampa Bay / Gulf Coast combo give you a perfect mix of laid-back sand, walkable neighborhoods, and good food. While Tampa itself doesn’t have “beachfront” in the classic Gulf sense, you’re just a short drive from several very walkable beach towns with restaurants, shops, and charming local vibes.

Here are some top beach area recommendations and what makes them great for a weekend trip from Tampa:

Pass-a-Grille (St. Pete Beach)
This historic, small-town beach at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach has a very walkable “main street” feel, with boutique shops, galleries, restaurants, and rooftop bars. It’s a quieter, retro-feeling place, perfect for strolling at sunset, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying a slower pace.
Madeira Beach & John’s Pass Village
Madeira Beach is very accessible and known for the lively John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, with over 100 shops and restaurants. The boardwalk makes it super walkable, so you can easily hop between beach time, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Treasure Island / Sunset Beach
Treasure Island has a nostalgic, old-Florida feel with tiki bars, local joints, and a laid-back beach. Sunset Beach (on Treasure Island) has a boardwalk and is more residential, giving you a more peaceful evening stroll and access to local restaurants.
Redington Shores
If you want something more low-key, Redington Shores is a quieter stretch of sand, less touristy, and has some good seafood spots nearby.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your beach weekend:

Stay on or near the beach: Try to pick accommodation in or very close to Pass-a-Grille, Madeira Beach, or Treasure Island so you can walk to restaurants and shops.
Rent a bike or scooter: Many of these beach areas are very scooter- and bike-friendly, making it easy to hop between beach, food spots, and local attractions.
Plan for sunsets: Pass-a-Grille, in particular, is great for evening walks — its sunset views from the seawall or rooftop bars are especially charming.
Explore local eats: From John’s Pass seafood joints in Madeira to rooftop grills in Pass-a-Grille, there’s a good mix of laid-back and slightly more upscale restaurants.

Bottom line: For a walkable, relaxing beach weekend near Tampa, Pass-a-Grille is probably your best bet. Madeira Beach / John’s Pass is excellent if you want more village energy and dining options. Treasure Island and Redington Shores are ideal if you prefer a slightly more quiet, local feel. All are within a short drive of Tampa and make a great escape from the city.

Long Beach weekend near Tampa

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