You can’t miss with any of the beaches around St Petersburg, FL, but here are some of my favorite beaches to head to for your family photos (listed from South to North):
Fort DeSoto
Fort DeSoto has wide sandy beaches surrounded by natural landscapes. While it is a longer walk to the ocean, it’s a fun place for kids to explore – especially if they enjoy seeing all kinds of marine life up close (we’ve found giant snails, horseshoe crabs, and sand dollars on various visits).
Pros: Natural landscapes and beaches, fewer people, lots of wildlife
Cons: More walking, not close to restaurants
Pass-a-Grille Beach
The beaches in Pass-A-Grille are perfect if you’re looking for the classic white sandy beaches. While there is not as much variety in the landscape (you’ll pretty much get beach and dune photos here), it’s the perfect place for your adventure to include sandcastles or shelling. There are also some fantastic restaurants and ice cream shops within walking distance to treat yourself before or after your session.
Pros: Near great restaurants, white sandy beaches, lots of shells to find
Cons: Less variety in the landscape for your photo session
St Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is renowned for its white sandy beaches and is home to many of the great resorts in St. Pete. If you’re going to be here on vacation, we can easily meet where you’re staying. One of my absolute favorite spots on St. Pete Beach also has a beautiful tropical garden with different “rooms” to explore as well as rocky outcrops that kids can’t resist climbing (but only with your permission!).
Pros: Beautiful gardens, white sandy beaches, close to many resorts and restaurants
Cons: The beaches are popular and can be more crowded
Treasure Island
Can I just say that Treasure Island was our family’s favorite beach right from the get-go? So I’m a bit partial! Restaurants are just a short drive away, the shelling is fantastic, and there is some beautiful beachy architecture there as well. You’re bound to get a lot of variety in your photos at a session on Treasure Island.
Pros: Varied landscapes, shelling, beachy architecture
Cons: None 😉
Indian Rocks Beach
While it is last in the post, this beach is certainly not least! Dotted with small secluded beach access points, IRB gives the feeling of being more remote without actually being far from great restaurants and fun things to do. The beach access points are quite photo-worthy and the beach itself is often full of ocean treasures to discover.
Pros: Near great restaurants, stunning beaches, less touristy
Cons: Limited parking, no public restrooms
Hi there! I’m Erin, of The St. Pete Family Photographer. I offer lifestyle family photography for families that live and vacation in the Tampa Bay Area. My families love that they get to enjoy an adventure together AND get beautiful photos in the process. If you’re interested in a family photography session, let’s connect! And if you’re just browsing but want to keep me in mind for later, you can follow me on Instagram. Let’s be friends!
