Located on the west coast of Florida and originally settled by the Timacuan Indians, Treasure Island is part of the Tampa Bay region. In the early twentieth century some enterprising businessmen envisioned the area as a tourist destination. They "buried" and "discovered" boxes of "treasure," creating both a buzz and a new vacation area.
Enjoy Treasure Island, Florida's three miles of white sandy beaches. Rent jet skis and other watercraft for an action-filled day on the ocean. Charter a boat, hire a captain and try your luck at fishing in the gulf. Go parasailing to gain a unique aerial perspective. For a more relaxing day, rent a beach chair and umbrella, relax in the sun, swim in the surf or simply walk along the shore or the mile-long Treasure Island Beach Trail. Ride the beach trolley, which has several stations, if the sun and the distance become taxing. Remember to bring sunscreen to protect your skin and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. View the evening sunset, a Treasure Island ritual, from your seat at one of the restaurants along the shore.
Visit nearby Ybor City, one of the only two of Florida's National Historic Landmark Districts. The area has seen many immigrants since the late 1800s. This is evident in the Cuban, Italian and Colombian influences in architecture, cuisine and historical buildings. The area has been known as Tampa's Latin Quarter for over a century. Watch a hand-rolled cigar being made and buy one for your pleasure or as a souvenir. Relax and savor a coffee at a café. Enjoy people watching, galleries and unique shops. Stay for the nightlife and visit the nightclubs and bars to hear a wide variety of music ranging from Latin to jazz to reggae to hip-hop.
Golf and tennis are offered at the city-owned Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis located at 10315 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island. A nine-hole par three golf course and clay tennis courts are available for play. Baseball fans will want to head to Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, to see the area's professional baseball team, the Tampa Bay Rays, play spring training or regular season games. Fans of American football can catch a professional Tampa Bay Buccaneers game or summer training session at the Raymond James Stadium located at One Buccaneer Place, Tampa Bay. Be on the lookout for the other kind of football at Raymond James Stadium, where professional soccer matches are sometimes held.
