Getting Around

One of the most common questions we get from guests is: "Do I need to rent a car?" The honest answer is — it depends on what you want to do. If your plan is mostly beach, food, and sunsets, you can absolutely get by without one. If you want to explore downtown St. Pete, day trip to Dunedin, or hit multiple beaches in a week, having a car gives you a lot more freedom. Here's a breakdown of all your options so you can decide what works best for your trip.

🚶 On Foot

Guests at both Funshine Pointe Capri and Funshine Sunset Beach can walk to the beach — Pointe Capri is just 2 blocks away, and Sunset Beach is literally right across the street. Restaurants, a convenience store, and the beach trail are all within easy walking distance of both properties. For a relaxed, low-key beach vacation, you may not need anything more than your own two feet.

🚲 Bikes & E-Bikes — Mad Beach Paddle Sports

This is one of my favorite options for guests who want to explore without a car. Mad Beach Paddle Sports at 11165 Gulf Blvd (right next to the Waffle House) rents bikes, e-bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and SUPs. They offer weekly bike rentals too — perfect if you want wheels for your whole stay without paying daily rates. Both Funshine Pointe Capri and Funshine Sunset Beach have dedicated bike racks on site, so you can lock up safely between rides. The Treasure Island Beach Trail runs right along the Gulf and connects you to shops, restaurants, and the water in both directions. Say hi to Chewy the dock dog while you're there! 🐶

🚌 Free Beach Ride

Free Beach Ride is a free shuttle service connecting the beach communities — Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and beyond. It's especially handy for evenings out when you don't want to worry about parking or driving, and it's a lifesaver for events at John's Pass where parking can get expensive and scarce. Call them or use their app for easy pickup. The ride is free but tipping your driver is very much appreciated — and the right thing to do! 😊

🚕 Uber & Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach area. I always recommend checking both apps before booking — rates can vary and you'll often find a meaningful difference. For evening trips into downtown St. Pete, rideshare is usually the most practical option since parking downtown can be tricky and expensive.

🚌 SunRunner Bus

The SunRunner is a great option for getting to downtown St. Petersburg without a car. It runs in its own dedicated lane, making it fast and reliable, and connects St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island all the way to the St. Pete waterfront. At just $2.25 per ride with a $5 daily maximum, it's incredibly affordable. Completely cashless — just tap any credit card to ride. Check the map on their website for the stop nearest your property.

🚃 Suncoast Beach Trolley

The Suncoast Beach Trolley runs up the length of the beach communities in Pinellas County — from St. Pete Beach all the way up to Clearwater Beach. It's a fun, affordable way to explore different beaches and beach towns without driving. Check their website for the current schedule and stops.

🚗 Helpful Driving Distances

If you do have a car — or are deciding whether to rent one — here's a rough guide to how far things are from Treasure Island:

John's Pass Village (Madeira Beach) — 10 minutes
Downtown St. Petersburg — 25 minutes
Clearwater Beach — 30 minutes
Dunedin — 35 minutes
Tampa International Airport — 35 minutes
Tampa & Ybor City — 45 minutes

Having a car really opens up the whole Tampa Bay area — world-class restaurants, museums, day trips, and more are all within easy reach.

🌴 Make Funshine Getaway Your Home Base

No matter how you choose to get around, the best Gulf Coast adventures start with a great place to come home to. At Funshine Getaway, our Treasure Island and Largo properties are thoughtfully positioned to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible — whether you're car-free and beach-bound or road-tripping across the whole Tampa Bay area. Book direct at funshinegetaway.com for the best rates and a host who genuinely loves helping guests make the most of this area. Questions? Call or text Nancy at (813) 810-8574 — we'd love to help you plan your perfect trip.