Sunset Beach — Attraction in Tarpon Springs

Local's Secret Spot

Honestly, if you are looking for a tourist attraction, some big beach experience this is NOT your best option. Tarpon Springs Sunset Beach is a small little local beach. It does have free parking, but the spaces are limited. This is a simply, small neighborhood beach that locals usually go to to watch the sunset, have a picnic or play volleyball.

There are several pavilion picnic tables and grills. Some are on the beach overlooking the water. It's a great spot to watch the sunset while eating dinner with friends. Or you can sit out on the rocks or on the beach line to watch as well. Perfect open, unobstructed view of the Gulf.

They also have a nice (albeit small) playground area for kids. Attached to that area are several other pavilion picnic benches. Perfect for a kids party or even adults that want the kids to stay occupied after a day of swimming.

Bathrooms are onsite as well, with showers to rinse the sand off. Water fountains too. Truth be told, most Floridians don't drink the tap water - it's very hard water - excessive calcium deposits, but it serves it's purpose if you need water and don't have any bottled water with you.

You are minutes from downtown Tarpon with it's sponge docks. If you go the first Friday of the month in the evening they shut down the streets for Greek music & food from the local restaurants. Just sit down at the tables on the street and they will come take your order. It's loud, and fun. Greek immersion experience, again for free. Parking in a local lot...

Sunset Beach is a real hidden gem! Not only is it a beautiful park with...you guessed it, a great view of the sunset; they even offer FREE parking for its guests!

They have bathrooms, showers, barbeque grills, covered pavilions (with close and convenient parking), a playground, a boat launch, and a place to play volleyball as well.

Although parking is limited, the beach itself has plenty of room to accommodate lots of people without the concern of space for proper distancing. Similar to Fred Howard Park, this park is in a circular formation which grants lots of shoreline for its patrons to enjoy.

One nice thing about this beach is that they have some benches in areas without sand; making it possible for people with various types of mobility to enjoy.

Things to consider:

Parking is very limited; if you are going there to enjoy the sunset we strongly advise going at least 20-30 minutes prior to touchdown in order to secure a parking spot and a good location on the beach. We've had to circle the parking lot more than once in order to find a spot. Granting yourself some additional time could save you a headache.

Although there is a good amount of seating; it isn't a bad idea to bring your own chair just in case. It'll also grant you with additional options for optimum...

Earlier in the afternoon, I asked the Internet where to find the best sunset in the area and it sent me to the aptly named Sunset Beach here in Tarpon Springs. That was absolutely the right call and since it was such a clear afternoon, it worked out very well.

The beach is at the end of a narrow causeway and at the end is a decent sized parking area with a pavilion that has picnic space, a proper beach and even restrooms. There was plenty of parking on this early Spring evening and I had no problems with the Sprinter van.

Walking out to the pavilion was easy as it is paved and completely handicapped accessible. Super windy and a little crowded with about 100 people who had the same idea as I did. Some of the more mature folks had cleverly brought chairs which was the right move.

Departing took a bit as most weren't interested in staying after the sun went down. Like me!

The roads do lead to here but it's not easy. Trust your GPS and take the first parking...