Treasure Island, Florida got its name from an early hotel owner who buried and then "discovered" a couple of wooden chests on the beach. The hotelier claimed that the chests were filled with "treasure." News of the discovery spread quickly and people began calling the area Treasure Island. The name stuck.
The main draw for today’s visitors is not buried treasure, but the town’s three miles of white, sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Go swimming, shelling, sunning, snorkeling, parasailing and more, or simply walk the beach and take in a memorable sunset.
Head to what's touted as the "world's longest waterfront bar," Gators Cafe & Saloon, to catch the sunset. This multi-level entertainment hub has everything from a tasting room to a tiki lounge, and it's accessible by boat.
Treasure Island boasts a number of hotels, restaurants and attractions. Accommodations here cater to all price ranges, and numerous beach bistros offer great places to relax. A couple accommodation options: Surf Beach Resort features two-bedroom condos with all the comforts of home in a location to die for near the beach and boardwalk. The Treasure Bay Resort & Marina, with its dreamy vistas over Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is another highly rated hotel within walking distance of the restaurants and bars that make up the heart of the town. And Treasure Island Beach Resort, opened in 2016, sports rooms that all have views of the gulf waters.