Bell FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bell, Florida.
1. Belleair Beach
RESIDENTIAL WATERFRONT HIDEAWAY
Belleair Beach offers 4,500 feet of secluded white sand shoreline surrounded by impressive waterfront homes on Florida's West Coast. This quiet, laid-back beach is home to many sea turtle and sea bird nesting sites scattered about the shore, making it a natural haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With no crowds and a focus on peace and quiet, it's the ultimate beach destination if you want to experience an exclusive, tranquil waterfront setting.
2. Morgan Park Beach
PUBLIC ACCESS WATERFRONT
Morgan Park is the only public access beach in Belleair Beach, featuring metered parking for visitors while residents can park free with a current permit. The park provides essential beach access along the stunning Gulf Coast shoreline, offering a glimpse into the exclusive Belleair Beach community. Visitors can enjoy the pristine white sands and clear waters while appreciating the well-maintained facilities.
3. Sand Key Park
SCENIC COASTAL RETREAT
Sand Key Park borders Belleair Beach to the north, offering a spacious public beach with exceptional amenities and stunning Gulf views. The park features a dog park, picnic areas, and a nature trail, making it perfect for families seeking a full day of outdoor activities. Its less crowded atmosphere compared to Clearwater Beach makes it an ideal spot for those looking for a more relaxed beach experience.
4. Clearwater Beach
VIBRANT TOURIST DESTINATION
Clearwater Beach is a world-renowned destination featuring sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is complemented by a vibrant promenade filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, making it a complete vacation destination. Sunset celebrations at Pier 60 offer daily festivities including street performers and local artisans displaying their crafts.
5. Indian Rocks Beach
CHARMING COASTAL COMMUNITY
Indian Rocks Beach borders Belleair Beach to the south, offering a more relaxed alternative to busier Gulf beaches with its old-Florida charm. The community features multiple beach access points, local restaurants, and shops all within a walkable area. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and the lack of high-rise developments that maintain the beach town's authentic character.
6. Honeymoon Island State Park
NATURAL BEACH PARADISE
Honeymoon Island State Park features four miles of pristine beaches and a three-mile hiking trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. The park is renowned for its excellent shelling opportunities, bird watching, and swimming in the clear Gulf waters. Nature lovers can spot osprey nests, bald eagles, and great horned owls while exploring this unspoiled barrier island.
7. Caladesi Island State Park
UNSPOILED ISLAND GETAWAY
Caladesi Island State Park is accessible only by boat or ferry and offers one of the few completely natural islands along the Gulf Coast. The park features pristine white sand beaches, a three-mile kayak trail through mangrove forests, and excellent opportunities for swimming and beachcombing. Consistently ranked among America's top beaches, Caladesi provides a glimpse of Florida's coastline as it existed before development.
8. Fort De Soto Park
HISTORIC BEACHFRONT RECREATION
Fort De Soto Park encompasses five interconnected islands covering 1,136 acres with more than seven miles of waterfront including nearly three miles of white sand beaches. The park offers multiple swimming areas, a historic fort, camping facilities, and a dog beach where pets can enjoy the water alongside their owners. Its diverse ecosystems include mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, and beach plants that support numerous bird and marine species.
9. Manatee Springs State Park
FRESHWATER SPRINGS WONDER
Manatee Springs State Park features a first magnitude spring that produces millions of gallons of clear, cool water daily, flowing directly into the Suwannee River. The park is a popular swimming hole with a constant 72-degree water temperature and offers cypress trees draped with Spanish moss creating a picturesque setting. Visitors can also enjoy paddling, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing, with manatees frequently visiting during winter months.
10. Fanning Springs State Park
CRYSTAL CLEAR RIVER ACCESS
Fanning Springs State Park centers around a second magnitude spring that produces millions of gallons of crystal-clear water daily, creating an ideal natural swimming area. The park provides direct access to the Suwannee River and features a dock system perfect for jumping into the refreshing 72-degree spring water. Picnic areas, walking trails, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities make this a complete outdoor recreation destination close to Bell, Florida.