Discover
Treasure Island
White sand beaches, Gulf sunsets, waterfront dining, and endless adventures — all right outside your door on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Begin exploringThe Beach & Water
Treasure Island's three miles of white quartz sand and calm Gulf waters are just steps from Tropic Terrace. Beyond the beach, a world of water adventures awaits.
Treasure Island Beach
Tropic Terrace sits directly on Treasure Island's famous white sand beach — consistently ranked among Florida's best. The gentle, warm Gulf waters are perfect for swimming, wading, and shell hunting. The wide, uncrowded shoreline offers plenty of space to relax, and the sunsets here are legendary. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent right on the sand.
Parasailing
Soar hundreds of feet above the Gulf with breathtaking views of the barrier islands, Boca Ciega Bay, and the sparkling turquoise waters below. Several operators offer single, tandem, and triple flights — safe and exhilarating for all ages.
Jet Ski Tours
Guided jet ski adventures through the intracoastal waterway and out into the Gulf of Mexico. High-speed rides, dolphin sightings, and scenic views of the barrier islands make this one of Treasure Island's most popular activities.
Dolphin & Boat Tours
Dolphin watching cruises, sunset sails, and shelling tours depart daily from John's Pass and nearby marinas. The calm intracoastal waters are home to playful bottlenose dolphins year-round. Intimate boat tours offer respectful, up-close encounters.
Fishing Charters
Head into the rich fishing grounds of the Gulf of Mexico with experienced captains from John's Pass. Half-day and full-day charters available — all equipment provided. Common catches include grouper, snapper, kingfish, and tarpon. Pier fishing is also available.
Kayak & Paddleboard
Explore the calm waters of Boca Ciega Bay by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Guided dolphin kayak tours let you paddle alongside dolphins in their natural habitat. Rentals available from multiple outfitters near the resort.
Sunset Celebrations
Treasure Island's Gulf-facing position makes it one of the best sunset-watching spots in Florida. Watch the sun drop into the water right from your suite's balcony, or head to a beachfront bar like Caddy's or Sloppy Joe's for drinks with a show.
Where to Eat
From beachfront bars to Gulf-to-table dining, Treasure Island delivers an incredible food scene. Many of these are walking distance from Tropic Terrace.
Middle Grounds Grill
Named by Florida Trend Magazine as a "Top 500" restaurant, Middle Grounds Grill is Treasure Island's premier dining destination. Founded by a family with lifelong ties to the sea, their chefs prepare the finest in steak, pasta, and seafood cuisine. Creative dishes like Asian-infused scallops, grilled honey ginger glazed salmon, and herb-crusted pork tenderloin are carefully prepared with the freshest ingredients. A short walk from Tropic Terrace.
On Treasure Island
Sloppy Joe's on the Beach
Beachfront · AmericanIconic beachfront bar directly on the sand with spectacular Gulf views. Signature grouper sandwiches, Key West chicken tacos, and tropical drinks. Live music and legendary sunsets.
Ricky T's Bar & Grille
American · Live MusicA Treasure Island institution serving elevated comfort fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Live music, sports TV, and a loyal local following. Walking distance from Tropic Terrace.
Caddy's Treasure Island
Waterfront · CasualThe original Caddy's — toes-in-the-sand dining on Sunset Beach with burgers, seafood, frozen drinks, and live music. The most fun you'll have at a restaurant on the Gulf.
Ka'Tiki Beach Bar
Beach Bar · Since 1982A beloved locals' beach bar since 1982. Cold drinks, $3 cheeseburgers, live reggae and jazz on the sand. The most authentic old-Florida tiki bar you'll find. 21+ venue.
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Brewpub · SeafoodBeachside brewpub with a 20-barrel brewhouse crafting house-brewed beers and seltzers. Lobster mac & cheese, fish tacos, and an open-air waterfront patio with daily live music.
VIP Mexican
Mexican · LandmarkA Treasure Island landmark since the 1970s. Mouthwatering margaritas, tacos, enchiladas, and familiar Mexican dishes in a vibrant, colorful cantina setting with Gulf views.
Britt's Coal Fire Pizza
Coal-Fired Pizza · ItalianHomemade pizza, pasta, and subs made fresh daily. The coal-fired crust gives their pies a distinctive char and flavor. A family favorite on Gulf Blvd.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee · Cafe · CocktailsOutdoor cocktail bar and coffee shop serving Kahwa coffee, plus breakfast, lunch, and light dinner. A short walk from Tropic Terrace — right next to Middle Grounds Grill.
Nearby Beaches & St. Petersburg
The Frog Pond
Breakfast · St. Pete Beach · 12 minLegendary since 1982 for massive omelets, scratch-made Hollandaise, house-made jam, and banana bread. Open 7:30 AM–1:40 PM daily. Arrive early on weekends — the line is part of the experience.
RumFish Grill
Floribbean · St. Pete Beach · 10 minDine beside a 33,500-gallon aquarium at the TradeWinds Resort. Gulf-to-table seafood and sizzling steaks with tropical flair. A unique experience you won't find anywhere else.
Maritana at The Don CeSar
Fine Dining · St. Pete Beach · 15 minAward-winning restaurant inside the iconic "Pink Palace" hotel. Sophisticated seasonal menus, wine pairings, and an elegant atmosphere. The special-occasion spot on the beaches.
Fortu
Modern Asian · St. Petersburg · 25 minMICHELIN Guide-recognized. Bold Pan-Asian dishes with meticulously sourced ingredients, creative craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list in downtown St. Pete.
Il Ritorno
Modern Italian · St. Petersburg · 25 minMICHELIN Guide-recognized. Chef David Benstock's creative twist on Italian with fresh seasonal ingredients in a rustic-industrial downtown setting. Outstanding pasta and wine program.
Parkshore Grill
Modern American · St. Petersburg · 25 minThe most-awarded restaurant on Beach Drive. Chef-driven seasonal menus, polished service, and Wine Spectator awards. Excellent for brunch or dinner overlooking the waterfront park.
Publix
Grocery · Deli · 3 minFull supermarket just minutes from Tropic Terrace with groceries, a quality deli, bakery, and pharmacy. Perfect for stocking your suite's kitchen — their Pub Subs are a Florida institution.
John's Pass Village
Just one mile north of Tropic Terrace, John's Pass Village & Boardwalk is a quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village with over 100 merchants, waterfront restaurants, the local fishing fleet, and endless fun on the water.
The Village & Boardwalk
Created by a hurricane in 1848 and named after pirate John Levique, John's Pass is now Pinellas County's #1 tourist attraction. The boardwalk stretches along the intracoastal waterway lined with unique shops, restaurants, and charter boats. Browse the Wild Time Caribbean Trading Company for Florida souvenirs, discover coastal-inspired jewelry at Landing Company, sample wines at the Florida Winery, or pick up authentic Cuban cigars at Cuban Paradise Cigar & Cafe. For sweets, hit Kilwins for house-made fudge or Sip & Scoop for ice cream sundaes.
Hubbard's Friendly Fisherman
A John's Pass institution since 1978, serving fresh seafood and Florida favorites with scenic waterfront views. Watch the fishing boats come and go while enjoying fresh-off-the-boat grouper, shrimp, and crab.
Sculley's Seafood
Located in the heart of the historic fishing village, Sculley's serves fresh catches in a casual waterfront setting. A local favorite for fried shrimp baskets and fish tacos with a cold beer.
Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill
Casual fare with a side of live music and ocean views. A vibrant spot on the boardwalk perfect for afternoon drinks and watching the boats pass through the channel.
Hubbard's Marina
Award-winning fishing charters — named best in America four times. Deep-sea fishing trips, dolphin watching tours, sunset cruises, and overnight offshore adventures all depart from John's Pass.
Eagle Parasail
Parasailing with a 30-year safety record, accommodating ages 5 to 95. Soar above the Gulf with panoramic views of Treasure Island, the barrier islands, and the open water. Single, tandem, and triple flights available.
Shops & Boutiques
Nearly 20 unique specialty shops line the boardwalk. From Florida souvenirs and beach gear to fine jewelry and handmade crafts. Don't miss Walt'z Fish Shack for the freshest catch — their menu changes daily based on what's just off the boat.
Nearby Towns
Some of the Tampa Bay area's most charming destinations are a short drive from Tropic Terrace. Each has its own personality, dining scene, and attractions worth exploring.
St. Pete Beach
The vibrant beach town just south of Treasure Island, home to the iconic Don CeSar Hotel (the "Pink Palace"), excellent dining along Gulf Blvd, and the charming historic village of Pass-a-Grille at the southern tip — one of the most authentic old-Florida beach communities you'll find.
Madeira Beach
Home to John's Pass Village, Madeira Beach is a laid-back Gulf community just north of Treasure Island. Beyond the village, the beach here is quieter and less crowded — perfect for a peaceful morning walk along the shore.
St. Petersburg
Tampa Bay's cultural gem — home to The Dali Museum, the stunning St. Pete Pier, the vibrant murals district, Sunken Gardens, and a world-class food and craft beer scene. Walk the waterfront, explore the arts, and dine at places like The Mill or Red Mesa Cantina.
Gulfport
A charming, artsy waterfront village on Boca Ciega Bay. Independent boutiques, galleries, and cafes line Beach Boulevard. Don't miss the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market and the eclectic local dining scene. A wonderful alternative to the busier beach towns.
Pass-a-Grille
At the southern tip of the barrier island chain, Pass-a-Grille is a tiny, unspoiled beach community with historic cottages, the Paradise Grille on the beach, and some of the best shelling on the Gulf Coast. One of the last authentic old-Florida beach villages.
Indian Rocks Beach
A quiet, laid-back Gulf beach community north of Madeira Beach. Known for its uncrowded shoreline, excellent restaurants like Guppy's and Keegan's Seafood Grille, and a genuine small-town Florida feel. A local favourite for a peaceful beach day away from the crowds.
Clearwater Beach
Consistently ranked among America's best beaches, Clearwater Beach features sugar-white sand and turquoise Gulf waters. Visit the iconic Pier 60 for the nightly sunset celebration with street performers, explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and dine at beachfront spots like Frenchy's.
Dunedin
A charming Scottish-heritage town packed with craft breweries, independent cafes, and excellent dining. Visit Dunedin Brewery (Florida's oldest microbrewery), explore the shops on Main Street, and cycle the Pinellas Trail that passes right through town. Honeymoon Island State Park is just minutes away.
Tampa
The bay area's biggest city offers Armature Works (trendy food hall), the historic Ybor City district, world-class dining at Bern's Steak House, and pro sports — Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium and Lightning at Amalie Arena.
Local Attractions
From world-class museums to nature preserves and spring training baseball, the area around Treasure Island has plenty to keep you busy between beach days.
The Dali Museum
Houses the largest collection of Salvador Dali's work outside Spain, in a stunning modern building on the St. Petersburg waterfront. The avant-garde architecture alone is worth the visit. Interactive exhibits and a beautiful waterfront garden.
St. Pete Pier
A stunning modern pier with restaurants, shops, a rooftop bar, splash pad, playground, and panoramic views of Tampa Bay. The perfect half-day outing — grab lunch, explore the exhibits, and watch the pelicans dive.
Sunken Gardens
A lush botanical paradise in St. Petersburg with over 50,000 tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, and exotic birds. One of the oldest roadside attractions in Florida, dating back to 1903. A serene escape from the beach.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Famous worldwide as the home of Winter the dolphin from the Dolphin Tale movies. A marine rescue centre with interactive exhibits, sea turtle rehabilitation, and up-close encounters with rescued marine animals.
Fort De Soto Park
A pristine 1,136-acre park spread across five interconnected islands. Features award-winning beaches, a historic fort, kayak trails through mangroves, excellent birding, fishing piers, and some of the best camping in Florida.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
An 18-hole mini golf course with live alligators, caves, waterfalls, and a pirate ship. One of the most unique mini golf experiences in Florida — fun for all ages. Open 9 AM to 11 PM daily, just 8 minutes north in Madeira Beach.
Spring Training Baseball
The Tampa Bay area is spring training country. The Phillies train at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, the Rays play at Tropicana Field in St. Pete, and the Yankees are in nearby Tampa. Intimate stadiums, affordable tickets.
Day Trips
Florida's biggest theme parks and most unique natural attractions are all within driving distance. Plan a day trip and come home to the beach.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
World-class roller coasters, an African-themed zoo with exotic wildlife, and spectacular live shows. One of Florida's best theme parks — closer than you'd think from Treasure Island.
The Florida Aquarium
Marine life exhibits, touch tanks, and a living coral reef in Tampa's Channel District. Interactive experiences for all ages, including wild dolphin cruises departing from the aquarium dock.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
A top-rated family-friendly zoo featuring exotic animals, interactive exhibits, and fun rides. Known for conservation efforts and a wide range of animal encounters from manatees to African elephants.
Disney World Orlando
The ultimate family destination with four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. An easy day trip or overnight from Treasure Island.
Universal Studios Florida
Movie-themed rides, immersive worlds including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and thrilling attractions for all ages. Easily combinable with Islands of Adventure for a full day.
SeaWorld Orlando
Marine animal shows, roller coasters, and interactive exhibits focused on ocean conservation and education. A family favourite combining thrills with marine life encounters.
Weeki Wachee Springs
One of Florida's most magical natural attractions — famous for live mermaid shows performed underwater in crystal-clear spring waters since 1947. Enjoy kayaking, swimming, and a water park in this unique state park.
Interactive Map
Explore all the places in this guide. Click any pin for details and approximate drive times from Tropic Terrace.
Local Tips
Insider notes to help you make the most of your Treasure Island vacation.
Getting Around
Gulf Blvd is the main road through the barrier islands. Most restaurants and John's Pass are within a short drive or bike ride. For St. Pete and Tampa, a car is recommended. Uber and Lyft operate throughout the area.
Best Time to Visit
Treasure Island enjoys sunshine year-round. Peak season (December–April) brings the best weather and biggest crowds. Summer is hot with afternoon thunderstorms but fewer tourists and lower rates.
Beach Tips
The beach is free and public. Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The white quartz sand stays cool compared to other beaches. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent right on the sand in front of the resort.
Sunset Spots
Your suite balcony has a front-row seat. For drinks with a view, try Caddy's, Sloppy Joe's, or Ka'Tiki. On the weekends, the beach itself fills with sunset watchers — it's a nightly community event.
Airports
Tampa International (TPA) is 30 minutes away and the most convenient. St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) is 25 minutes and serves budget airlines like Allegiant. Orlando (MCO) is 1.5 hours.
Dining Tips
Middle Grounds Grill is the island's best dinner — book ahead on weekends. Ricky T's and Sloppy Joe's are great for casual meals. Stock your kitchen at the nearby Publix — their subs are a Florida institution.
Fishing
Deep-sea charters depart from John's Pass daily — half-day trips are great for families. The intracoastal waterway behind the resort is excellent for pier and kayak fishing. No saltwater fishing license needed from a licensed charter.
Dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted right from the beach, especially early morning and late afternoon. Boat tours from John's Pass offer the best encounters — the intracoastal is a regular feeding ground.