Treasure Island FAQs

Family-friendly and full of vintage appeal, Treasure Island is best known for its wide beaches, mom-and-pop hotels, and colorful events. The barrier island community has over three miles of beachfront, so you don’t have to go far for your own stretch of heavenly sand or the perfect spot to watch a sunset. Here's your guide to essential information when visiting Treasure Island.

How do I get to Treasure Island?

With three different bridges attaching Treasure Island to other communities, getting here is easy. From St. Pete, all you need to do is stay westbound on Central Avenue until you cross over the Treasure Island Causeway, where the road turns into 107th Avenue before it dead-ends in front of the Bilmar Beach Resort. From the north, scenic John’s Pass connects Treasure Island to Madeira Beach. From the South, Blind Pass will get you to here from St. Pete Beach.

What are the top things to do in Treasure Island?

Whatever your beach style, Treasure Island has you covered. The water here is shallow and calm. Paddleboards are available to rent, as are cabanas that offer a generous amount of shade and a table for food and drink. This is a very popular beach to walk and run, both on the sand and along a pedestrian walkway lining the middle stretch of the island. Many events take place in the sand – including a drum circle every Sunday behind the Bilmar Beach Resort. Of course, sunsets are spectacular from any vantage point along Treasure Island’s beach.

What are the best beaches in Treasure Island?

The middle stretch of Treasure Island is where you’ll find the widest beaches, many amenities, and nearby restaurants and bars. To the south, Sunset Beach is laid back and something of a local secret (albeit one with parking and amenities). Sunshine Beach to the north has great views of John’s Pass (but limited amenities).

Where can I park to go to the beach in Treasure Island?

There is plenty of public parking for Treasure Island beaches, most of it paid via the ParkMobile app or by credit card.

The City of St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at 112th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard offers dozens of paid parking spaces.

The Gulf Front Lot sits on the beach at the intersection of 104th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard. If this lot is full, many more parking spots line Park Place between 105th and 106th avenues (near the Treasure Island Community Center).

For Sunset Beach there are two lots: the Ring-Billed Gull Parking Lot at 80th Terrace and West Gulf Boulevard and, directly to the south, at Sunset Beach Pavilion. If these are full, there may be some street parking in the neighborhood – but be mindful of parking regulations and of the locals who live there.

See more beach parking info and tips.

What are the best beach bars in Treasure Island?

Treasure Island’s most beloved beach bars include Ka’Tiki, a favorite local spot featuring live music just across West Gulf Boulevard. A stone’s throw away, you’ll find the flagship location of legendary beach bar and restaurant Caddy’s Treasure Island. Sloppy Joe’s further to the north is also an excellent beach bar option. See more of St. Pete/Clearwater’s best beach bars.

Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Treasure Island?

Alcoholic beverages are permitted on Treasure Island’s beach, provided they are not contained in glass (which is not allowed on the beach) or large vessels such as a keg. The exceptions to this are the stretches of beach directly to the north and south of Caddy’s: No alcohol is allowed on the beach between the 8500 block and the 9900 block of Treasure Island Beach between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Which beaches in Treasure Islands are accessible?

All beach parking lots offer accessible parking spots. Those with limited mobility can use the mobi-mats near the Gulf Front Parking Lot to get near the water. See more in the Guide to Accessible Beaches in St. Pete/Clearwater.

Which Treasure Island beaches have amenities?

For the most amenities, head to City of St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at 112th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard or the beach adjacent to the Gulf Front Parking Lot. Both have bathrooms, showers, and nearby food and drink options. The latter has equipment rentals. Sunset Beach has bathrooms, water fountains, and paddleboard rentals.

What are the best restaurants in Treasure Island?

Locals will visit Treasure Island just to savor the delectable Mexican fare at the unassuming VIP Lounge. Sea Dog Brewing Co. offers good pub fare and amazing views. For a casual spot heavy on the seafood, head to Sloppy Joe’s. If it’s date night, Middle Grounds Grill is your best bet for a refined vibe and a menu full of fresh-caught seafood. See more dining options in Treasure Island.

What is the weather like in Treasure Island?

In fall and spring, warm temperatures and abundant sunshine make Treasure Island irresistible. In summer, the temperature climbs but is somewhat tempered by beach breezes and sporadic showers. In winter, the temperature is mild and breezy, with occasional morning fog. See more information on average Gulf water and air temperatures in our Beaches FAQs page.

What are the top events in Treasure Island?

Sanding Ovations is an event in November that showcases the world’s top sand sculptors and their otherworldly, larger-than-life creations. It runs over two weekends and features live music, vendors, food, and more. There is also the Treasure Island Sport Kite Competition & Festival in the fall that showcases massive kites – some as big as a truck. Every December, locals deck out their boats with thousands of twinkling bulbs for the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. The Treasure Island Friday Morning Market takes place weekly near the community center and the Sunday drum circle starts in late afternoon and lasts until an hour after sunset. See all events in St. Pete/Clearwater.

What are some family-friendly activities in Treasure Island?

In addition to splashing in the gentle Gulf water and building sandcastles, Treasure Island’s kid-friendly options include giant inflatable waterslides behind the Gulf Front Lot, which are a blast for kids and kids at heart. There’s also a playground at the Sunset Beach Pavilion and another at the City of St. Petersburg Municipal Beach at 112th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard. See more information on family vacations in St. Pete/Clearwater.

Is Treasure Island pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly?

Though Gulf Boulevard is busy, there are multiple lighted crosswalks for pedestrians to cross the street safely. Sidewalks line both sides of the road, as do bike lanes. There is also a wide pedestrian path for a roughly mile-long stretch of the beach between the Gulf Front Lot and 119th Avenue.

Is Treasure Island dog-friendly?

While non-service dogs are not allowed on most of Treasure Island’s beachfront, there is a sliver of beach on the southeastern tip of Treasure Island where dogs can get their paws wet. Many restaurants that offer outdoor seating allow dogs, including Sloppy Joe’s and, of course, Sea Dog Brewing Co., so inquire ahead of time. See more information on pet-friendly travel in St. Pete/Clearwater.