Florida is known as the sunshine state, so it’s no surprise we have some of the best spots for watching sunrises and sunsets around. Here are a few places in Tampa that will really show you the splendor of Florida’s magical sunsets.
The top of TIA’s parking garage
It may seem like an unromantic place to watch the sunset, but Tampa’s own Tampa International Airport has one of the best places to enjoy the setting sun. TIA offers an hour of free parking for dropping off your friends or family at departure, but you can take advantage of this when you’re wanting a sweeping view of Tampa and a killer sunset. Go just before sundown and you can witness one of the most stellar views the city has to offer … as long as you don’t mind seeing take offs and landings while you marvel in the splendor that is a Florida sunset.
Treasure Island Beach
While I’ve seen sunsets on a lot of beaches surrounding the Tampa Bay area, I’ve definitely experienced some of the most beautiful on Treasure Island Beach near St. Petersburg. Head down to one of the many hotels you can park across from, such as the Bilmar, and walk onto the beach to see a less populated, gorgeous view of the sun setting. It is a better view if you can walk around and really take in the whole experience – gulls flying overhead, the waves crashing at your feet, multicolored clams burrowing themselves into the sand, dune grass blowing in the wind. It really is a wonderful experience, and an especially nice place to bring your family or your love interest.
Out on a boat
Another really amazing way to see a Florida sunset is on any type of boat. It can either be your own boat, or a friend of the family’s, that you can experience some of the most breath-taking views on. Open water provides a great canvas for the sunset to paint itself on. You can also book a sunset cruise through many different providers around the Tampa Bay area, but personally I’ve found that a simple fishing boat out in the Gulf is a spectacular way to see the sky fade from blue to orange to pink to indigo.
John Chestnut Park
While it’s not in Tampa, this park is located at 2200 East Lake Road in Tarpon Springs, about 30 minutes from Tampa, and the drive out to see the sunset it well worth the time it takes to get there. There is a boat ramp there with a watchtower adjacent to it where you can see a 360 degree view of a beautiful sunset, as well as some amazing Florida foliage and animals. It is especially nice if you get there before sunset and take a walk on the many bridge trails that run around inside of the park. You’ll be able to see an amazing variety of animals, like birds, deer, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky – depends on your stance) an alligator or two. The view from the watch tower is simply amazing, and you’ll really appreciate your time in Florida once you’ve seen it from up there.
Florida is a great place to watch beautiful sunsets, especially in Tampa. You can check out this website for an accurate listing of sunset and sunrise times so you can be sure to be there when a great sunset opportunity comes up.
