People on beach in Treasure Island Florida

You’ll fall in love with the beaches in Treasure Island. (Photo: Getty Images)

Weekend Getaways

Why You Should Plan a Long Weekend in Treasure Island, Florida

Just 3 miles long, Treasure Island’s wide, white-sand beaches and family-friendly attractions make this one of the top vacation destinations in Florida. While you’re here, you’ll enjoy dining on fresh seafood, arguably some of the best in the entire Gulf of Mexico.

You’ll also come face-to-face with alligators and pirate history — or you can take it easy by renting bikes, boats or surfboards to enjoy the best of this island paradise. Whatever you do, don’t miss the waterfront bars on Sunset Beach for nights filled with live music and tropical drinks.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: See Endemic Wildlife and Enjoy Cocktails at Tiki Bars

Person holding turtle
Learn about the city’s incredible marine wildlife. (Photo: Marriott International)

Foxy’s Café is the perfect warm welcome for your first morning on Treasure Island. This cheery diner offers American comfort food, like biscuits and gravy and chorizo omelets with a side of blueberry pancakes. From Foxy’s, head to Madeira Beach, less than 2 miles away, for adventures at the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center.

Home to more than 180 animals, this wildlife center is host to four species of crocodiles, as well as creatures such as tortoises, lizards, pigs, frogs, tarantulas and the two-toed sloth. During your visit, you can interact with the animals, safely, which is sure to make for an exciting and unforgettable experience for the entire family.

In the afternoon, grab lobster rolls and grouper sandwiches at the nearby Boardwalk Grill before setting sail with the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest, which offers afternoon and evening departures. Live the pirate’s life on the outfit’s bi-level, 46-foot ship, which offers a jam-packed 90-minute tour.

After your pirate adventures, it’s time to enjoy Sunset Beach. Surfboard rentals are available at Suncoast Surf Shop, one of the oldest and longest-running surf shops in Florida. Otherwise, opt for relaxing in the soft white sand.

A beachside evening at Caddy’s, located on Sunset Beach, is unmissable. This longtime local favorite offers sand volleyball, live music and stunning sunset views on the waterfront. And nearby, you’ll find Ka’Tiki, a bar and music venue, and Sea Dog Brew Pub to keep you fed and fueled for a Florida beach party that lasts all night long.

Saturday: Enjoy a Game of Golf or Indulge in a Spa Treatment

Start your morning off with a specialty-roast cappuccino and a Key lime muffin at Coffee Grounds Craft Coffee & Cocktails, a favorite local café that turns into an outdoor cocktail hangout in the evenings.

Next, head to Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis. Constructed in 1976, this full-service public golf course, complete with nine holes and a tennis facility, also plays host to the city’s annual reenactment of the Great Water Pistol Battle of 1901.

Person getting facial at a spa
Enjoy a bit of down time at the spa. (Photo: Marriott International)

For afternoon spa treatments, visit Paradise Spa, a full-spectrum luxury day spa offering massage therapy, facials, body scrubs, a far-infrared sauna and other specialized treatments. After you’re relaxed and pampered, it’s time to eat the best Mexican food on the island at the VIP Lounge. Dine on a cheesy quesadilla or a trio of fish tacos before enjoying some local afternoon shopping.

Grab a few holiday souvenirs for the road at Vine & Grind and the legendary Florida Shell Shop, where you can pick up beautiful specimens without ever having to comb the beach.

For dinner, head to Middle Grounds Grill, an outfit run by a family with lifelong ties to the sea. Here you’ll find a flashy illuminated fish tank along with nautical murals, a full bar, live music and a seafood grill. Start with the Creole egg rolls and Prince Edward Island mussels before enjoying the decadent seafood fusilli or a wet-aged Angus steak with garlic mashed potatoes.

Save room for sundaes, cones, floats or parfaits afterward at the family-owned Shake Shop just up the road.

Sunday: Take a Charter Boat Tour and Enjoy Beachfront Seafood and Drinks

For your final day in Treasure Island, it’s time to head across to visit its big brother, St. Pete Beach. Treat yourself to a pancake breakfast first at La Croisette.

Opened in 1982 by a French couple who fell in love with the area, this tasty eatery continues to offer French specialties like quiche, croissants and crêpes with an American twist. Try the “Croisette Benny,” a slice of quiche Lorraine with home fries or the Florida omelet croissant with avocado, tomatoes, cheddar and sour cream.

Follow Gulf Boulevard to Barracuda Deli Café on St. Pete Beach for to-go sandwiches (the Cuban here is famous for a reason) and head to the docks; it’s time to hit the open sea!

Man fishing on a boat in the ocean
Try your hand at some fishing while in town. (Photo: Getty Images)

Trusty captains Sam Maisano and Joe Maisano have 30 years of experience on local waters, which means Go Fast Fishing Charters, conveniently located at John’s Pass, is your best option for half-day, full-day or extended fishing trips. With Sam and Joe, you’ll get the unforgettable chance to fish for grouper, snapper, amberjack, kingfish, tuna, cobia, hogfish, shark and more.

Next, it’s time to join the party at Sloppy Joe’s. This local mainstay, which has been around for more than a decade, is a whopping 11,000 square feet, complete with spectacular decks to take in your last island sunsets.

Enjoy a big Sloppy Joe’s sandwich with a “Treasure Island Sunset” cocktail (coconut rum, spiced rum, fresh orange and pineapple juices plus a splash of grenadine) at this waterfront gem for your vacation finale. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to join in the infamous local drum circle known to gather on Sunday evenings.