The Spanish explorer Panilio de Narvaez may not have found the gold he was searching for when he visited Treasure Island in 1528, but, according to weekenders who have been coming to this charming coastal town since 1900, it’s still earned the title of “the treasure of the Gulf Coast.” With its miles of white sandy beaches and convenient proximity to the Tampa Bay metro area, Treasure Island is a perfect vacation spot. Visitors can split their time between the relaxed pace of the island and the bustle of major tourist attractions in nearby St. Petersburg or Orlando.

Treasure Island’s tropical climate guarantees that visitors will find sunshine and a refreshing Gulf Breeze here year-round. Although temperatures can reach as high as 85° F to 90° F in the summer months, the degree of humidity intensifies the heat. June to September is also Treasure Island’s wet season with frequent thunderstorms. The humidity remains lowest from November to March, when temperatures dip to temperate lows between 54° F and 56° F.

Visitors who want to fill their days with active outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking at the area’s many state parks, may wish to visit during the winter months to avoid the oppressive humidity. But those seeking to soak up rays on the beach will want to visit during Treasure Island’s tropical summers. For vacationers interested in Treasure Island’s laid back atmosphere, the summer may not be the best time to visit. A tiny population of 7,000 calls this coastal getaway its permanent home, but, during the summer, more than 15,000 tourists flock to the community.