3 Tampa Bay Beaches Named Among 'Best of the Best' in U.S. by Tripadvisor

Clearwater Beach, Siesta Beach, and Honeymoon Island State Park ranked in the top 10 beaches nationwide.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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According to a report from Tripadvisor, three beaches in the Tampa Bay area - Clearwater Beach, Siesta Beach, and Honeymoon Island State Park - were named among the 'best of the best' beaches in the United States. The rankings were based on a comprehensive analysis of millions of traveler reviews from the past 12 months.

Why it matters

This recognition from a leading travel review site highlights the natural beauty and appeal of the Tampa Bay region's beaches, which are major draws for both tourists and locals. It also underscores the area's reputation as a premier beach destination, further boosting its profile and potentially driving increased visitation.

The details

Clearwater Beach was ranked #2 on the list, described as offering 'Gulf Coast perfection.' Siesta Beach came in at #6, praised for its 'quartz sand phenomenon.' Honeymoon Island State Park rounded out the top 10, noted for its 'natural Florida beauty.' The other top beaches included locations in California, Hawaii, and Florida's Panhandle region.

  • Tripadvisor announced its list of the 'best of the best' beaches across America on February 17, 2026.

The players

Tripadvisor

A leading online travel review and booking platform.

Clearwater Beach

A popular beach destination located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, known for its white sand and clear waters.

Siesta Beach

A beach on Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida, renowned for its soft, powdery quartz sand.

Honeymoon Island State Park

A Florida state park located on a barrier island near Dunedin, offering natural beaches and wildlife habitats.

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The takeaway

The recognition of three Tampa Bay beaches as among the 'best of the best' in the U.S. by Tripadvisor underscores the region's reputation as a premier beach destination and highlights the natural beauty and appeal of its coastal areas, which continue to draw both tourists and locals alike.