From the John's Pass Bridge to Sunset Beach, Treasure Island offers a lot for the active traveler, from low-impact walking on the beach to stand-up paddleboarding. This small beach city on the west coast of Florida caters to vacationers, and with a plethora of activities to choose from, you'll have no problem finding the perfect way to keep moving while you're recharging your batteries on vacation. Some of the activities are free, while others have a fee, so no matter your budget you're certain to find a perfect fit.
Walking and Running on the Beach
Treasure Island has a beach trail, but the real pleasure in running the beach is the three-mile stretch of packed sand that runs the length of the city. Runners and walkers may find the shoreline less congested in the early morning or after sunset, and during the warmer months the other parts of the day may be prohibitive to runners.
If you want to get in touch with a running club, St. Pete Road Runners meets every month and has a group that runs just south of Treasure Island. The club charges a nominal fee.
Kayaking
Paddlers have two options when getting out on the water: bay or beach. Boca Ciega Bay, on the east side of the city, is calm and shallow. Beach paddles are also shallow although currents are stronger and the Gulf beaches have more swimmers and boat traffic.
For either paddle, any kayak will do--no need for rockers or sea kayaks. If you don't want to bring your kayaks with you, you can rent one from long-time outfitter, Kayak Nature. This company will deliver kayak rentals to your hotel or launch site and can suggest places to put in. Rentals include kayak, paddle, and PFD.
Biking
The beaches have bike lanes, but why bother when you've got all that smooth packed sand just calling your name? Treasure Island has three miles of beach, but you can alternate using the beach and the bike lanes for all 22 miles of coastline in Pinellas County. There are only three points where cyclists will need to get on Gulf Boulevard, the road that runs the length of the county: south of Treasure Island at Blind Pass, north of Treasure Island at John's Pass, and even father north of the Island at Clearwater Pass.
Beach bikes have fatter tires better suited to the sand, so you may want to leave your high-performance bike at home and look into renting one on the beach. Dolphin Marine Rentals and similar companies rent bikes by the half-day, day, or week.
Swimming
The Gulf of Mexico generally has few waves, making swimming ideal. Although you may be tempted to swim on the east side of Treasure Island in Boca Ciega Bay, resist. Boat traffic makes this a riskier proposition than swimming in the designated swim zones off the beach on the island's west side.
If you'd rather swim in a pool, the city of St. Pete Beach, the next town south and accessible by car or the Suncoast Beach Trolley, has a swimming pool that you can use for a small fee. If you're lucky enough to own property in Treasure Island or have an address there, which you can prove by with a bill or car registration, you'll enjoy resident rates at the city pool.
Paddleboarding
Several companies along Treasure Island sell paddleboards, and new rentals popped up in late 2009 and early 2010. If you want to try stand up paddleboarding, or if you're already a fan, consider the calm waters of Boca Ciega Bay a good starting point. The Gulf offers a bit more of a challenge. If you're looking for a guided trip, Kayak Nature offers guided trips on paddleboard. This company got its start renting kayaks, so if you have members of your traveling party that are nervous about paddleboarding, they can opt for a kayak while you go for the full-body workout of paddleboarding.
Member Comments