Best beach near Tampa

My boyfriend and I are going on our first vacation! We found a concert in Tampa we both want to go to so are planning the top around that. We will be driving to Tampa which is 7 hours. I want to stay at a hotel on the beach for 2-3 nights. What do you recommend I saw Sanibel Island looks super pretty and relaxing but it adds another 1 hour and 45 minutes on is it worth it? Is there anything closer that is just as nice and relaxing? I think we both would be happy sitting on the beach, going to the pool, and getting drinks on this trip since we are long distance. Are there any beaches that aren’t too busy where we could then walk to restaurants/shopping??His grandma lives in sarasota near siesta key and has a second home there (she won’t be there) which we can stay at I know the beaches are super nice there to but I kinda want us to do our own thing. Does anyone have any ideas!!