Florida is the sunshine state and the sunsets are as exceptional as they should be in a place nicknamed after the sun. Especially in Florida’s gulf coast with unobstructed views of the western skyline. If you’re looking for an incredible sunset view in Tampa, you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of great spots to watch the sun go down, whether you’re at the beach or eating out at the local restaurants, but here are the best of the best places to watch the sunset in Tampa.
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Beaches and Parks to Watch the Sunset From
Tampa has some of the best beaches around that people visit from all over the world for good reason. Whether you’re lounging on the white sand beach with a good book or taking an early evening stroll through the nearby park, the sunsets never fail to take your breath away. These are some of my favorites spots and the most popular in Tampa.
St. Pete Beach
There are so many great beaches around Tampa, and thanks to their position in the west on the Gulf of Mexico, almost all have spectacular sunsets. I particularly have had good luck with stunning sunsets at St. Pete Beach but Fort De Soto park and Treasure Island are also beautiful.
Ben T. Davis Island
Ben T. Davis beach is much closer to Downtown Tampa and also offers a great spot to watch the sunset. If you need something closer to the Tampa International Airport then Cypress Park is a good alternative. It has beautiful sunsets, but the beaches themselves just aren’t as nice.
Honeymoon Island State Park
If you are willing to drive a little further north there is a barrier island called Honeymoon Island that is another perfect beach spot for sunset. It offers beautiful beaches and wildlife preserves that are fun to explore at any time especially for nature lovers. The sunsets over the gulf can be a gorgeous display of pastel colors when the conditions are right. Definitely add it to your list of the best places to watch the sunset in Tampa.
Ballast Point Park
At the end of Bayshore Blvd is Ballast Point Park both areas are great spots to watch the sunset over the Tampa skyline. The park has benches and picnic areas where you can sit and watch. Bayshore Blvd is the perfect spot for a walk, bike ride, or skates as the sunset happens.
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- Beach Packing List for Peace of Mind
Great Restaurants to Watch the Sunset At
Nothing beats watching the sun set in Tampa from a waterfront restaurant with great food. Whether you’re looking for local fare or fresh seafood specialties, there are plenty of restaurants offering the best views in town.
Armature Works
Armature Works is a popular food hall right off the end of the Tampa Riverwalk. The outside courtyard has tables, chairs, and lawn games that everyone can enjoy. Thanks to its position on the river it is the best place to watch the sunset in Tampa with the skyline.
Frenchy’s
Clearwater beach is the best place to watch the sunset in Tampa, especially if you want to be dining while doing so. There are so many great beach restaurants along Clearwater Beach to choose from. We love Frenchy’s especially if you love seafood. You can sit right in the sand and enjoy the sunset over the water. Then after the sun is gone, the lights come on and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
Salt Shack
If you are looking for a restaurant on the water with the best views around, one of my favorite spots has to be Salt Shack. This spot offers great seafood with tables right by the water. You get a front-row seat of breathtaking sunsets over the bay. With live music, good food, and fresh salt air this really is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Tampa for sure.
Whiskey Joes or WTR Pool
Right in Downtown Tampa you can find a small inlet of water with two locations on it. Whiskey Joes and WTR Pool sit across the water from each other. WTR Pool is facing the right direction for a better view of the sunset from its pool deck.
However, Whiskey Joe has a small beach with beach chairs and all to enjoy the view from. It is a great place to spend an afternoon eating and playing before a sunset. Both offer stunning sunset views so you can’t go wrong.
Best Rooftop Bars for Sunset Watching
If you’re looking for one of the best places to admire the beauty of Tampa, hop up to one of its many rooftop bars scattered throughout the city! You’ll be able to enjoy an expertly made drink and take in breathtaking views out over the horizon – it’s an ideal way to spend a warm summer evening.
M.Bird
Above the main Armature Works building is a stunning rooftop bar. Here you can get a similar view as below but with a drink in your hand, plus a higher vantage point to catch a great sunset. The boho-esque decor is spot on and such a great setting to enjoy the sunset any time of year.
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
This cute restaurant in St Pete has a beachfront and a rooftop bar inside an old victorian house where you can enjoy the sunset. It gives unparalleled views of the water and is a popular spot to watch the sunset in the Tampa Bay area.
Pier Teaki
St. Pete Pier finished construction in 2019 and is a fun place to visit with the whole family with a park, street performers and museums as well. At the end of the pier is a large building that is split into a few different restaurants. At the top is Pier Teaki, a rooftop bar with unobstructed views of the St. Petersburg Skyline and the sunset. Definitely one of the best places to watch the sunset in the Tampa area.
More Food and Drink in Tampa:
- 11 Restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area to Try Today
- Best Healthy Restaurants in Tampa that Serve Delicious Food
Best Place to Watch the Sunset On the Water
Watching the sunset in Tampa is best when you can do it out on the water. Renting a boat, taking a dinner cruise, or even just grabbing a kayak can turn an evening into something special. With no shortage of the best places to watch the sunset in Tampa, there are some wonderful places to explore while viewing them.
Boat (Yacht Starship)
Get out on the water in style by renting a boat. Then you can pick the best place to watch the sunset in Tampa by simply driving around. Is one area too cloudy? Just head somewhere else where the sun is still shining. Plus this is such a fun activity to do with friends and family no matter what the sunset looks like.
Another, more affordable, alternative is to book a sunset cruise or dinner cruise on a ship like Yacht Starship. Here you are served dinner as you enjoy a leisurely cruise around the bay. The views are stunning and this may just be the most romantic place to watch the sunset in Tampa.
Kayak
A more adventurous way to get on the waters of Tampa Bay for sunset is to rent a kayak or paddleboard. Just enjoy the cooling temperatures on the water without the hot sun bearing down from the comfort of your own personal watercraft. The cotton candy sky’s or the burning fiery colors of the Florida sunsets are the perfect way to end a fun-filled day.
Best Places to Watch Sunsets in Tampa
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, Tampa has the best spots to watch the sunset. Head on down to one of our beautiful white-sand beaches or parks or try catching the sunset from atop one of Tampa’s many rooftop bars. You’ll fall in love with Tampa all over again watching the sun dip below the horizon. No matter how you choose to spend your evening, make sure to catch at least one Tampa sunset during your visit!
Tampa has some of the most beautiful sunsets, make sure you are in the right place to see them when you visit. These are the best places to watch the sunset in Tampa and the best part is, they are all over the Tampa Bay area so no matter where you are, you can find a spot to go to.
