The Perfect Largo, FL Getaway — Why Savvy Travelers Are Skipping the Crowded Beaches

Florida's Gulf Coast is one of the most visited destinations in the country — which means the best-known beaches can get crowded, the popular areas can feel touristy, and finding a truly peaceful place to land isn't always easy. But savvy travelers know that the real gems are often just a few miles off the beaten path. Enter: Largo, Florida — and one of our favorite little hideaways, Funshine Flamingo's Nest.

Your private patio welcomes you the moment you arrive — a peaceful little corner of Largo that's entirely yours. 🦩

Treasure Island vs. St. Pete Beach: Which Florida Gulf Coast Destination is Right for You?

Sunset Beach, Treasure Island — wide, uncrowded, and one of Florida's best-kept secrets. (Taken right across the street from Funshine Sunset Beach.)

Planning a Gulf Coast Florida vacation and can't decide between Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach? You're not alone — it's one of the most common questions we hear from guests. Both are gorgeous, sun-soaked barrier islands on Tampa Bay's doorstep, but they have distinct personalities. Here's your honest, locals-perspective guide to help you choose.

Pack Your Trail Shoes AND Your Beach Towel: The Best State Parks Near Treasure Island, FL

 

Sunset on Fort De Soto

 

This post started with a question from a guest staying at Funshine Pointe Capri who wanted to know where to go to experience Florida's natural side beyond the beach. I had so much to share that a quick text wasn't going to cut it — so I wrote it all up, printed it out, and added it to the in-condo guidebook. Now it's here on the blog too, because if one guest was wondering, plenty more probably are! Treasure Island is famous for its gorgeous Gulf beaches — and you could spend your entire vacation with your toes in the sand and leave perfectly happy. But if you're the kind of traveler who loves to explore beyond the shoreline, you are in serious luck. Some of Florida's most beautiful state parks and nature preserves are right in our backyard, and as a local who has spent years exploring them, I can tell you firsthand — they are absolutely worth a detour. Pack your trail shoes AND your beach towel, because some of these parks give you both.

Trouble in Paradise

Our dogs Jazzy & Daxie did not enjoy the storm.

✨ Update, March 2026: We're thrilled to report that both properties are back open and welcoming guests! Funshine Pointe Capri has been fully restored and operating since January 2025. Funshine Sunset Beach is also back — the unit itself is beautifully restored, though the building's pool was lost to Helene and the first floor units are still being rebuilt. Construction on the first floor is nearly complete and we're hopeful everything will be wrapped up by end of May 2026. The beach, the sunsets, and the free parking are all very much intact. 😊 Read on for the story of how we got here.

 

It’s been a tough few days to be a resident in Florida. We've been watching the devastation unfold before our eyes in person, on TV and the internet, and it's widespread. First, I want to stress that Evan and I are OK, our families are OK, and our pups were oblivious to everything except the lack of air conditioning and the scary winds. Our power came back on at 6 a.m., and the house is finally cooling off. I am so thankful to all the family, friends, and former guests who reached out to check on us, so I wanted to post an update on how things are going with Funshine Properties. Please keep in mind that we don’t know a lot right now, but here’s where we stand as of the morning of September 28th.

Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Treasure Island, FL

 

Even a stormy Gulf Coast day has its own kind of drama — and the perfect excuse to explore everything Treasure Island has to offer beyond the beach.

Treasure Island is known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, but even paradise gets a rainy day now and then. Don't let a little weather put a damper on your vacation — there's plenty to do! Here at Funshine Getaway, our guests are always asking for local tips, so we put together this updated guide to the best rainy day activities in and around Treasure Island.