Treasure Island vacation rentals

About Treasure Island

Treasure Island got its name from a 1915 land-sales stunt — developers buried and 'discovered' a chest of fake doubloons on the beach — and it's kept the playful spirit ever since. The beach here is unusually wide, up to a quarter-mile of soft white sand at low tide, fronted by a paved trail lined with beach bars and retro motels.

At the south end, Sunset Beach keeps a bohemian, cottagey feel and hosts a beloved Sunday-evening drum circle as the sun drops. Just north over the bridge, John's Pass Village in Madeira Beach packs a working fishing fleet, dolphin cruises, and seafood shacks into a classic boardwalk. Downtown St. Petersburg's museums are 25 minutes away.

Vacation rentals in Treasure Island

Treasure Island vacation rentals lean classic: low-rise beachfront condos, renovated mid-century cottages, and weekly beach houses on the finger islands. Rates are among the friendliest on Florida's Gulf beaches, and many buildings allow three-night stays — rare flexibility for a weekend getaway.

Winter weekends fill with snowbirds and Tampa Bay locals; book spring break and holiday weeks ahead. Sunset Beach offers the most charm; central beach puts the trail and restaurants on foot. Boaters should look at the isles, where many homes include docks with quick access through John's Pass or Blind Pass.

Things to do in Treasure Island

• Walk the beach trail at sunset and join the Sunday drum circle at Sunset Beach
• Explore John's Pass Village — dolphin cruises, pirate ship, and fresh grouper
• Fish the Gulf with a half-day charter from the Pass
• Beach-hop north to Madeira Beach or south to St. Pete Beach
• Visit the Dalí Museum and St. Petersburg's waterfront, 25 minutes away
• Catch the sand-sculpting and kite festivals on the winter calendar

Families, couples, and beach traditionalists

Treasure Island is for travelers who want the classic American beach week: wide sand, a beachfront rental with a pool, mini golf, and sunset rituals — with a world-class arts city and two airports in easy reach. It's unfussy, friendly, and excellent value.