Love Old Florida Charm? These Are the Tampa Bay Beach Towns for You

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Looking for Tampa Bay beach towns for a getaway with quaint Old Florida charm?

I’ve been exploring Tampa Bay area beaches and Florida beach towns for nearly 20 years as a Tampa resident. My favorites are the quaint Florida beach towns and the off-the-beaten-path hidden gems.

For a beach staycation close to home, my favorite destinations are the quiet Tampa Bay beach towns where the locals go to get away from the crowds of world-famous Clearwater Beach.

For me, the best Florida beach towns have a laid-back vibe, unspoiled beaches and minimal crowds. Here are my favorite quiet Florida beach towns for a relaxing Old Florida beach getaway around Tampa Bay.

Best Old Florida Beach Towns Around Tampa Bay

Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach

Best Old Florida Beach Town for Historic Charm

St. Pete Beach’s Pass-a-Grille was one of the first Tampa Bay beach towns I fell in love with when I moved to Florida in college. I’m a sucker for brick streets and unspoiled beaches and Pass-a-Grille delivers both. 

Pass-a-Grille’s charming Old Florida brick main street, 8^th Avenue, is a National Historic District that leads right to the white sand shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Pass-a-Grille’s main street buildings date to the early 1900s when its first hotel opened and a ferry service brought visitors from what is now Gulfport. St. Pete Beach’s famous pink palace, the historic Don CeSar hotel, opened just north of Pass-a-Grille in 1928, prompting more development in the area.

Today, the Pass-a-Grille main street features a mix of casual seafood restaurants, fun bars, unique beach boutiques, art galleries and quaint inns.

Things To Do in Pass-a-Grille: Activities and Experiences

Pass-a-Grille is a Florida beach destination known for its fishing and boating opportunities. The historic Merry Pier is a popular fishing spot. Fish off the pier or take a local fishing charter. The Merry Pier also has a bait and tackle shop and fresh fish market.

For a family day on the water in St. Pete, book a private boat charter leaving from Pass-a-Grille.

Nearby in Tierra Verde, you can also take a family-friendly St. Pete Beach dolphin watching cruise to Shell Key island.

Shell Key is a Florida wildlife preserve known for its seashells, and once on the boat tour reaches the island you can spend some time snorkeling, swimming, and of course, shelling.

Want to get out on the water for sunset? Take a relaxing St. Pete Beach sunset cruise.

Feeling adventurous? Book an LED-illuminated night-time glass-bottom kayak tour in St. Pete Beach.  

Looking for a luxurious St. Pete Beach pool day experience? Get a day pass to the dreamy Don Cesar. You can also visit the Don for brunch, dinner or ice cream. You can even take a St. Pete Beach helicopter tour to see the famous Pink Palace from a bird’s eye view.

Book A Day Pass or Cabana and enjoy the pool, spa, and amenities at a luxury hotel.

Where to Stay for a Pass-a-Grille Getaway

If you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront resort near Pass-a-Grille, you’ll love the dreamy Don CeSar hotel, the famous Pink Palace on St. Pete Beach.

For a laid-back Florida beach vacation in Pass-a-Grille, the charming Coconut Inn is a lovely, comfortable and pet-friendly option right by the beach.

The Coconut Inn’s 11 guest rooms all feature full kitchens and are stylishly and colorfully decorated with works by local Florida artists. All rooms have a pool, garden or beach view.

Families will love the heated pool and all the beach gear available for use. Amenities at this Pass-a-Grille inn by the beach also include an outdoor kitchen with BBQ grill and outdoor dining area, complimentary beach cruiser bicycles and kayaks.

Where to Eat in Pass-a-Grille

If you’re looking for fresh seafood in St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille is an ideal spot. Once a fish camp along the pass, Pass-a-Grille is said to get its name from the French phrase “Passe aux Grilleurs” (the passageway of the grillers).

Grace Restaurant

Grace Restaurant is a beachside gem in Pass-a-Grille. Tampa native and award-winning Chef Jason Lutzk serves food with grace and fresh, seasonal ingredients on Pass-a-Grille’s historic 8^th Avenue main street.

The laid-back yet upscale atmosphere, and artistic approach to the restaurant’s decor and modern American cuisine fit right in with the artsy beach community. You’ll know you’ve found Grace when you see Lizzie the flower-crowned cow outside.

Lizzie is named after Pass-a-Grille pioneer George Lizotte, who spurred the growth of this sandy community in the early 1900s. Grace sits on the site of what was once Lizotte’s Hotel Bonhomie.

The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant and the Hurricane Watch Rooftop Bar

Pass-a-Grille was named the sunset capital of Florida in 2010. Sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are spectacular from any part of Pass-a-Grille Beach, but the Hurricane Watch Rooftop Bar provides an incredible bird’s-eye sunset view.

Located directly across from the beach on Gulf Way, the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant is a brightly-colored Victorian-style waterfront landmark in Pass-a-Grille. It’s serves up casual beach bar bites, seafood favorites and signature partida margaritas, plus complimentary views.

Sunset Beach on Treasure Island

Best Old Florida Beach Town Around Tampa Bay for Retro Vibes

Nestled at the south end of Treasure Island just across the pass from St. Pete Beach, Sunset Beach is a quiet residential neighborhood with a vintage, mid-century feel.

Sunset Beach features a nice public beach pavilion but limited parking keeps the weekend crowds at a minimum.

Things To Do in Treasure Island: Activities and Experiences

Besides relaxing on the beach and enjoying Sunset Beach’s stunning sunsets, you’ll find plenty of fun and adventurous activities in Treasure Island.

For beach activities, Sunset Beach is an excellent Tampa Bay area beach for shelling at sunset. Fishing on the beach is also a popular Sunset Beach and Treasure Island activity. Paddleboards are available for rental on Sunset Beach from a self-service kiosk.

Near Treasure Island, you can take a guided Boca Ciega Bay kayak tour through the blue waters and mangrove lagoons of the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve.

You can also get out on the water for a romantic Treasure Island sunset cruise on an iconic schooner with Suncoast Sailing.

Where to Stay for a Treasure Island Getaway: Sunset Inn & Cottages

A hidden treasure on Treasure Island, the Sunset Inn & Cottages in Sunset Beach is perfect for a laid-back family beach getaway.

It’s a brightly-colored mid-century inn that’s been updated with modern amenities but retains a fun, retro feel. It also features cute vintage beach cottages that are pet friendly.

We stayed in the Gulf View beach cottage during a Sunset Beach staycation and it was well suited for our family of four.

The two-bedroom cottage can even accommodate a couple more people. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and is outfitted with both a double bed and a cute daybed.

Each of the Sunset Inn’s Treasure Island beach cottages include a living area with a small kitchen ideal for longer stays.

Our kids loved playing ping pong in the courtyard between the cottages and catching waves on boogie boards at Sunset Beach across the street.

Where to Eat in Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach

Caddy’s on the Beach, Treasure Island

If you want to eat with your toes in the sand at a fun beach bar, you’ll love Caddy’s on the Beach in Treasure Island. Caddy’s is a Treasure Island beachfront restaurant and bar loved by vacationers and locals alike.

Caddy’s Treasure Island is a popular sunset spot and beach day hangout, and this top Treasure Island beach bar also offers bottomless mimosas at the beach every morning from 8 – 11 a.m.

La Casa del Pane, St. Pete Beach

Located just across the pass from Treasure Island in St. Pete Beach, La Casa del Pane is an incredible, authentic Italian bakery and café. It’s worth the short drive from Sunset Beach. If you crave strong Italian espresso and fresh focaccia, you’ll love La Casa del Pane.

The small Italian bakery and café specializes in fresh bread, pastries, paninis and pizzas made with simple, high-quality ingredients and no preservatives. The owners hail from the town of Altamura in southern Italy that’s famous for its bread.

Woody’s Waterfront Cafe and Beach Bar, St. Pete Beach

Also on the St. Pete Beach side of Blind Pass, Woody’s Waterfront Cafe and Beach Bar is an iconic waterfront dining spot loved by locals. Woody’s is famous for its wings, fresh seafood and burgers served super close to the water in a fun, family-friendly beach bar atmosphere. Prices are affordable and some evenings feature live music and balloon artists. Plus, every Thursday is Jeep Night.

Indian Shores

Best Old Florida Beach Town Around Tampa Bay for Relaxation, and Seabirds!

If you’re looking for a quiet Tampa Bay beach vacation destination, you’ll love Indian Shores. It’s close to the action of Clearwater Beach, yet the laid-back vibe feels a world away.

You won’t find the crowds or high-rise hotels of Clearwater Beach in Indian Shores, but you will find the same kind of beautiful beach and gorgeous sunsets. 

Indian Shores also a perfect Florida beach destination for bird lovers.

Things To Do in Indian Shores: Activities and Experiences

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is a must-visit in Indian Shores. It’s a true Tampa Bay hidden gem located right on the beach.

A nonprofit bird rescue and rehab, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary features an avian rehab hospital and sanctuary. The avian hospital cares for around 3,500 birds every year. The sanctuary is also home to more than 80 non-releasable, permanently injured resident birds including shorebirds, wading birds, pelicans, parrots, owls, blue jays and a majestic bald eagle.

The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores is open daily, and admission is free to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn about Florida wildlife. Donations are greatly appreciated to support the sanctuary’s incredible work.

In addition to visiting the birds, you can enjoy stunning Gulf of Mexico views from the sanctuary’s osprey nest observation tower.

Family Activities Near Indian Shores

For a family-friendly sightseeing adventure on the water, climb aboard the Royal Conquest Pirate Ship in nearby Madeira Beach to set sail on a pirate adventure cruise.

In Madeira Beach, you can also go island/sandbar hopping and dolphin watching on a John’s Pass boat tour.

Where to Stay for an Indian Shores Getaway: Sunburst Inn

Featured on HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home: Hotel Edition, Sunburst Inn in Indian Shores is a vintage 12-room beachfront inn that was recently renovated to add modern conveniences and boutique hotel style.

Sunburst Inn is located right on the beach and provides so many amenities to help you truly relax and enjoy your beach getaway to the fullest. This boutique Indian Shores inn has a cute and super comfortable beachfront lounge area that’s perfect for reading or hanging out with family and friends.

Complimentary amenities at Sunburst Inn include beach gear, bicycles, paddleboards, a BBQ grill and more. You won’t feel like you need to leave the inn for anything besides some food to throw on the grill.

Where to Eat in Indian Shores

Indian Shores Coffee

Indian Shores Coffee is cute little café with garden patio seating. Friendly baristas serve up coffee, tea, smoothies, fresh pastries, muffins, breakfast sandwiches and more. Gluten-free muffins and vegan and gluten-free pastries are available here too.

Mahuffer’s

It looks like a simple, vintage beach cottage on the outside but Mahuffer’s signage draws the curious to wander down the alley around back to see what’s inside. Mahuffer’s is a legendary beachside dive bar, the “wurst place on the beech” serving “warm beer and lousy food” alongside salvaged junkyard artifacts.

Salt Rock Grill

For dinner in Indian Shores, Salt Rock Grill is a long-time local favorite for high-end surf and turf fare. A polished casual waterfront restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating along the intercoastal waterway, Salt Rock Grill serves fresh-caught seafood, hand-cut steaks and an extensive wine list.

Anna Maria Island

Best Old Florida Beach Town Around Tampa Bay for Family Vacations

Long ago, this cozy beach town off the coast of Bradenton was a secret spot loved by Tampa Bay area locals seeking a relaxing weekend getaway close to home. Anna Maria Island was a true Florida hidden gem beach town.

Today, Anna Maria Island is a top Florida vacation spot for people traveling from all over the world looking for a laid-back Florida beach getaway. Not only is Anna Maria Island one of the best Tampa Bay beach towns for a family vacation, this barrier island beauty is now considered one of the best beach towns in the whole U.S.

Luckily, much of Anna Maria Island still retains its Old Florida appeal thanks to local protections against high-rise buildings and an emphasis on small, locally-owned shops and restaurants.

While Anna Maria Island seems to get more crowded year after year, the island’s pristine, white sandy beaches, alluring Caribbean-like waters, and beach town charm keep beckoning us back.

Things To Do on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island On-the-Water Activities and Experiences

In addition to enjoying Anna Maria Island’s pristine beaches, adventurous families will love paddling, fishing and boating around the island.

A nighttime LED-illuminated glass bottom  Anna Maria Island clear kayak tour is a popular way to see local marine life. Nighttime paddleboard tours, daytime clear kayak tours and sunset kayaking tours are also available on Anna Maria Island.

For a fun family day on the water, book a private boat charter with a local guide. Depending on your family’s interests, your captain can take you fishing, snorkeling, dolphin and manatee sightseeing, or shelling in areas only accessible by boat.

Where’s the Best Place to Watch the Sunset on Anna Maria Island?

For the best sunset spot on Anna Maria Island, head to Bean Point at the north end of the island. It’s also a popular place for beach walking and shelling. Our family has found many sand dollars and pastel-colored butterfly-like coquina shells here over the years.

Where’s the Best Fishing Spot on Anna Maria Island?

The northernmost tip of the island where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay, Bean Point is a favorite Anna Maria Island fishing spot. The nearby Rod and Reel Pier is a popular one too.

Where’s the Best Shopping on Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria Island prides itself on being free of chain stores on the quieter north end of the island. The best local beach shops for island souvenirs, beach rentals and unique gifts are located on Pine Avenue, Anna Maria’s historic old Florida-style main street.

Where to Stay for an Anna Maria Island Getaway: Vacation Rental Home on the North End

The best way to enjoy an Anna Maria Island getaway is to book an island vacation rental home. From cozy, vintage beach cottages to modern, new-construction beach rental homes, you’ll find a variety of beachside and beachfront options.

Looking for Anna Maria Island resorts? Check out Anna Maria Island Beach Resort or Bali Hai Beachfront Resort and Spa.

Where to Eat in Anna Maria Island

The Donut Experiment

A long-time favorite treat on Anna Maria Island for our family, The Donut Experiment on Pine Avenue serves boutique-style, made-to-order cake donuts. Choose your own icing flavor and toppings, or try one of the house specials like key lime or sriracha.

Rod and Reel Pier

For fresh-caught seafood in a casual Old Florida setting, check the small restaurant on the Rod and Reel Pier.

Sandbar Restaurant

For toes-in-the-sand casual dining right on the beach, head to the Sandbar Restaurant.

Beach Bistro

Looking for the best spot for a romantic beachside dinner on Anna Maria Island? One of the best restaurants in the entire Tampa Bay area, Anna Maria Island’s Beach Bistro offers an award-winning dining experience with gorgeous Gulf of Mexico views. The four-course chef’s tasting menu is worth the splurge.

More Florida Beach Towns with Old Florida Charm

Beyond Tampa Bay, Florida offers even more laid-back beach towns where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a truly tranquil Florida beach getaway.

Plan your next Florida family vacation with our guide to the best Florida beaches for families where we share local-favorite Florida islands for soaking up family time in a serene setting.

Need a momcation? Check out our favorite relaxing destinations for a Florida girls’ trip.

More Florida Hidden Gems and Adventures

Looking for more hidden gem places to visit in Florida? Check out our Florida family adventure guides.

Want recommendations for the best activities, tours and adventures to experience in Florida? Check out Adventure-Seeking Mom approved Florida travel experiences on Viator.

Follow along on Instagram for even more Florida adventure inspiration.

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