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A picturesque 1887 federal lighthouse stands sentinel on the southern end of the island's 4-mile beach, while ospreys nest in the pines throughout the island. Six distinct biological communities provide habitat for dozens of species of birds including bald eagles. Anclote Key is an excellent swimming and nature study guide. Directions: Accessible only by boat. Several boats run from the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs.

Fred Howard Park, Tarpon Springs

Located in north Pinellas on the Gulf of Mexico, this 155-acre family park features a 1,000-foot public beach. A mile long causeway connects the swimming area with the mainland. Windsurfing is popular here. Directions: Take S.R. 580 west to Tarpon Ave.

Sunset Beach

This small city-run park in Tarpon Springs features a quiet sheltered waterway in the north end of Pinellas County. The light surf and constant breeze makes this a perfect area for windsurfing or sunset watching.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Sandy and rocky shores line this state park. Wildlife is abundant, and two bird observation areas and nature trails offer plenty of opportunities to see osprey and other Florida natives. Sunbathing, shelling, swimming, fishing and picnicking are also popular here.

Caladesi Island State Park

Named by Dr. Beach as the #5 Beach in the U.S. this year, Caladesi is a pristine island only accessible by boat. Ferries depart hourly from nearby Honeymoon Island for days of shelling picnics, swimming and scuba diving.

Clearwater Beach - Pier 60 Park

This wide beach of sugar-fine sand draws volleyball players, sun worshippers and swimmers. In other words, this is where the action is. Pier 60 Park features a recreation complex on Clearwater's expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing and concessions. The Sunsets at Pier 60 festival features music, entertainment, and a beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunset. Located at the west end of SR-60.

Sand Key Park

Sand Key Park, located on this 14-mile long island, consistently rates in the top 20 beaches in the Unites States with a huge powder-white sand beach and gorgeous blue water. Hosting mostly families, the 90-acre park includes picnic shelters, restroom, and nearly 800 parking spaces. Directions: From I-275 going south, take S.R. 60 west to Gulfview Blvd in Clearwater Beach. Take Gulfview Blvd south over the Clearwater Pass Bridge.

Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach features wide, flat and white-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and is accessible by more than 20 beach accesses along Gulf Boulevard. The public access park is conveniently located near several restaurants and shops. Directions: From Interstate 275, take Ulmerton Road exit and go west until it ends at Gulf Boulevard.

Indian Shores Beach

Indian Shores includes a fishing pier and access to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The beachside sanctuary is the largest wild bird hospital in the United States caring for more than 500 birds at a time. Public beach access is north of Park Boulevard.

Redington Beach, North Redington Beach, and Redington Shores

Redington Beach, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores are relatively quiet neighborhood beaches known for three fishing piers that are placed intermittently along the open public beaches. Public beach access points are available throughout the area. The largest is Redington Shores Beach Park at 181st St. and Gulf Boulevard. Archibald Memorial Beach Archibald Memorial Beach offers more than five acres of developed recreation area along the Gulf.

Madeira Beach

A favorite among tourists and locals, this wide, sandy beach is packed on weekends with families and singles both young and old. At the southern end is John's Pass Village. This cozy, turn-of-the-19th century fishing village is a world apart in rustic charm. Offering a collection of shops, galleries, restaurants, watersports vendors and cruise and fishing charter operators, every element of this wooden boardwalk begs for exploration.

Treasure Island

This big, wide community beach has abundant sea shells on its white shores, which are often jamming with sports, musical, cooking and crafts shows. A playground and three public boat ramps are also on site. Directions: From I-275 turn west onto Central Avenue across the Treasure Island Causeway until it ends at Gulf Boulevard.

St. Pete Beach

Set on Long Key, which also contains the community of Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach offers wide swaths of shelly sand and usually calm waters, making this a popular family hangout and is an ideal place for a long walk. Water sports abound including waverunners, scuba diving, fishing, parasailing and more.

Upham Beach

A part of St. Pete Beach, Upham is known for its wide, flat and sugar-white sand running along the Gulf of Mexico. The area is popular with families and features several large resorts. Directions: From I-275, take Pinellas Bayway west to Gulf Boulevard. As you cross the drawbridge, Upham Beach access is approximately one mile north.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

The first established town on Florida's West Coast barrier islands, Pass-A-Grille retains its historic charm. The area has no "high-rise" buildings and the beach is wide. The two-block wide peninsula features inns, stores, small restaurants and more. Directions: From Interstate 275, take Pinellas Bayway west to Gulf Boulevard. Then take Gulf Boulevard south to Pass-A-Grille Beach.

Shell Key

This island features dynamic sand dunes and beaches. Shell Key remains one of the last pristine barrier islands in Florida, providing ideal habitat for more than 100 species of nesting, migrating and wintering seabirds and shorebirds. Its beach offers excellent shelling and sunbathing opportunities. Located near Tierra Verde just north of Ft. DeSoto Park, this island is accessible only by boat.

Fort Desoto Park

Fort DeSoto Park was rated as the fourth best beach in the nation in 2002 by Dr. Beach. A historic fort built during the Spanish-American War is located on Mullet Key, the largest of the five islands making up this unique area that offers fishing piers, rollerblading and biking trails, camping areas and 900 unspoiled acres including seven miles of wide, white-sand beaches. Directions: From Interstate 275, take Pinellas Bayway west to SR 679. Turn left on SR 679 and the road ends into the park.

Egmont Key

This 440-acre island wildlife refuge was once a camp for captured Seminoles and a Civil War Navy Base. Accessible only by boat, this island is recognized by its 1858 lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade. Daily tours to the island are offered from St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and John's Pass. Images courtesy of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of St. Petersburg.