Are you looking for the best things to do in Treasure Island, Florida?
With white sugar sand beaches, sparkling waters, and postcard-worthy sunsets, Treasure Island surely lives up to its name.
But there’s no need to go digging up things to do Treasure Island Florida. The Florida Hipster Blog has beach you to it!
I have uncovered all the hidden gems for you to discover with this treasure trove of the 10 best things to do in Treasure Island, Florida.
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Things to Do in Treasure Island at a Glance:
- Come out and see world-class sculptors transform the beach into a fantasyland of life-size sand creations during the Sanding Ovations free event
- Go on a swashbuckling adventure mini putting your way through 18 holes of excitement that even has live alligators at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
- Watch as the water comes to life all around you in an LED-illuminated glass bottom kayak
- Get up close and personal to surrendered and orphaned rescues and see over 250 animals including a sloth at the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center
Keep reading for the full guide on my favorite and best things to do in Treasure Island, Florida.
1. Glass Bottom Tours
Paddling across the waters under the twinkle of Florida’s skies is one treasured moment you will surely keep for a lifetime.
It’s perfect for all ages!
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do on Treasure Island
The glass bottom kayak is illuminated by its LED light to unfold the magic that lies beneath. The water comes to life all around you, lit up to watch its performance.
Just wait until it’s time for the fish feeding, it will leave you feeling fin-tastic!
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2. Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center
It’s not just gators that you are about to come face to face with at Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center. From fish, coral, snakes, turtles, and lizards it’s all there!
Explore the aquarium and gator rooms, mammal and lizard rooms, and even a sloth room. Oh my!
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
The Hands-on Adventures lets you safely get up close and personal with these surrendered and orphaned rescues who now call this loving place home.
It’s your rare opportunity to meet over 250 of Florida’s unique and exotic creatures and some not-so-local!
Be sure to have your phone fully charged because there are a ton of photo opportunities that don’t come around every day. This is one of the best things to do in Treasure Island for kids and adults where everyone will learn a little something and have fun while doing it.
They are open all week long from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with pricing as low as $10 for children from 3 to 12 years of age. Adults from 13 years of age to 59 have a $15 entrance fee while seniors 60 years of age and up and military are only $11.
3. John’s Pass Village
Take a break from the busy beach and enjoy the Florida way of life. Sunshine, turquoise waters, and the smell of salty air. It’s what Florida is all about.
Boardwalk strolls and dolphin watching, it is a little piece of paradise to escape into.
Take a stroll down memory lane and have a little fun in the souvenir shops feeling the old-school vibes of Florida.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
The turn-of-the-century fishing village is full of unique shops waterfront restaurants and bars.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a day out of retail and ice cream therapy.
4. Sanding Ovations
This 2024 festival brings back all the nostalgia of those long summer days at the shore. Of sand castles and fairy tales, where it just felt good to be a kid.
These life-size sand creations transform the beach into a fantasyland of treasures through the hands of world-class sculptors.
Plus, Florida Governor Jeb Bush proclaimed Treasure Island as the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida in 2001.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
Fireworks, beer gardens, arts, and craft markets. Bringing magic to the air is a fun few days at the beach.
You know this has got to be one of the best things to do in Treasure Island when they are running two weekends in a row for 2024. This year for 2024 it is scheduled to be held from November 21st until the 24th and extending until November 30th and December 1st, 2024, with a theme around “It’s About Time”
Best of all it is one of the best free things to do in Treasure Island as it is open to the public for all to enjoy.
5. Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest takes you out to watch these playful puppies in the waters of Boca Ciego Bay.
These curious creatures dance and play through the waters as you feel the freedom of the water all around you.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
Other than that, it’s a flippin’ good time to be out with the dolphins in their own backyard.
It is also surprisingly affordable for such an unforgettable thing to do in Treasure Island with infants free and adults under $30 per person. You can´t go wrong at that price and the crew is super knowledgeable and making it a fun experience for all.
They guarantee you will see these water acrobats or it’s free for your next trip!
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6. Royal Conquest Pirate Ship
Batten down the hatches and aboard one of the most realistic pirate ships becoming an honorary pirate.
You can’t visit Treasure Island and not do something pirate-themed; you would have to walk the plank for that crime!
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
Join in all you want, put on a patch, or just sit back and watch all the swashbuckling entertainment while taking in the majestic beauty of Treasure Island, Florida.
You’ll be happy to know that Included in the price is all you drink beer, wine, soda, and water.
Setting sail up to four times a day you can easily add this to your list of things to do in Treasure Island. It’s a true friend and family fun day out on the pirate waters but be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins!
7. Florida Orange Groves Winery
Open all week long, it’s wine o’clock every day of the week.
Stop in for a sample and tasting or stay for a tour and find out why this winery is three generations old.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
As Florida’s original tropical fruit winery, they now have over 43 different varieties.
Award-winning Key Lime and Mango Mama… find yourself on cloud wine with all the choices.
8. Treasure Island Boat Rentals
If you have a boat license then cruising out onto the calm waters is one of the best things to do in Treasure Island, Florida.
These pontoon boat rentals are just the right size to bring the family or your closest friends for a bit of tranquility out on the water.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
Rentals come with a cooler so you can pack for a day out in the sun or stay shady under the Bimini top.
It’s a day of high tides and good vibes. Let the waterways lead you to the wildlife of Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve or make your way to John’s Pass’s legendary waterfront.
Be your own captain and uncover your own treasured spots to drop anchor.
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9. Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf
A little birdie told me Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf is open 365 days a year rain or shine.
Putt your way through caves and waterfalls, and a pirate ship you are in Treasure Island after all!
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
Alligators! Alligators! Alligators! Oh, did I mention there are live alligators?
Grab one of their cane fishing poles and get ready to feed some alligators…not one but there are up to 30 just waiting for their tasty treats.
On top of all that, not that live alligators weren´t enough they offer free parking making this one of the best things to do in Treasure Island that isn´t just a good time but offers savings as well.
10. Fly-N-High Waverunner and Parasailing
Soaring up in the skies and parasailing above Treasure Island gives you a true bird’s eye view of why it’s a little piece of paradise.
Or maybe it’s a need for a little bit of speed and the jet-skis are calling your name.
Why This is One of the Best Things to Do in Treasure Island
Everyone needs to feel the fun of being out on the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Up to 3 people can ride out on the jet skis and wave runners so no one needs to be left on shore! It’s an adventure for all, and they can even accommodate the little ones.
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My Final Thoughts on Visiting Treasure Island, Florida
With so many things to do in Treasure Island, Florida, it is a place where summer never ends.
So, grab your sunscreen and sea you at the beach!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
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About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
(Original Article Date: December 22, 2022/Updated by Editor on March 15, 2024)