The Journal
Guides to the Gulf Coast, from people who live here
Where to go, what to do and how to plan the perfect Florida beach vacation — written by the local SEASALT team.
Things to Do in Treasure Island, Florida — A Local's Guide
Beyond three miles of sugar-white sand: how to spend a perfect few days in Treasure Island, from sunset paddles to John's Pass.
Read the guide →
DestinationsSunset Beach vs. Treasure Island: Which Should You Stay On?
They share an island — but the vibe is different. Here's how to choose between quiet Sunset Beach and lively Treasure Island.
Read more →
ExperiencesTop Things to Do in Downtown St. Petersburg (Dalí, Murals & the Pier)
Twenty minutes from the sand sits one of Florida's most creative small cities. Here's how to spend a day in downtown St. Pete.
Read more →
ExperiencesJohn's Pass Village & Boardwalk: The Complete Visitor's Guide
The Gulf Coast's most popular waterfront village — seafood, shopping, dolphin cruises and sunsets, all on one boardwalk.
Read more →
ExperiencesDolphin Watching Near Madeira Beach: Tours, Tips & Best Times
Wild dolphins are a near-daily sight on this coast. Here's how, where and when to see them.
Read more →ExperiencesWhere to Watch the Best Sunsets on Florida's Gulf Coast
On this coast the sunset is the nightly headline. Here are the best places to catch it.
Read more →
ExperiencesWhere to Eat: Best Restaurants & Beach Bars Near Treasure Island
Fresh-off-the-boat grouper, waterfront bars and live music — a local's take on eating well on the Gulf.
Read more →
ExperiencesFishing on the Gulf Coast: Charters, Piers & What You'll Catch
From grouper offshore to snook off the dock — a guide to fishing the waters around Treasure Island and Madeira Beach.
Read more →
PlanningThe Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Guide to the Gulf Coast
Calm water, wide sand and space to spread out — why the Tampa Bay beaches are made for family trips, and how to plan one.
Read more →
PlanningPet-Friendly Beach Vacations on Florida's Gulf Coast
Bringing the dog? Here's how to plan a Gulf Coast trip your whole family — four-legged members included — will love.
Read more →TipsWhat to Pack for a Gulf Coast Beach Vacation (Checklist)
A simple, no-stress packing list for a Florida beach trip — plus what you can leave at home.
Read more →
BookingBooking Direct vs. Airbnb & Vrbo: Why Booking Your Beach House Direct Is Cheaper
The same home can cost more on the big platforms. Here's what those service fees are — and how booking direct saves you money.
Read more →
PlanningA Perfect Weekend on St. Pete Beach: A 3-Day Itinerary
Beach, sunsets, seafood and a dose of city culture — how to make the most of three days on the Gulf.
Read more →
PlanningGroup & Wedding Getaways: The Best Large Beach Homes on the Gulf Coast
Gathering the whole crew? Here's how to plan a group or wedding trip in a large Gulf Coast beach home.
Read more →
PlanningThe Best Time to Visit Treasure Island (From Someone Who Lives Here)
Every season on Treasure Island has a personality. Here's the honest, month-by-month truth from a local — including the stretch I'd quietly avoid.
Read more →DestinationsTreasure Island vs. St. Pete Beach: Where a Local Would Stay
They're neighbors, but they have very different personalities. Here's how I'd choose between Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach — depending on your trip.
Read more →PlanningDo You Need a Car on Treasure Island? An Honest Local Answer
Rideshare, the beach trolley, or your own rental? Here's how getting around really works out here — and when you'll wish you had a car.
Read more →TipsRed Tide on the Gulf Coast: What It Is and When to Worry
It sounds scary and it's often misunderstood. Here's a straight, local explanation of red tide — what it is, how to check, and how it usually affects a beach trip.
Read more →
ExperiencesShelling on Treasure Island: What You'll Actually Find
Our beaches aren't a secret shell mecca — but if you know when and where to look, you'll fill a pocket. A local's honest shelling guide.
Read more →ExperiencesWhere to See Manatees near Treasure Island
Yes, we have manatees — gentle, slow and genuinely magical to watch. Here's when and where a local goes looking for them.
Read more →
TipsWhat to Do on a Rainy Day on the Gulf Coast
A passing storm doesn't have to sink your day. Here's how a local trades the beach for art, culture and good food until the sun's back out.
Read more →
ExperiencesWhere Locals Drink: Beach Bars on Treasure Island & Sunset Beach
Toes in the sand, a cold drink and live music at sunset. Here are the laid-back beach bars I actually send friends to.
Read more →
PlanningFrom Tampa Airport to Treasure Island: What I Tell Friends
Which airport, how long the drive really takes, and whether to rent a car — the exact advice I give friends flying in.
Read more →PlanningWintering on the Gulf Coast: A Snowbird's Local Guide
Trading snow for sunshine for a month or a season? Here's what winter is really like on Treasure Island — from someone who watches the snowbirds arrive every year.
Read more →Your Gulf Coast escape starts here
Check live availability and book your beach home directly with SEASALT — instant confirmation, best-rate guarantee.
Browse all vacation rentals