Just the name itself makes Treasure Island sound like a fascinating place. This small city of about 6,000 people is a laid-back seaside paradise in Pinellas County, Florida, with easy access to larger centers like St. Petersburg and Tampa.
The city is located on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, creating what Treasure Island is best known for – long white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. There are many taverns, cafes and small shops along these beaches.
The small size of the city makes it easy to travel, especially from the beach to the city center, where there are many hotels, restaurants and shops. Beach Trolleys stop on nearly every block along Bay Avenue, making it easier to get around the city and nearby communities.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or as a family with young children, as there are attractions and activities for all ages and styles of travel. Here are 15 of the best things to do in and around Treasure Island.
1. Sunset Vista Trailhead Park
Sunset Vista Trailhead Park is a beautiful beach area that is less crowded than other beaches in the area, but still has the soft, white sand and crystal clear water that other beaches have.
At one end of the park, there are restrooms, outdoor showers and a picnic area. But the best part about this park is the chance to see manatees and dolphins swimming along the shore.
In the evening, the park is the perfect place to watch one of the spectacular sunsets for which the Treasure Island area is famous.
2. Rent a boat from Treasure Isle Boat Rentals
One of the most adventurous ways to get around Treasure Island is by chartering a boat. Treasure Island boat charters offer affordable options to start your coastal adventure.
On a hot, sunny day, sail on the refreshing sea breeze and take in the breathtaking coastal views, then set off to explore nearby attractions including Clearwater Beach, Cape Verde and the Boca Chiga Bay Water Reserve.
3. Tee off at Dunedin Golf Club
Even top golfers from all over the country stop by Dunedin Golf Club when they are in the area. Designed by architect Donald Ross, the historic course features many of his signature design features to keep golfers of all levels on their toes.
4. Dali Museum
Experience a world-class museum housed in a building that is as fascinating as the artwork inside. Salvador Dali is a world-renowned artist known for his unique and sometimes bizarre works of art. The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg houses the most extensive collection of works outside of his native Spain.
The building itself is an architectural wonder, with a unique glass structure and spiral staircase at the entrance. There are also labyrinths and the Fountain of Youth on site, and free tours are offered.
5. Enjoy a show at the Mahaffey Theatre
Since 1965, the Mahaffey Theater in the center of St. Petersburg has been showing artists from all over the country and around the world. It is one of the best places to enjoy live entertainment in the area.
There’s always something going on, whether it’s a concert, stand-up comedy, play or a great performance by the Florida Orchestra. The theater is known for its excellent seating, allowing everyone to watch the show and enjoy professional acoustics.
6. Enjoy seafood at Middle Grounds Grill
Because of Treasure Island’s coastal location, it’s good to assume that seafood is on nearly every menu in the city. However, Middle Grounds Grill doesn’t offer any seafood: the restaurant serves only the highest quality, freshest, highest quality fish, paired with carefully prepared dishes.
Although it is considered a fine dining restaurant, the atmosphere is laid-back and suitable for dining with the whole family. There are also many items on the menu for those who don’t eat seafood. Happy hour is available every day, with live entertainment on select nights.
7. Yoga on the Beach with Caddy
You’re probably already aware of the relaxation and benefits of doing yoga, so imagine how much better it feels when your toes are on the soft sand, the refreshing breeze from the ocean, and the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
Caddy’s on the Beach has a private beach area where staff host yoga several times a week. After the meeting, grab a bite to eat at the famous BBQ area and stay for live music and a beautiful sunset.
8. Sunken Garden
Visit the 100-year-old botanical garden in the Sunken Gardens in the heart of St. Petersburg. The 4-acre site features approximately 50,000 tropical plants, orchid trees, limestone formations, Japanese gardens and a wishing well that can be explored via paved walkways. Bird lovers will also enjoy seeing a variety of exotic and colorful birds.
9. Pamper yourself at Paradise Spa
Treasure Island is a relaxing place, but running from site to site during your stay trying to see as much as possible can be exhausting. Get much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation at the luxurious Paradise Spa.
While massage therapy may be your usual way to recover from a tiring week at the office, you may want to consider the many other services available and enjoy something special while on vacation.
Spas, body scrubs, body wraps and infrared sauna sessions are just some of the services offered. The treatment rooms feature soft lighting and soothing music, and only the highest quality products are used.
10. Spend an exciting day with Parasailing the Pass
The best way to see Treasure Island from the air and spend an exciting day on and off the water is to join a paragliding adventure.
Parasailing the Pass is the only provider of this type of adventure in the city, with trained staff providing a safe environment where visitors can see the coastline while soaring high. The company also offers dolphin cruises and scenic nature tours by boat.
11. Tropicana Field
Take part in a professional sports event for the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. While you’re there, enjoy a unique feature you don’t usually see at sports venues: a tank with 30 rays that you can feed and interact with.
The stadium is also home to the Ted Williams Museum and the Hitters Hall of Fame; this state-of-the-art facility can be visited.
12. Kayak with See Through Adventure Rentals
Snorkeling and diving may be the best way to experience the fascinating world beneath the waves, but the next best thing is seeing it through the bottom of a glass-bottomed kayak. See Through Adventure Rentals rents kayaks for visitors departing from Fort DeSoto Park near Treasure Island.
Manatees, dolphins and a wide variety of seabirds can be seen, but the glass bottom of the kayak offers a unique opportunity to see what lurks below the surface without actually entering the water.
13. Spend a night in town at Gators Cafe & Saloon
Visitors looking for a night out on the town without having to travel from venue to venue can have a fun and entertaining evening at Treasure Island’s Gators Cafe & Saloon.
Said to be the longest beachside bar in the world, this multi-story building features a local craft beer tasting room, Tiki lounge, multiple bars, restaurants, TV and a stage for live entertainment.
Arrive by boat to make the evening more fun and start the evening with a cocktail while watching the sunset.
14. Wieden Island Reserve
Visitors to St. Petersburg can immerse themselves in nature for a day in the 3,190 acres of green space and natural waterways in the Wieden Island Reserve. A hiking trail winds its way through the boardwalk and through an area featuring tidal flats and mangroves.
Other activities include picnics, kayaking, bird watching and fishing on the pier. The Cultural and Natural History Center is located in the hotel and has a spacious space with interactive exhibits. The center offers guided excursions and workshops.
15. Museum of Fine Arts in the center of St. Petersburg
Visitors can see nearly five thousand years of human civilization through famous works of art from ancient and modern times in the Museum of Fine Arts. Many exhibits are permanent, while others only exist for a short time.
There is also a sculpture garden and Steuben Glass exhibit on site, and there is sometimes live music in the museum café.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Treasure Island, FL (FL)
Lowest Price Guarantee
