Best Beach Locations for Your Senior Portraits in Tampa, St. Pete & Sarasota

Nina Bashaw
May 6
3 min read

Best Beach Locations for Your Senior Portraits in Tampa, St. Pete & Sarasota. Tips from top rated Tampa senior portrait photographer Nina Bashaw.

When it comes to senior portraits, beach sessions offer timeless backdrops and dreamy lighting. As a Tampa senior portrait photographer, I’ve photographed at beaches all across the Gulf Coast. Below are my top 6 picks complete with notes on how busy they get, traffic conditions, and parking tips.

1. Pass-a-Grille Beach – St. Pete

Why I Love It: Quaint charm, pastel beach cottages, wide-open sandy spaces, and amazing sunsets.

Traffic/Crowds: This beach is generally less crowded than St. Pete Beach, especially on weekdays. It’s quiet and peaceful—perfect for relaxed senior portraits.

Parking: Metered street parking can be limited, especially near sunset. Plan to arrive early or carpool if possible.

2. Sand Key Park – Clearwater

Why I Love It: Variety! This park has beach, dunes, boardwalks, and greenery all in one spot.

Traffic/Crowds: Much Busier on weekends, especially during tourist season, but usually manageable during golden hour on weekdays.

Parking: Paid lot with plenty of spaces, but it fills up fast in the late afternoon. Bring cash or card for the fee.

3. Lido Key Beach – Sarasota

Why I Love It: Upscale, peaceful vibe with powdery white sand and gorgeous blue water.

Traffic/Crowds: Less crowded than Siesta Key, even during peak season. Weekdays are especially calm.

Parking: Free public parking is available but limited near the beach access points. Arrive early for the best spots.

4. Fort De Soto Beach – Tierra Verde

Why I Love It: Stunning views, mix of beach and historic elements, and nature trails for added variety.

Traffic/Crowds: This beach is expansive, so even on busy days, it doesn’t feel crowded. Traffic can get slow on weekends.

Parking: Large paid lots with ample space. Easy and stress-free compared to smaller beaches.

5. Ben T. Davis Beach – Tampa

Why I Love It: Super convenient for Tampa seniors and close to downtown for variety in your shoot.

Traffic/Crowds: Gets busy after work hours and on weekends. Not ideal for peak sunset time on Fridays or Saturdays.

Parking: Small lot fills up quickly. Metered street parking nearby, but may require walking a bit.

6: Make a plan for your senior beach portraits in Tampa

Senior portrait beach photos are stunning but planning your session around lighting, crowds, and parking can make a big difference in the photos and make the process more fun. Choosing a larger senior portrait package allows time for multiple outfits and even more than one location for variety. As a top rated Tampa senior portrait beach photographer, I’ll help guide you through timing, outfit planning, and picking the perfect beach to bring your vision to life.