<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Many beaches in Florida do not allow alcohol consumption anymore. However, there are a few beaches that allow drinking in Tampa Bay, provided it is not in a glass bottle. So, if you want to bring along some drinks for your day date or night to the beach, visit one of these four beaches in Tampa Bay, or one of the two other beaches that are within an hour and a half drive of the Tampa area. Enjoy the sand, water, and other activities the beaches have to offer while you sip on your drink.
Updated June 2024 by Meghan Roth.
Treasure Island
Beach Access Points: Sunset Beach – 9000 W. Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
Treasure Island is home to soft, white sandy beaches and colorful sunsets. Alcohol can be consumed there, containers can never be glass, and you can’t bring a keg out on the sand.
However, no alcohol is allowed on the beach between the 8500 block and 9900 block of Treasure Island Beach between 8am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. In between those hours, visitors can stop by Gators Cafe and Saloon, which is widely renowned as the “world’s longest waterfront bar” for a beer or mixed drink! From the deck, patrons can look for pelicans and dolphins!
Parking: All city-owned parking lots are metered or have pay stations and accept credit cards. You can easily identify city-owned lots because they are named after birds and marked with blue and white numbers. All parking is enforced 24/7 at $3.00/hour during the week and $3.25 per hour on weekends and holidays. The Downtown/Community Center Lot is $2.50/hour every day.
Madeira Beach
Beach Access Points: Archibald Memorial Beach Park – 15100 Gulf Blvd; John’s Pass Park – 12774 FL-699, REDINGTON SHOR, FL 33708
Located just west of St. Pete, Madeira offers beachgoers the opportunity to drink with only a few places along the 25-mile beach where it’s prohibited. There are many opportunities to drink off the beach as well. Across the street from part of the beach is John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, which feature many restaurants and bars with plenty of drink and food. No glass containers are allowed.
Siesta Beach
Beach Access Points: Siesta Key Public Beach – 948 Beach Rd; Beach Access #1 – 3940 N Shell Road
You can legally drink on this quartz-sand beach, that was voted the #1 U.S. Beach by TripAdvisor in 2020! The sand is 99% quartz, so it remains cool and won’t burn to the touch while you lounge on the beach with your drink.
Visitors can also play a pick-up game of volleyball and eat or drink under the shade in the picnic areas. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance, but since beachgoers don’t need to leave the soft sand to drink, it’s easy to spend the day enjoying Siesta Beach.
Redington Beach
Beach Access Points: Town Park – corner of Gulf Boulevard and 164th Avenue; Friendship Park – 164th Avenue, across from Town Hall; Moon Park – beach side of Gulf Boulevard at 157th Avenue; Causeway Park – along 161st Avenue causeway
Slightly north of Madeira is Redington Beach is a smaller, quieter beach with a local feel. If you want to drink and enjoy your company without the crowds that Florida beaches can bring, this is the place for you.
While you may not find as many places to wander into here, because Redington is a small community, you’ll find relaxation and the rest you need. There are no ordinances against glass containers, but they are highly discouraged for the safety of beachgoers.
Turtle Beach
Beach Access Point: Turtle Public Beach – 8628 Turtle Beach Rd
Not far from Siesta Beach is Turtle Beach. Turtle Beach was named after the large number of turtles that visit the beach. Beachgoers can drink and enjoy a day of fishing, horseshoe, and volleyball.
It is an excellent place to look for shells and sharks’ teeth while taking a swimming or game break. There are also plenty of places to get food when you need a meal after drinking and having fun.
Lido Beach
Beach Access Point: 400 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Lido Beach is located near Sarasota, slightly outside of Tampa Bay, but close enough Tampa Bay inhabitants can easily visit in a day. It’s more relaxed than Sarasota Beach, and unlike Sarasota Beach, visitors can drink!
It’s a good place to dolphin watch, fish, and sunsets. There are plenty of shops and dining options nearby if you need a break from the sun or get hungry!
St. Pete Beach
Beach Access Points: St. Pete Beach Access – 4700 Gulf Blvd.; Upham Beach – 6850 Beach Plaza; County Beach Access Park – 4700 Gulf Blvd;
The stretch of St. Pete Beach is lined with resorts, hotels, and waterfront bars. Alcohol is permitted however, they are limited to hotel guests only and must be consumed on the sand on hotel property. However, there are plenty of fantastic beachfront restaurants and bars along the beach.
Make sure to check out Beach Bars in St. Petersburg for the best places to grab a drink!
Looking for more things to do this weekend? Check out 40+ Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Month: Events and MORE