Grab your shades and your camera. We’ve got the best places to watch the sunset (or sunrise) around town.
Beaches and parks
Benny and Jerry most definitely approve your next trip to Picnic Island Beach Dog Park. | Photo by @bennyjerrythebassets
Picnic Island Park, 7409 Picnic Island Blvd., Tampa
Perfect for bringing the kids and pooches. Let the kids run out the last of the day’s energy at the sandy playground or find the dog beach near the boat ramp and pier.
Ballast Point Park, 5300 Interbay Blvd., Tampa
This one is for the early birds. Point your cameras towards Hillsborough Bay and prepare to be awed by the sunrise.
Fort De Soto, St. Pete
This St. Pete favorite offers sunset views across five islands on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa
Another great family option, this spot has water features for the kids, a dog park for Fido, and spectacular views for you.
Courtney Campbell Causeway, between Tampa + Clearwater
Fish on either the Old Tampa Bay or Clearwater side of the bridge, but whatever you do — face west for the sunset. Your view may even be graced by a heron, dolphin, or manatee.
Redington Shores, 17425 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores
If you’ve got friends from out of town here for just one night, this town’s wide beaches are just 30 minutes away from Tampa International Airport.
Dunedin Marina, 51 Main St., Dunedin
The public fishing pier is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sunset while floating.
It’s nice to live where other people vacation.
Photo by the City of Clearwater
Clearwater Beach, 112 S. Osceola Ave., Clearwater
Sunsets are so spectacular at this iconic location that there’s even a yearlong event series dedicated to it. Sunsets at Pier 60 are free nightly celebrations that last two hours before and after the sun hits the horizon.
Unwind with a Vinoy Park sunset picnic.
Photo by @photo_romo
Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
Soak in the views then hit up downtown for drinks. Pro tip: Sunrays through the “Truth” sculpture make for an Instagram-perfect shot.
It’s called Sunset Beach for a reason.
Photo by TBAYtoday
Sunset Beach, 9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island
Is it cheating to include a beach named for its sunsets on this list? Either way, this LGBTQ+-friendly beach is rumored to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.”
M.Bird is located in Armature Works.
Photo via @m.bird_tampa
Drinks and eats
M.Bird, 1903 Market St., Tampa
What’s a sunset without rooftop drinks and a view of the skyline? If you want to keep the party rolling through the night, this spot stays open until 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Beacon, 510 Water St., Tampa
Catch the sunset from Tampa’s highest public rooftop. Toast the horizon with whimsical and nostalgic cocktails.
Now picture enjoying a drink with this view.
Photo via @casacamitampa
Casa Cami, 2545 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa
Enjoy spectacular views of the sun hitting the bay while you hit up some tacos and agave spirit cocktails.
Cane and Barrel Rooftop Bar, 110 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg
Rum, fun, and sun... what could go wrong? Watch the sun go down from the open-air terrace.
The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
This spot’s Canopy rooftop bar and lounge is the perfect place to soak up the last sun rays of the day.
Paradise Grille, multiple locations
Live music on the weekends backdrops the sun setting over a gorgeous tropical waterfront.
