Fodor's Expert Review Sunset Beach

A peninsula that's 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 LGBTQ+ crowd. Surfers hit up Sunset Beach on the rare occasion that the Gulf has swells. Once you turn onto West Gulf, you can find multiple paid parking lots. There are several pay lots starting to your right just south of 82nd Avenue. If you opt to take advantage of the neighborhood's abundant side-street parking, make sure you park legally—it's all too easy to unwittingly get a ticket here. Amenities: parking; toilets. Best for: partiers; solitude; sunset.