Treasure Island
Treasure Island, FL
Treasure Island runs a wide stretch of Gulf sand between St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach, with a lineup of mid-rise resorts rather than the high-rise towers found further north. Sunset Beach, the quieter residential section at the island's south end, is technically part of the same town and shares its parking system.
A wide, reliable beach with resort amenities close by, though the no pets rule and hourly parking fees add up compared to some quieter neighbors.
How we score beachesCity lots run 5 dollars an hour on weekdays and 5.50 on weekends, but Sunset Beach's side streets cost a dollar more per hour, worth knowing before parking there specifically to save the walk. Pay through the ParkMobile app or by text rather than hunting for a meter.
City-owned lots run 5 dollars an hour weekdays, 5.50 weekends; Sunset Beach side streets run a dollar more per hour.
Public access points have short, flat paths from the lots to the sand.
Dogs aren't allowed at public beach access points, including at Sunset Beach.
Winter and spring bring the mildest weather and the biggest snowbird crowds to this stretch of the Gulf coast. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, bring the warmest water and afternoon storms.
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