Your Beach

Treasure Island's Beach is more than 3 miles long and several hundred yards wide at points along "Hotel Row".

The Beach Trail runs along approximately a mile of the beach at the beach's widest section. As you walk along the trail the beach and Gulf of Mexico are west of you and a long line of motels and condo/hotels run east of you.

All of Treasure Island's Beach is open to the public and there are several public parking lots situated at convenient points along the length of the beach.

One of the most asked questions by those traveling to Treasure Island is whether or not the beach is "shelly". Treasure Island's beach is made of sand with small shells in the sand. If you are used to walking barefooted then you will have no problem walking on the beach without shoes. If you have sensitive feet then sandals may be your best bet.

Like any public beach, Treasure Island's Beach has rules which have been created to insure your and the beach's safety. Yes, alcohol is allowed on the beach but glass containers are not. Coolers, chairs and umbrellas are also welcomed but dogs are not.

The beach opens at 5am and closes at 1am. No over night camping or sleeping is allowed on the beach.

No this is not Daytona and no cars are not allowed on the beach except for police and vendors.

During the summer months there are sea turtle nests along the beach. They are marked and protected by volunteers. We also need to mention stingrays which can be found close to shore. The are harmless unless you step on one at which time you will be rudely made aware of that fact by being stung by the ray. Simply do what is called "The Stingray Shuffle" while walking in the water. Shuffling your feet announces your presence to the rays and they will harmlessly move out of your way.

Two other pieces of advice, if you hear thunder leave the beach immediately. Unfortunately Treasure Island along will all Florida Beaches have been the location of fatal lightning strikes. Lightning can travel many miles so even if the storm is miles away you are still in danger of being struck.

Also, this isn't Kansas and the sun is at a much more direct angle. It may take only fifteen minutes to suffer a sunburn that will ruin your vacation. Make sure you wear sunscreen and don't try to get that beach bum tan in one day.

Enjoy the beach but remember the beach belongs to everyone so leave it as clean as you found it.