Things to see and do in Treasure Island, Florida

Treasure Island, Florida: Laid-Back Living on the Gulf

If you’re looking for that classic Florida beach town vibe—no hype, no chaos, just sand, sunsets, and a cold drink in your hand—Treasure Island is your spot. Located on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, just west of St. Petersburg, Treasure Island blends old-school charm with modern beachside comforts. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, flip-flops are standard, and the view never gets old.

This is our favorite beach and we love going here. Our favorite spot is Caddy's on the Beach where you can eat and drink while lounging o the beach.

Treasure Island’s name sounds like something out of a pirate story—and it kind of is. In the early 1900s, local hotel owners supposedly found a few old chests buried in the sand. They used the tale to market the area to tourists, and the name stuck. Whether or not there was ever actual treasure doesn’t matter. The real treasure here is the beach itself: wide, soft, and stretching for miles.

This beach isn’t just beautiful—it’s accessible. Unlike many parts of Florida where beach access can be limited, Treasure Island has plenty of public entry points, free or affordable parking, and a welcoming vibe for everyone. You’ll see families building sandcastles, retirees strolling at sunrise, and paddleboarders drifting across the turquoise water.

One of the most distinctive features of the island is the Treasure Island Beach Trail—a paved path that runs nearly a mile along the beach. It’s perfect for morning walks, bike rides, or just watching the waves roll in. Palm trees and sea oats line the trail, and beach bars and cafes are never far away.

Speaking of food and drink, Treasure Island has no shortage of laid-back spots to eat and unwind. Think fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and waterfront patios where you can catch the sunset while listening to live music. Favorites like Caddy’s on the Beach and Sloppy Joe’s offer that perfect mix of casual, fun, and beachfront access. No dress code. No stress.

But Treasure Island isn’t just for lounging. It’s also a great place to get on the water. Jet skiing, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours—you name it. The surrounding waterways, including Boca Ciega Bay, are calm and perfect for kayaking or boating. And nearby John’s Pass Village, just over the bridge to Madeira Beach, offers shopping, dining, and more adventure opportunities, all in a boardwalk-style setting.

The island also knows how to keep things fun. Seasonal events like Sanding Ovations, a world-class sand sculpting competition, bring visitors and artists from all over. There are parades, fireworks, and plenty of reasons to celebrate beach life year-round.

Treasure Island manages to balance being welcoming to tourists while staying true to its roots. It doesn’t feel overbuilt or overhyped. It’s still the kind of place where local businesses thrive, where sunsets are the main attraction, and where vacation doesn’t have to mean chaos.

In short, Treasure Island is a reminder of why people fall in love with Florida in the first place—not because of the glitz, but because of the coast, the calm, and the feeling that for a little while, you’ve found exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Thinking of visiting? Viator offers numerous tours in Florida.  Click here for details. vi.me/0yyUX

For more information on wineries, distilleries, and craft breweries in the area visit https://flbwd.com 

The draw bridge at John’s Pass 

Restaurants and boat rentals at the boardwalk at John’s Pass Village

John’s Pass Village boardwalk

Tiki bar boat at John’s Pass