2 Tampa Bay Beach Bars Named Best In Florida

There are two Tampa Bay beach bars that have been named as some of the best in Florida. This report was done by Southern Living. They found the best beach bars in Florida. The way they chose the list is they were picked by the editors of Southern Living. Those editors visit the bars and reported on their findings.

The first of the two Tampa Bay Beach bars on the list is Jimmy B’s Beach Bar on St. Pete Beach. Jimmy B's is located on Gulf Boulevard and is a part of the Beachcomber Resort. It is known for the Bahama Mama and great views of St. Pete Beach.

The second of the two Tampa Bay Beach bars on the list is Salt Shack. This is located on Tyson Avenue in Tampa. It is located just south of Gandy Boulevard. You’ll be able to see a great sunset view of Tampa Bay as the restaurant faces west. It was included in New York Times Best Restaurants list in 2023 as well. Salt Shack has a second location in Clermont on Lake Minneola.

Salt Shack opened in 2019 and here’s what they say on their website, “Salt Shack On the Bay is a rare combination of prime location, gulf to table food, and casual beachfront bar scene. Sink your feet in the sand and enjoy our little oasis with a signature cocktail or cold beer in hand. Feel the ocean breeze from the dining and patio areas as you indulge in the freshly-caught fish and seafood from local Tampa Bay watermen. Stay late and take in the sunset, for Salt Shack’s unobstructed westerly view overlooks Old Tampa Bay and Downtown St. Petersburg.”

There are many great beach bars to visit, but these two are ones to stop at.

Taking your family to a beautiful Florida beach can be so much fun and very relaxing. But what kills the fun almost immediately is when you can't find parking anywhere. Driving around in circles only to see that every lot is full can really get you down. But then there's a glimmer of hope when several parking lots where you can pay to park. Paying $5 or even $10 doesn't seem too bad when you have a car full of kids screaming "Are we there yet?" However, the cost of parking at Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach has skyrocketed over the years. If you want to know where the best free or cheap beach parking is look no further.

Our biggest tip for finding free parking at one of the most famous beaches in Tampa Bay is to go early. That might not be ideal if you're traveling from far away but trust us, it's worth it. You're not going to deal with the hassle of fighting for parking with every other family. And if you are fighting for parking the worst part is you'll just be following the same cars from street to street hoping for a spot to open up. Which is unlikely because once you get to the beach you're not leaving for a while. The perfect time to get a free parking spot at the beach arriving between 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. which might seem too early, but you'll thank us later. For all available free beach access in St. Pete click HERE. And if you need to find free beach access in Clearwater click HERE.

Parking prices have gotten outrageously expensive. We've seen reports that some parking prices on holiday weekends like Mother's Day charge as much as $70! One mom was extremely upset about the hike in prices saying, "Don’t go to Madeira beach, they just raised their prices again for parking. I paid $70 to park there on Mother’s Day and it was ridiculous." Again, you can find free parking but that's first come first serve so if you don't want to pay that expensive fee make sure you get there extra early. See our options below for affordable parking in Tampa Bay by scrolling down.

Fort Desoto Beach is absolutely beautiful peaceful beach that's a great option. Last time we went it was anywhere between $5-$8 per car for parking. Either way that's a steal compared to other areas that are charging an arm and a leg.

Entrance to the park is free and parking only costs $5 per day. However, they are closed on certain holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. They open daily at 7 a.m. and close at sunset. Great option for families.

Another option you might like is Honeymoon Island. Last time we went it was only $8 for per car and very relaxing. That is way more affordable than $70 at other beaches. Definitely worth the drive to check it out.

Life hack for you! Park behind the shops, where residents live, there’s always parking, and no one tows. Yes, it’s slightly further of a walk, but it’s really not that far, maybe extra 5 minutes of walking, but it’s free parking.

There's several areas there that are hourly and it only costs $2 an hour. You can find the location on the Parkmobile app. Check before you go are on your way there. Again, get there early.