The best coffeeshops near Tampa Bay beaches

It’s best to get up early and hit the beach. First off, the temps will be much cooler (and the sun much less intense) for a beach walk, sunbathing, beachcombing, and pretty much any beach sport. Second, morning is the quietest time to take a stroll. At this time, tourists will likely still be in their hotel sleeping or eating breakfast. Thus, you will enjoy a more laid-back experience, especially at crowded tourist hotspots like Clearwater Beach. And finally, dolphin & manatee sightings are more common early on in the day, so keep your eyes peeled. If you are not used to getting up early and need a boost (or simply just love coffee!), you will want to enjoy a great cup of joe before a tiresome day of fun-in-the-sun at Tampa beaches.

Below are 5 great coffee shops located near great Tampa Bay beaches. All open no later than 8am, so you can enjoy your drink and then head straight to the nearest beach before it gets too crowded (and more importantly) too hot!

Indian Shores Coffee

  • Closest beach: Indian Rocks Beach
  • Highlight: Breezy covered patio
  • Hours: 7am-2pm. Location: 19221 Gulf Blvd. Indian Shores
Best coffeeshop near Tampa Bay beaches. Great drink and pastries at Indian Shores Coffee in Tampa Bay

Indian Rocks is one of my favorite low-key beaches (there is little commercialization) and Indian Shores is one of my favorite local coffeeshops. Conveniently, this local gem is located just across the street from one of the most relaxing Bay area beaches. They serve excellent coffee and pastries, plus espresso drinks and specialty lattes such as the Purple Haze (Dark chocolate and hazelnut). The chocolate croissants are delicious and so are the muffins (try the Morning Glory). Sadly, they stopped serving drinks in proper mugs (paper to go cups only), however, you can still enjoy a great cup of joe and a delicious treat on the covered patio no matter how sunny the skies happen to be!

Sweet Brewnette

  • Closest beach: Madeira Beach
  • Highlight: Quirky decor
  • Hours: 7am-3pm Location: 13999 Gulf Blvd. Madeira Beach
Delicious coffee and breakfast at Sweet Brewnette in Madeira Beach, Florida

This unique coffeehouse serves organic drinks in an eclectic space. There is lots of interesting local artwork to enjoy while sipping your drink of choice. They also offer a nice outdoor seating area, if the heat is not too unbearable. The coffee is decent enough although a bit on the dark side. A number of specialty drinks plus several tea and smoothie options are also on the lineup. Breakfast entrees and pastries available. I recommend the PB & B (Toasted Wheat English Muffin with Peanut Butter and Honey). Afterwards head over to Madeira Beach known for the lively 1100 foot long St. John’s Boardwalk (dolphin cruises are a perfect opportunity to wildlife watch & take in a great view!).

Cafe Soleil

  • Closest Beach: St. Pete
  • Highlight: Delicious homemade pastries
  • Hours: 8am-3pm (closed Wed) Location: 4695 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach
Lemon Flan and an Americano at Cafe Soleil in St. Pete Beach, Florida

This charming French cafe and bakery is located near St. Pete, a low-key alternative to busy Clearwater. Before taking a stroll along one of the Bay’s most relaxing beaches, treat yourself to a pastry and cup of coffee at Cafe Soleil. The seating area both inside and out (covered) are both nicely decorated. The house coffee is decent (they brew Kahwa – a local Tampa roaster), yet overpriced as they sadly no longer offer refills (a real disappointment). The pastries are fresh and delicious and they also offer quiche and toasted croissant sandwiches. I recommend treating yourself to a Lemon Fan or Almond Croissant.

Grove Surf and Coffee

  • Closest Beach: St. Pete/Treasure Island
  • Highlight: Cool surf decor and equipment
  • Hours: 8am-5pm (6 on Friday & Saturday) Location: 7370 Gulf Blvd. St. Pete Beach
Coffee and Crumpet Bagel bike at Grove Surf and Coffee in St. Pete Beach

This fun surf + coffee shop is located close to both St. Pete and Treasure Island beaches. Treasure Island is one of the Bay’s widest beaches, so a great place to enjoy beach sports (one of the few with volleyball nets). Grove Coffee shop offers a simple menu of the usual coffee and espresso drinks plus a few specialty lattes and treats. Try the Everything Cruffin stuffed with chive cream cheese – really tasty and unique. Afterwards, check out the shop which offers surfboards, swimsuits, sandals, and more.

Belleair Coffee Company

  • Closest beach: Clearwater
  • Highlight: Spacious and eclectic
  • Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm (7:30-4 on Sunday) Location: 100 Indian Rocks Rd. Belleair Bluffs
Great coffee and breakfast at Belleair Coffee Company

There are few good local coffeshops to enjoy near Clearwater, plus it’s too crowded most of the time to enjoy anything. Belleair Coffee Company is located close enough, yet far enough away to keep most tourists out. This small batch roaster serves organic coffee and delicious pastries, in a big eclectically designed space. You can kick back here for a while and play a few games or simply enjoy the cozy ambiance. Bonus – they are one of the few beach area coffeehouses to provide refills! Muffins, quiche, overnight oats, donuts, and pastries available. I recommend the Veggie Quiche.

More great local coffeeshops in Tampa Bay

Also be sure to check out my full guide to the best coffeeshops of Tampa Bay!