If you’re anything like me, you’re open to exploring beaches with plenty of action and great for people watching. Well, Tampa Bay has no lack of good beaches you can really have some fun in. And also feast your eyes on the folks in and out of the water.

Clearwater Beach

If you like action, then this is your spot. There are many activities that include Tampa Bay jet ski rentals, boat rentals, Tampa Bay dinner cruises, fishing excursions, volleyball, parasailing, the Clearwater Pirate ship and more.

Clearwater Beach got its name from the clear waters of the sea. Just off the white sandy beach, you can see the bottom of the sea when you wade into the water.

It seems to be popular with families as well, so you can laze on the sand and watch the different types of folks having fun.

And don’t forget to watch the sunset! The daily Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival will keep you entertained with arts and crafts, music and street performers. This occurs every day beginning 2 hours before sunset until 2 hours after sunset.

Everyone seems to make the effort to keep the beach clean. So you’re not likely to be tripping over beer cans or seeing gum wrappers on the sand.

St Pete Beach

One of the nice resort destinations that keeps me happy is St Pete Beach. The beach itself is quite a place for people watching although it’s surrounded by fancy hotels with swimming pools not far away.

The beach looks out into the Gulf of Mexico and it’s hard to imagine not relaxing here all day.

Spread out your mat on the sand and watch the folks dunking into the turquoise water just inches from your feet.

It doesn’t seem overly crowded because of how large and wide the shore is, so you’re likely to find a nice spot for that important snooze under the sun. Don’t forget to slap on the sun tan lotion because there’s no stop to the action on the beach!

Treasure Island

Apparently there’s an old Spanish galleon lying in the waters off the Treasure Island beach. And rumor has it that there once was gold to be found in the surrounding waters.

But that’s not what attracts people to this beach. It’s clearly for the white sand that’s touted as the largest white sand beach anywhere along the Gulf Coast. I’m amazed it isn’t completely packed with international visitors!

That’s really the beauty of this place. You won’t be inundated with too many folks trying to find somewhere to lie down on the sand. You can actually put up your umbrella and catch a good look of the swimmers in the sea.

The shoreline brings families and couples to picnic or swim till sunset. However, it can also be a great spot for people watching!

Madeira Beach

This is the right place to go if you want to get away from the crowd and get a piece of the water sports action. It’s not always crowded so you’re more than likely to capture your own spot of un-spoilt sand with a good view of the sea.

There are lots of activities at Madira Beach that you could indulge in when you’re there. Parasailing at Gator’s Parasail should see you soaring almost 1,000 feet above the water. Make sure you have a tough stomach and not afraid of heights!

Take a trip to John’s Pass Village if you want to see a picturesque village straight out of the old times.

It’s a small fishing village that holds on to old values so I would recommend that you have something to eat at the cozy eateries in the village and take a stroll on the Boardwalk.

There’s deep sea fishing to be had at Hubbard’s Marina. You can also book yourself on a snorkeling expedition or join the cruise that’s sailing out to see the dolphins.

I can assure you of a fascinating time watching these friendly mammals frolicking in the sea.

So there you have it then. Some of the best beaches in Tampa Bay for action and just watching the people have fun on the sand and in the sea. You probably won’t even notice the time fly by. You’ll be having too much fun in the sun!