An hour northwest of downtown Tampa, at the northern tip of Pinellas County, sits a 155-acre park that skips the crowds of Clearwater and Siesta Beach without skipping the soft white sand. Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs offers a mile-long causeway leading to a Gulf-front beach with shallow, calm water, daily access from 7 a.m. until sunset, and parking that costs just $6 for the whole day.

Tarpon Springs itself is better known for its sponge docks and Greek community, which give the town something of an Aegean feel — but the beach sits less than 15 minutes from those docks. The park comes properly equipped: restrooms, showers, a dedicated beach parking lot, two playgrounds, and nine picnic shelters, some with long charcoal grills and multiple tables. Shelters can be reserved online if you're planning a group gathering.

Beyond sunbathing, there's plenty to do on the water. Windsurfing and paddling are popular, and the park has its own kayak and canoe launch feeding two marked trails: the 2-mile Lake Avoca Loop and a half-mile Mangrove Loop. Paddling or boating is also the only way to reach Anclote Key Preserve State Park, a boat-access-only Gulf island about two miles offshore.

Wildlife is a big draw. Snorkellers report stingrays, crabs, hermit crabs, scallops and assorted fish — the north side of the beach is said to be best when the tide and wind cooperate. Dolphins regularly cruise close to shore. Birders have logged nearly 250 species here on eBird, including brown and white pelicans, great egrets, great blue herons, ibises and ospreys, so bring binoculars along with the sunscreen. Anglers can cast from the causeway or either side of the beach for snapper, snook, sea bass, seatrout and pinfish — locals favour shrimp and artificial lures — but a Florida saltwater fishing licence is required and can be bought online.

For travellers, the appeal is simple: a classic Gulf Coast beach day with far lighter crowds than the headline beaches to the south, at a fraction of the hassle. Fly into Tampa International (TPA) for the widest choice of flights, or St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE) as a smaller alternative. Affordable accommodation is available in Tarpon Springs itself or nearby Holiday. Watch your snacks at lunch, though — the seagulls here are skilled food thieves.

Story first reported by Islands.