Tampa Bay's Gulf Coast faces west, giving it spectacular nightly sunsets. Here are the best spots — from Clearwater Beach's famous Pier 60 celebration to hidden gems.
One of Tampa Bay's greatest gifts is its western orientation — the Gulf of Mexico sunsets are extraordinary, and on clear evenings with good cloud formations, the skies turn colors that photographers travel thousands of miles to capture. Here are the best places to experience them.
Pier 60, Clearwater Beach
The most famous sunset spot in Tampa Bay — a 1,000-foot pier that hosts a daily sunset celebration with street performers, artists, and dozens of spectators. The experience is as much social as natural, and the celebration creates an atmosphere unlike any other Gulf sunset spot. Crowds peak in winter season (December-April).
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Fort De Soto North Beach
For a quieter natural sunset without the Clearwater Beach crowds, Fort De Soto's North Beach faces directly west toward the Gulf. The absence of high-rise development on the horizon means an unobstructed sky-to-sea view. Park closes at sundown.
Bean Point, Anna Maria Island
The northern tip of Anna Maria Island where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf. A short walk through a residential neighborhood leads to a secluded beach with an unparalleled view — clear water on both sides, the distant Bradenton Beach skyline to the south, and often minimal other visitors.
St. Pete Pier
The new St. Pete Pier (2020) offers excellent Tampa Bay sunset views from its waterfront restaurants and observation areas. The eastern exposure (facing toward Tampa) is best for morning, but the western facing side of the pier sees excellent late-day light over the water.
Honeymoon Island State Park
The Gulf-facing North Beach at Honeymoon Island offers classic Florida sunset views with the additional element of osprey activity in the background — the osprey rookeries are exceptionally active at dusk.
Pass-a-Grille Beach, St. Pete Beach
The southern tip of St. Pete Beach at the Pass-a-Grille Channel — facing southwest, this quiet beach sees spectacular sunsets without the crowds of the main St. Pete Beach strip.
Siesta Key Beach
Any point on Siesta Key's main beach provides excellent westward Gulf views. The combination of the extraordinary white sand turning golden in the evening light and the warm ocean colors makes Siesta Key sunsets particularly photogenic.
Sunset Photography Tips
- The best light is 20-30 minutes before and after the actual sunset
- Cloud formations dramatically improve sunsets — partly cloudy beats clear
- Summer sunsets (June-August) are later (8:15-8:30 PM) and often more dramatic due to storm activity
- Late November and December sunsets are early (5:30-6:00 PM) but often spectacular in the cooler air