SEE & DO
Find your Treasure
WELCOME TO ISLAND TIME
Sunset Beach isn't a destination you rush through; it's one you settle into. Slip on your sandals and explore everything within reach of our retro Mid-Century motel, from sunset strolls along the shore to easy day trips down the coast.
SUNSETS ON THE SAND
You don't have to go looking for the golden hour here — it comes to you. Sunset Inn sits directly across from the beach, and our property catches the glow. When you want the full show, walk across the street to watch the sky turn orange and pink over the Gulf. Grab a towel, bring your friends, and let the evening do the rest.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: After sunset, stay for stargazing. Sunset Beach's low-key crowds mean the sky stays wide open long after the color fades.
EAT & DRINK LIKE A LOCAL
This stretch of coast punches well above its weight for food. Beachside staples like Caddy's and Ka'Tiki are both within walking distance of Sunset Beach, serving the same easy, sandy-footed vibe they always have. For a quick bite, nearby Mexican street food keeps a speedy, walkable lunch within reach of the Inn. When you're ready to venture toward downtown St. Pete, you'll find everything from casual taco counters to waterfront tapas spots worth dressing up for.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Start at a beachside bar & grill for lunch, then book a table downtown for a proper night out.
WATER & WELLNESS
With the Gulf two minutes away, most days here start and end near the water. Rent a paddleboard or surfboard, join a free beachside yoga class, or book a see-through kayak tour for a different angle on the coastline. Prefer to stay dry-ish? A sunset boat cruise gets you the same view with a drink in hand.
For a bigger water day, head south to Fort De Soto Park and Shell Key Preserve, a boat- or kayak-only barrier island where manatees, dolphins, and roseate spoonbills outnumber people. Pair the two: explore Fort De Soto's beaches and fort ruins, then paddle or ferry over to Shell Key for a stretch of untouched shoreline reachable only by water.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Book a morning paddleboard session, then unwind with an evening sunset cruise. Or make a full day of it with Fort De Soto and Shell Key.
SHOP THE COAST
Treasure Island and the surrounding beaches are full of small, independent finds — boutiques, galleries, and pop-up markets tucked between the sand and the road. A short drive north, John's Pass Village & Boardwalk is open with waterfront shops, charter boats, and the kind of old-Florida fishing-village charm that's hard to find elsewhere. Closer to home, keep an eye out for seasonal local markets featuring food trucks and handmade goods.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Spend a morning browsing John's Pass, then check what local market is running before you head back.
BEYOND THE BEACH
When you're ready to trade sand for shade, the greater St. Pete area has plenty to offer. A short drive inland, Sunken Gardens is a century-old botanical garden tucked into the middle of the city, home to winding paths, flamingos, and some of the oldest tropical plantings in Florida. History buffs can head to the Jungle Prada site, a public waterfront park built around an ancient Tocobaga Indian mound. For art, the Dalí Museum's wave-glassed building is home to the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside Europe.
For something slower-paced, Gulfport is a short drive away — a small, artsy waterfront town with a walkable downtown, galleries, and a laid-back bayfront perfect for an afternoon of wandering.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Plan to split the day in two, with Sunken Gardens in the morning and the Dalí Museum in the afternoon.
DAY TRIPS TO REMEMBER
If you're up for venturing further, Sarasota's Ringling Museum pairs a world-class art collection with the Ringling family's Ca' d'Zan mansion on the bay (the mansion is still mid-restoration from recent hurricanes, so check current tour availability before you go). Heading north instead, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a slice of old Florida roadside charm, with live mermaid shows performed in a crystal-clear spring that's been running since 1947.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Save Ringling or Weeki Wachee for a day when you're jonesing for a farther-out adventure.
Images courtesy of VisitStPeteClearwater.com. Ringling Museum image via Adobe Stock.