Now that the *brief* Florida winter is behind us, we can get back to spending endless hours outside. With warmer weather comes more visitors, though.

So if you want to take a day trip into the bay area for some extra sunshine, we have many options for you. We put together some of our favorite secluded* beaches in the area, including some tips to maximize your experience.

⛱️ Redington Shores | parking fee | 18200 Gulf Blvd, Redington Shores | 1+ hr drive from Downtown Lakeland

Sandwiched between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, this 400-foot-wide beach was once owned by Charles Redington. The town, itself only one square mile in size makes for the perfect quiet getaway. It’s a short drive from Downtown St. Pete, so when the sun starts to set, take a ride over to the historic district to conclude your adventure.

🌊 Sand Key Park | $5 parking | 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater | 1+ hr drive from Downtown Lakeland

The two-in-one beach and park offers a wide variety of amenities to visitors like kayak rentals, playground equipment, a dog park + so much more. Accommodations can be made for people with disabilities upon request.

🐢Belleair Beach | beach access | 444 Causeway Blvd | 1 hr 20 min drive from Downtown Lakeland

This small township within St. Petersburg is a common turtle and bird nesting site. Walk the quiet 4,500-feet beach and marvel at the waterfront architecture. Although there are no restaurants or public facilities on this stretch of the beach, the area offers visitors the perfect place to relax for the day.

🏖️ Caladesi Island | fees | accessible via 20 min ferry

Caladesi Island was rated one of the Top 10 Beaches in the country in 2018 by Dr. Beach. It is a virtually untouched land that lets visitors marvel at the wonder of nature. Whether you want to lay out in the sun, take a trail walk, or kayak through the bayside mangrove forest, this is the beach for you.

🐚 Fort De Soto | 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde | 1 hr 30 min drive from Downtown Lakeland

This park was voted America’s Top Beach by TripAdvisor in 2009, and averages more than 2.7 million visitors in a year. Visitors can reserve campground space in order to wake up with the sound of the ocean. Comprised of five interconnected islands, visitors have plenty to see. The area is a vital habitat for native plant species like mangrove trees and palm hammocks.

☀️ Egmont Key State Park | accessible by ferry

The island is accessible via a ferry from Fort De Soto Park, which runs yearlong. The area was declared a wildlife refuge, protecting native species that thrive in the ecosystem. Visitors can even monitor some of these species with the Bird Tracker.

🚣Picnic Island | 7409 Picnic Island Blvd | 1 hr drive from Downtown Lakeland

This park features recreational amenities like a kayak launch, disc golf course, and a beach volleyball court. There is also a separate, gated dog beach to bring your four-legged friend for a swim. Visitors can rent a shelter for parties. Since this spot is located so close to South Tampa and downtown, it is a great day-cation. Head over to popular spots like Hyde Park and Soho for shopping and a post-beach meal.

🏊 Pass-a-Grille | 4401 Gulf Blvd, St. Petersburg | 1+ hr drive from Downtown Lakeland

At the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach is Pass-a-Grille, with the biggest coming attraction being the historic district. The small beach town hosts a weekly event on Saturdays for local artists and vendors to sell their creations. Historic downtown also has locally-owned motels, restaurants, and boutiques so visitors can get the full bay area experience.

🏄 Overlook Park | 140 Gulf Of Mexico Dr, Sarasota | ~2 hr drive from Downtown Lakeland

For those of you looking for an even further get away, try Sarasota. This town on the southern end of the Bay has beautiful views and great beaches. Overlook Park, which is located in Longboat Key, offers visitors a place to fish, picnic, or simply watch the tide roll. And the Quick Point Nature Preserve is just a brisk walk from the park via a wooden walkway.

It’s easy to forget the nearly-eternal sunshine of our lovely state. However, we need to take full advantage of Florida’s scenery and landscape. Sea you at the beach.

- Mackenzie