Snuggled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Hudson is a gateway to sun, surf, and plenty of water adventures.
While it might be a quiet town, Hudson boasts proximity to some of Florida’s most iconic beaches.
From the untouched sands of Anclote Key to the renowned vibes of Honeymoon Island, a myriad of coastal escapes is just a short drive away.
Dive into this list and discover the best and nearest beaches to Hudson!
1. SunWest Park
- Distance from Hudson: 4 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, volleyball
- Amenities: aqua park, wake park, water obstacles, volleyball nets, rentals
SunWest Park, located just 4 miles from Hudson, may not be your quintessential Florida beach, but it’s undeniably the prime spot to escape the heat and indulge in a myriad of recreational activities.
Set against the backdrop of the former limestone quarry – SunWest Mines, this park boasts a unique man-made white sand beach that flanks a deep, 70-acre spring-fed lake.
Beyond the allure of its refreshing waters, SunWest beckons with a vibrant mix of beach volleyball courts, an Aqua Park, and options for paddleboarding and kayaking.
While it deviates from the stereotypical palm-lined Florida shores, its myriad amenities and exhilarating attractions ensure that SunWest Park remains Hudson’s favorite destination for a splash-filled day of fun and relaxation.
2. Robert K. Rees Memorial Park
- Distance from Hudson: 10 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling
- Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, showers, kayak launch, playground, boardwalk
Unveiling a quaint retreat on the Gulf of Mexico, Robert K. Rees Memorial Park is a 45-acre community park that seamlessly mingles tranquility with adventure.
Visitors can saunter along the 650-foot boardwalk, relishing the serenity of the encompassing mangroves and wetlands, spotting dolphins, and observing migrating birds from a two-deck observation tower.
The park is ideal for family gatherings, offering picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a playground featuring slides, swings, and a pirate ship for the little ones.
Keen anglers will appreciate the ample fishing access, while a kayak launch offers easy access for aquatic adventures.
During low tide, the water becomes rather shallow, this location is at its best during high tide.
Despite that, the park ensures comfort with restrooms and outdoor showers, making it a cherished seaside haven.
3. Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park
- Distance from Hudson: 20 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, picnics, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball
- Amenities: playground, restrooms, grills, picnic pavilions, concessions, volleyball nets
Nestled on a picturesque peninsula north of Hudson, Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park is a joyful spot.
A true Florida gem, this beach offers not just a serene swim but a plethora of activities to indulge in.
Whether it’s picnicking under the shade, challenging a friend to a game of volleyball, or simply letting the kids enjoy the dedicated playground, there’s something for everyone.
Complete with amenities like restrooms, grills, picnic pavilions, and concessions, this beach ensures a hassle-free experience.
However, be mindful of the limited parking and aim for an early visit to claim your spot in this coastal paradise.
4. Anclote River Park
- Distance from Hudson: 17 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, jet skiing, picnicking, paddleboarding, kayaking, volleyball
- Amenities: boat launch, picnic pavilions, lifeguards, restrooms, playgrounds, picnic tables, showers
Situated a 17-mile drive from Hudson, Anclote River Park is a notable recreational destination spread across 31 acres.
The park has a beach with a designated swimming area, known for its calm waters.
It also features a boat ramp with 24-hour parking, making it a popular spot for boaters to access Anclote Sandbar and Anclote Key Preserve State Park.
Its unique location offers opportunities to view native and migratory birds, dolphins, and manatees.
The park accommodates a variety of activities with its fishing areas, picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, and playgrounds.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months for added safety.
Anclote River Park stands out with its free parking and a dog-friendly policy, making it an inclusive destination for all visitors.
5. Fred Howard Park
- Distance from Hudson: 20 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, picnicking, fishing, and sunset viewing
- Amenities: boat launch, picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, picnic tables, rentals
A top-rated beach in Tarpon Springs, Fred Howard Park offers a blend of beachfront relaxation and outdoor activities that cater to all tastes.
The park boasts a mile-long causeway that leads to a pristine, white sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s diverse fauna, including eagles, squirrels, and gopher tortoises.
For water sports fans, the beach offers a spot for windsurfing, as well as launching points for canoes and kayaks.
Fishing enthusiasts can find secluded areas to cast their lines in hopes of a catch.
Rentals for various water activities, including kayaking, or beach lounging gear are available.
With two playgrounds, nine picnic shelters, and beach showers, Howard Park Beach remains a highly-rated and versatile destination.
6. Sunset Beach Park
- Distance from Hudson: 19 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling
- Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, showers, boat launch, playground, volleyball
A hidden gem, Sunset Beach Park is just 19 miles from Hudson.
Nestled at the west end of Gulf Road, it’s a local favorite for boat launching, picnicking, and swimming, drawing in both locals and tourists looking to escape the crowds.
Sunset Beach lives up to its name, providing a remarkable vantage point for sunsets sinking into the Gulf of Mexico.
The park boasts amenities like barbecue grills, picnic shelters, a playground, a concession stand, bicycle stands, and public restrooms, complementing its alluring island-like ambiance.
From a family picnic to underwater exploration, Sunset Beach caters to a variety of interests.
If you seek serene sunsets, melodic moonlit concerts, or a clean, shallow water play area for the kids, Sunset Beach is your destination.
7. Anclote Key Preserve
- Distance from Hudson: 15 miles + ferry
- Activities: bird watching, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, beachcombing, camping
- Amenities: restrooms, primitive campgrounds
Anclote Key Preserve State Park is an unspoiled retreat located just three miles off Florida’s Gulf coast.
Comprising four pristine islands, the 11,773-acre park is accessible exclusively by ferry or private boat, adding to its secluded charm.
Its sprawling beaches, set against the turquoise backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, offer visitors a myriad of activities.
From bird watching, boasting an impressive 43 species, to snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking, there’s no shortage of adventure.
Though the park is graced with essential amenities like restrooms, visitors are ushered into a nostalgic camping experience with its primitive campgrounds.
And while the historic 1887 lighthouse stands sentinel, it’s the gentle lapping waters and untouched sands that truly beckon.
8. Anclote Sandbar
- Distance from Hudson: (private boats only)
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, beachcombing, parties
- Amenities: none
Anclote Sandbar stands as one of Florida’s Gulf Coast treasures, accessible exclusively by private boats.
As part of a chain including renowned Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands, this sandy stretch unveils its magic, particularly at low tide.
Boaters and adventurers are greeted by a striking transformation in water color – a mesmerizing shift from deep blue to a shimmering yellow-green, revealing powdery white sands beneath.
The beach offers an array of activities, from shell hunting to swimming amidst vibrant sea life.
During high tide, the sandbar is mostly submerged but the water remains shallow, suitable for wading and swimming.
Though devoid of traditional amenities, its natural charm compensates, making it a must-visit for those seeking a unique beach experience.
The serene setting also resonates with pet owners who bring their pets to frolic in the shallows.
9. Honeymoon Island
- Distance from Hudson: 26 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, boating, fishing, picnicking, paddleboarding, kayaking
- Amenities: boat launch, picnic pavilions, restrooms, playgrounds, picnic tables, showers, ferry to other islands
A 26-mile drive from Hudson, Honeymoon Island State Park is a well-known and loved coastal destination.
Encompassing over four miles of beach, the park hosts a variety of engaging activities such as swimming, fishing, beachcombing, hiking, and paddling.
This natural retreat is not just about beaches; it also features a three-mile trail through an untouched pine forest.
Park amenities include showers, restrooms, a café, and a concession stand renting bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
For those interested in the park’s history and environment, the Rotary Centennial Nature Center is a must-visit.
This beach, with its easy vehicular access, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty, makes for a captivating and convenient getaway.
10. Caladesi Island
- Distance from Hudson: 26 miles + ferry
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, boating, fishing, picnicking, paddleboarding, kayaking, camping
- Amenities: kayak launch, restrooms, picnic tables, showers
Distinguished for its pristine beauty, Caladesi Island State Park is a captivating Gulf Coast treasure, reachable by a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island.
This untouched sanctuary was named the No. 2 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach in 2022 and offers an unforgettable blend of tranquillity and adventure.
A paradise for nature lovers, it invites visitors to kayak through the bayside mangrove forest, walk the historic Scharrer Homestead trail, or engage in exciting activities such as swimming, paddling, and beachcombing.
Despite its remote character, Caladesi ensures a comfortable stay with amenities including restrooms, showers, and a concession stand.
A visit to this barrier island, with its harmonious blend of natural charm and practical facilities, promises an unrivaled beach experience.
11. Clearwater Beach
- Distance from Hudson: 33 miles
- Activities: swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, picnic tables, parking, rentals, cabanas, lifeguards
Clearwater Beach, an iconic destination on Florida’s Gulf coast, offers an inviting blend of sun-kissed sand and calm, azure waters.
Just a stone’s throw from the thriving Clearwater, this bustling beach strip is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Visitors can enjoy an array of water sports, including paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Beyond the beach, the area boasts historical theaters, parks, shopping districts, and an assortment of casual beachfront eateries.
To ensure a safe and convenient experience, Clearwater Beach offers designated swimming areas, on-duty lifeguards, restroom facilities, showers, and food stands.
With breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset and a dynamic schedule of events, Clearwater Beach stands as a quintessential Florida beach experience.
12. Hunter Springs Park
- Distance from Hudson: 40 miles
- Activities: kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, picnicking
- Amenities: boardwalk, playground, showers, restrooms, parking lot, picnic chairs and tables, pavilions
A 40-mile drive north of Hudson, Hunter Springs Park boasts a tranquil setting, ideal for paddling enthusiasts.
With its crystalline waters, kayakers and paddleboarders find solace gliding towards destinations like the famed Three Sister Springs.
Beyond the allure of paddling, visitors can dive into a myriad of activities – from snorkeling amid swirling fish to lounging on the scenic boardwalk.
The beach’s amenities are second to none: a children’s playground with swings and slides, refreshing showers, restrooms, and cozy picnic areas complete with chairs, tables, and pavilions.
Though parking is limited, the allure of this pristine beach ensures the journey is well worth it.
