True to its name, Treasure Island is a treasure trove of stunning attractions and beautiful wildlife.
It is blessed with many natural wonders, including the beautiful beaches along its entire shoreline.
Its population is relatively small, making it one of the less crowded tourist attractions to visit.
There’s a charming and quirky story behind Treasure Island’s name.
It’s said that several businessmen and property owners buried wooden chests filled with gold underneath the shores and then pretended to discover these items later to boost property sales.
Today, Treasure Island is known to be one of Florida’s most popular cities.
Want to know what lies in store for you on this magical island?
These are the best things to do in Treasure Island, Florida:
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Situated near Gulfport and St. Petersburg is the beautiful Boca Ciega Bay.
It has various fun activities that you can enjoy, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and more.
The bay itself is an aquatic preserve and is home to many endemic varieties of fish and other sea life.
There is a mangrove shoreline around it, making it a wildlife hotspot.
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Boca Ciega Bay’s sandy beaches are also great for some relaxation.
The special attraction here is the 35-foot wooden observation tower built on the bay, which provides a scenic postcard view of the entire water body.
Boca Ciega Bay is also one of the prominent sights you’ll see while walking the Florida Birding Trail.
There is an abundance of wildlife and sea life, such as oysters, alongside natural vegetation like corals and seagrass.
With a beach located next to it, the Sunset Vista Trailhead Park is the perfect spot for relaxing and catching up with nature.
Some manatees and dolphins swim wonderfully close to the shore.
You can observe these beautiful creatures while sitting back and enjoying the views.
Sunset Vista Trailhead Park is situated by one of the lesser-known beaches on the island, which is a lot less crowded than others.
It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax.
The sunsets here are breathtaking, so make sure that you visit this spot in time to see it.
This fantastic spa located on Treasure Island lives up to its name.
It is undeniably luxurious and abounds with various features, such as massages, hydrotherapy, and more.
Infrared treatments are also available, including sauna sessions, body massages, and body wraps.
The scrubs and various massage creams used here are of the highest quality and have powerful and pleasant aromas.
Combine your treatment of choice with soft lighting and peaceful music, and you have the recipe for the perfect spa experience.
After a tiring day of exploring Treasure Island’s tourist destinations, this spa offers the perfect ending to calm your frayed nerves.
Since it’s a coastal location, Treasure Island is one of the best places to have some excellent seafood.
Middle Grounds Grill offers one of the freshest dishes cooked in delectable spices.
Their menu items are all delicious and prepared by great chefs.
For those who are not very keen on seafood, there are various other options available as well.
However, if you do love fish, lobsters, and crabs, then visit this place to taste some outstanding dishes.
Middle Grounds Grill is a family-friendly restaurant with a great setup and stylish state-of-the-art seating.
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Treasure Island Drum Circle is one of the island’s weekly traditions.
This event is a gathering of drummers and other artists as a way to celebrate freedom and unity while at the beach.
The event is also a meeting of diverse people in one place.
So, bring your family and friends to listen to live music, meet new people, and create tunes of your own.
One of its events includes sand sculpting contests, so watch out for that.
Treasure Island Drum Circle is an admissions-free event every Sunday on Gulf Boulevard.
It’s a celebration unlike any other!
The Florida Shell Shop is your one-stop shop for all things sea-related.
As the name suggests, this shop features a broad range of seashells and seashell supplies.
Since 1995, it has been selling varied seashells not only within the local beaches of Florida but also throughout the whole world.
Alongside seashells and other related souvenirs, it also has books, necklaces, and other mementos that you can gift to yourself or a loved one.
The Florida Shell Shop is on Gulf Boulevard if you care for a visit.
You haven’t truly completed the Treasure Island experience without a stop at Bucky Big Pirate of Treasure Island.
This statue served as the mascot of the island.
Standing at 20 feet tall, it’s an eye-catcher for sure.
It depicts a cartoonish pirate brandishing a sword and a wooden leg.
On his other foot lay a closed treasure chest with the island’s name inscribed on its lid.
Many come by this statue for a fun photo to commemorate the island visit.
The mascot had a paint makeover in 2022, so when you come by, he’s looking good as new!
You can find Bucky Big Pirate of Treasure Island on Park Place.
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Get ready to let your spirit soar at Treasure Island Kite Festival.
This annual event happens every January.
Every year, Treasure Island Beach hosts this well-anticipated event and promises a fun time for everyone joining.
Among its programs include kite ballet performances, ground displays, and, of course, kite flying!
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There will also be kite stunt lessons.
And the best part is you can join for free!
Be part of the celebration at Treasure Island Kite Festival on Gulf Boulevard, right behind Thunderbird Beach Resort.
Looking for a peaceful spot away from the bustle of downtown and public beaches?
Treasure Island Beach Trail may just be what you’re looking for.
This paved trail, originally built in 1966, is one of the hidden jewels of the island.
Running parallel to the Gulf of Mexico, it features a beach wall that’s considered turtle-friendly.
It acts as both a hiking and biking trail.
Treasure Island Beach Trail is a romantic spot with stunning sunset views you shouldn’t miss out on.
To get to the trailhead of this route, head over to Gulf Front Park on 104th Avenue.
Its other end is on 119th Avenue.
What about live music seven days a week alongside a delicious pub-style menu and a full-service bar?
At Ka’Tiki, you get to listen to different music genres all week while you’re munching on its delicious wings, BLT, cheeseburgers, and more.
Established in 1982, the tiki bar is where the locals and tourists take refuge, especially after a long day.
Enjoy its cold beers and delicious Bloody Marys with amazing views and the smell of the ocean!
And while enjoying your cold beer, you can also play at the pool table for added entertainment.
Wait until dark for the live music!
Ka’Tiki is located off W Gulf Boulevard.
Traveling doesn’t have to damper your fitness goals.
Regardless of your reasons why you have to exercise regularly, Treasure Island Athletic Club got your back—perhaps, literally!
This is the go-to spot for traveling gym rats who can’t let a day pass without working out.
The gym features clean and modern amenities like weights, machines, and more equipment to use for fitness with friendly instructors.
What makes Treasure Island Athletic Club more inviting is its location by the beach, making it easier for you to work out.
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Located in the southernmost part of Treasure Island, Sunset Beach is one of the city’s three main beaches.
It’s a residential beachfront neighborhood where you can enjoy the stunning vistas of the Gulf of Mexico with a gorgeous Treasure Island sunset.
Here, you’ll see vibrant Key West-style homes and mid-century fisherman cottages.
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Across the southern end of the beach, you can see Blind Pass straight from Upham Beach in St. Pete Beach.
Sunset Beach is where you can experience the bohemian-inspired themes of the beachfront bars.
Enjoy walking barefoot on the white sand and breathe some fresh air!
Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cold house-brewed local craft beers would be a nice treat for yourself at Sea Dog Brewing, where good times and great friendships happen!
Its selection of handcrafted beers is brewed in its main location in Maine using imported British top-fermenting yeast and English two-row malted barley.
Also, customers are raving about its blueberry beer, which you don’t want to miss out on!
Apart from its cold beers, you can also try its beer-infused specialty cocktails.
If you plan to stay longer, grab dinner and have a taste of its mouthwatering seafood dishes like grouper, shrimp & grits, and more.
Sea Dog Brewing is located off Gulf Boulevard.
From December to April, Treasure Island Friday Morning Market opens to the public, where you can buy local products; a great way to support local businesses.
There are interesting products you can find here by local farmers and artisans, including handcrafted jewelry, fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal food, and many more.
Many vendors and farmers gather here to showcase their products, and you may even take some home for yourself and for your loved ones.
There’s also live music to listen to while you’re browsing through these beautiful local finds.
You can find Treasure Island Friday Morning Market at the Community Center Park on 104 Avenue.
This winery is located in South Pasadena, just seven minutes away from Treasure Island.
It’s one of the most prominent wineries in the region and is primarily known for its exquisite wines made with various organic and tropical fruits.
The best part is you get an unadulterated taste.
They also claim that their wines are not blended products and that the grapevines and other fruits are used directly from natural sources.
A pretty little gift shop is also located on-site, where you can buy some wines to take back home and give to family and friends.
A 30-minute drive away from Treasure Island, Dunedin Golf Club caters to golfers of all levels of expertise.
The grounds are spread over a sprawling and large area filled with lush green lawns.
There are various levels inside the grounds, depending on whether you are a beginner or an amateur.
You will definitely love golfing on Dunedin Golf Club’s course, which was designed by the great architect Donald Ross.
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Housing the works of the great artist Salvador Dali, this uniquely shaped museum had some even more unique artworks on display.
The building itself is made with an out-of-the-box pattern and various glass formations.
Originally from Spain, Salvador Dali was known worldwide for his different and eccentric take on art.
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The Salvador Dali Museum is one of the most famous and well-known museums to house his works.
It’s located in St. Petersburg, 20 minutes away from Treasure Island.
Other attractions like a labyrinth, a spiral staircase, and more are located in and around the museum.
You can join a guided tour of the museum so as not to miss anything on your visit.
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Located in the downtown part of St. Petersburg, the Mahaffey Theater is just 20 minutes away from Treasure Island.
This beautiful theater hosts various shows throughout the year, from concerts and plays to theater and standups.
There’s a variety of different shows for you to choose from.
Among its main attractions are performances by the Florida orchestra.
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If you are a music lover, don’t miss out on a chance to attend one of their shows.
This venue has been entertaining people since its inception in 1965 and has since come a long way after hosting various artists.
What makes it very popular is that the seating is well-maintained and appropriately placed so that everyone who attends gets the perfect view.
It remains one of the major hotspots to enjoy live entertainment.
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Spread over a magnificent area of around 4 acres, the Sunken Gardens are the perfect place to walk around and enjoy peace amid nature.
This attraction is found in St. Petersburg, just a 20-minute drive away from Treasures Island.
The gardens house many beautiful plants, with 30,000 species located on-site.
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The Orchid Arbor and limestone formations are some of the gardens’ extraordinary attractions.
There’s also the Botanical Garden, which is over 100 years old and houses various plant species.
Children love the wishing well located near the paved walkway.
Different exotic bird species love visiting or migrating to this area, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
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Located in St. Petersburg, Tropicana Field is one of the best and biggest baseball venues.
The stadium is the home of the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball.
Inside the stadium, you’ll also find a museum called the Ted Williams Museum, along with the Hitters Hall of Fame, where various famous players have been honored.
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Another quirky feature of this venue is a water tank where 30 living rays are kept.
You are welcome to check them out and even feed them.
Guided tours are available, and you can book them in advance.
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This museum in downtown St. Petersburg houses fine-quality art pieces that have been preserved and collected over the years.
It is frequented by art lovers from all over.
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With rotating artworks on display alongside the permanent exhibits, there is a wide variety of art pieces that you can look at.
Among its special attractions are the sculpture garden and the Steuben glass exhibition.
There is also a cafe where you can have a cup of coffee and enjoy some live music.
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St. Petersburg’s vast Weedon Island Preserve boasts many different hiking trails, natural vegetation, and stunning landscapes.
Its special features include the mangrove forests and the tidal areas where hiking can be quite difficult but fun.
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A wide array of outdoor activities such as kayaking, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching can be enjoyed here.
There is also a cultural and natural history center that houses many exhibits.
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Regular kayaking is already exciting, but it’s a whole other experience to ride along the water on a glass kayak.
See Through Adventure Rentals offers special boats designed in a way that lets you enjoy kayaking while observing aquatic life, combining the best of both worlds.
You can look at all the beautiful creatures living beneath the sea through the glass panes without getting wet.
The rental service is located in St. Petersburg, just 20 minutes away from Treasure Island.
Discovery centers are always fun to visit, especially if you’re going with kids.
Take your children on a fun educational tour to see various wildlife species.
The Alligator and Wildlife Discovery‘s main attraction is the alligators, but there are a variety of other animals like snakes, lizards, spiders, pigs, and sloths.
You can feed the baby alligators or even handle the bigger ones with your own hands.
Aquatic life is abundant in this preservation center, including species like stingrays and starfish.
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Located in St. Pete Beach, Upham Beach Park is one of many stunning beach parks around Treasure Island.
It’s only five minutes away from the city.
With an extremely long coastline, it’s a great place to enjoy some shell hunting with your kids and collect souvenirs to take back home.
The water is a stunning mix of azure and turquoise.
Take a refreshing swim in these blue waters.
Afterward, sit back and enjoy a beautiful sunset with your family.
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Any trip is incomplete without shopping.
Situated five minutes away from Treasure Island, John’s Pass in Madeira Beach is the perfect spot to shop.
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This fishing village is known to have various types of stores like thrift shops and other places perfect for souvenir shopping.
The boardwalk is very broad, and you may even spot dolphins and manatees as you cross it.
End your shopping spree by dining at one of the many locally-owned restaurants situated here.
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Want to do something exciting and unique on Treasure Island?
Treasure Island has a four-story-tall water slide, one of the primary attractions for the entire family.
If you’re searching for an incredible place to take pictures or have a good time, this is it.
On a gorgeous beach, there are public bathrooms and beach toy rentals.
For those who like shell picking, the beach presents many opportunities.
Even if you’ve heard about the stress-relieving effects of yoga, just think how much better it is when you’re practicing it on the sand with the sound of the surf lapping at your feet.
Caddy’s on the Beach has a particular beach area that provides yoga several times weekly.
Stay for the sunset and the live music at the famous BBQ after your workout session.
Breakfast, lunch, and supper are all served here.
You may also take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico while dining at this waterfront restaurant.
Treasure Island’s Pass is one of the island’s most unusual attractions.
Take a ride on the parasail to observe the neighborhood from a new perspective for a new perspective.
There are both solo and tandem parasailing options available with the trip operator.
You’ll be able to take in all of Treasure Island’s sights and noises.
In addition, it’s a terrific opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the sun and the ocean.
Parasailing the Pass also offers boat cruises to see dolphins and other marine life.
A variety of pricing options are available.
What a fantastic way to spend a day for thrill-seekers on Treasure Island!
This nine-hole municipal golf course debuted in 1976 on Treasure Island, Florida.
It is 905 yards from the longest tees at Treasure Bay.
The course has two sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all abilities.
Tennis, footgolf, and pickleball facilities are also available.
In addition to that, it has a variety of additional amenities located in a semi-tropical park with views of Boca Ciega Bay.
This is a breathtaking area to spend a few hours relaxing.
Attend the annual Sanding Ovations event to see Treasure Island’s beach transform into a sculpture playground.
In 1985, Florida was the site of the most enormous sandcastle ever built.
Fifteen years later, Treasure Island was designated as Florida’s Sand Sculpture Capital by Governor Jeb Bush.
Because of this, an annual exhibition and competition for sand sculpture, called Sanding Ovations, was started in 2009.
People from across the globe travel to Treasure Island to see skilled sand artists at work creating awe-inspiring sculptures.
Food, alcohol, and arts and crafts vendors may stretch out across the sands.
You may also witness colorful kites and night fliers.
During the festivity, catch the night sky as it lights up with fireworks and enjoy the music of touring bands.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family with small children; Treasure Island, Florida’s attractions and activities will meet your needs and preferences.
Make sure to experience these fantastic attractions while you’re here!
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