The Family Reunion Guide to Treasure Island
A family retreat headquartered at Treasure Island Beach Resort puts you within striking distance of John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach, museums in St. Pete, and Busch Gardens in Tampa.
When it comes to family reunion locations, there’s nothing like being headquartered at just the right spot, with pleasant temperatures in the 70s, plenty of sights, delicious dining options, and even some adrenaline thrills. That makes Treasure Island a treasure among loved ones looking to get together for an overdue family retreat.
Where to Stay
Surrounded by the white sandy beaches of St. Petersburg, Treasure Island Beach Resort has 77 spacious suites (many with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Gulf of Mexico) ideal for families. Discover large, wraparound balconies and many different sleeping arrangements, allowing kids to bunk together after a day of classic Treasure Island activities, like building sandcastles on the beach.
Strolling John’s Pass Village Boardwalk
More than 100 shops, restaurants, and attractions on Madeira Beach make John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk one of the best destinations for families looking for a variety of things to do. Grandma and Grandpa can taste some of the offerings crafted with citrus at The Florida Winery, while the grandchildren and parents can embark on a two-hour cruise filled with face painting, pirate stories, limbo contests, and water gun fights on the Pirate Ship at John’s Pass. Then, all can meet back up at reggae-colored Walt’s Fish Shak on the east end of John’s Pass for a lunch of grouper sandwiches and yucca fries.
Discovering Dolphins at Hubbard’s Marina
There just might be a family Instagram contest after heading out on the 54-foot Big Blue Boat, which tours upper Boca Ciega Bay and guarantees dolphin sightings. The narrated tours are 90 minutes long and run at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. daily in the spring and summer, and 11 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; reservations are recommended.
Stepping into the Past at Fort De Soto Park
Every age of visitor will find something fascinating at Fort De Soto Park, a 1,136-acre system of five interconnected keys that protects Florida’s natural ecosystems and has more than 328 species of birds. Fort De Soto’s history, however, is one of the main attractions here, as the land was host to the Tocobaga Indians from 1,000 AD to 1,500 AD before luring Spanish explorers and Union troops who built fortifications during the Civil War.
Riding Cobra’s Curse at Busch Gardens
Envision a 30,000-pound Snake King who was said to rule the Earth and sky long ago and a 70-foot vertical lift that takes you within inches of its three-foot-wide eyes and four-foot-long fangs. Called Cobra’s Curse, this family roller coaster snakes 40 miles per hour down a 2,100-foot track during a three-and-a-half-minute ride. Squeamish ones can stay on the ground, examining the 400-cubic-foot snake exhibit.
Exploring Downtown St. Petersburg
A cosmopolitan city bustling with culture, nature, and history on the water’s edge, St. Pete promises a memorable day for the entire clan. Marvel at the Chihuly Collection, a permanent exhibit of glassblowing artist Dale Chihuly’s work in a 10,000-square-foot space across from the Morean Arts Center, and find more captivating sights at the Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Kicking Back at BRGR Kitchen & Bar
How does a Diablo-dusted bison burger with smoked cheddar, caramelized onions, bacon jam, arugula, and toasted brioche sound to the family? Or perhaps the house luau shrimp salad bowl? Either way, every palate is sure to find pleasure at BRGR Kitchen & Bar, which caters to extended families with a menu that ranges from fresh agave margaritas to key lime pie.
