Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach Review

Technically part of Treasure Island, this 2-mile-long outcrop is one of Tampa Bay's best-kept secrets. The northern end has a mixed crowd—from bikers to spring breakers—the middle portion is good for families (there's a pavilion and playground at around 78th and West Gulf Boulevard), and the southern tip attracts the LGBT crowd. Surfers hit up Sunset Beach on the rare occasion that the gulf has some swells to offer. Once you turn onto West Gulf, you can find parking on the side streets, but make sure you park legally—it's all too easy to unwittingly get a barrage of parking tickets here. There are several pay lots starting to your right just south of 82nd Ave. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: solitude; partiers; sunset.