Nestled on the southern tip of Treasure Island in St. Petersburg, Sunset Beach is one of the west coast’s premier LGBT beaches. However, the neighborhood welcomes the guests of all lifestyles so feel free to come in any case. The beach boasts a very friendly atmosphere, quiet and relaxing. This place is less busy than the other beaches in the area and you can even get the feel of being on a remote island without actually being on a remote island.
Location and Access
The beach is located at 9000 W. Gulf Boulevard on Treasure Island. There are a few metered parking lots along the way with an average cost of $2 per hour so parking isn’t going to be a problem. One of the parking lots is just a few feet from the beach – choose it if you have a lot of stuff to carry. At night, there are more free parking areas.
Facilities
Sunset Beach has public restrooms, showers, drink vending machines, food concessions to get some snacks, and a nice picnic area. There is also a children’s playground and a short boardwalk around the beach.
Sand and Water
The beach is relatively narrow – not like the central part of Treasure Island. The sand is white, soft and doesn’t stick too much to skin, or beach stuff, or clothes. There are many shells in it. The clear, turquoise water is very inviting. There are rocky areas, so water shoes are recommended.
Spectacular Sunsets
Being a fancy spot for watching sunsets, Sunset Beach absolutely lives up to its name. The area itself is scenic already and it’s a great bonus that you can catch a gorgeous view of the sun setting down into the Gulf of Mexico. Just set up a beach chair, relax, and enjoy the best view in the district.
Special Events
In October, the International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival takes place at Sunset Beach. In June, you can participate in St. Pete Pride (Tampa Bay’s LGBT Pride Celebration).
Driving Time
- 40 minutes from Tampa, FL
- 2 hours from Fort Myers, FL
- 2 hours 10 minutes from Orlando, FL
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.
Beaches nearby
Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Sunset Beach (St. Petersburg) which you can visit:
- Upham Beach Park (1 mile)
- St. Pete Beach (3 miles)
- Madeira Public Beach (4 miles)
- Pass-a-Grille Beach (4 miles)
- North Beach (Fort De Soto Park) (8 miles)