Sunset Beach Surf Spot & Cam Guide
Treasure Island, Florida · Gulf Coast
Sunset Beach in Treasure Island is a Gulf beach break, one of the more reliable peaks in the Pinellas lineup thanks to its exposure, though it is still flat most days. It suits beginners and all levels, needs a strong W/SW wind, cold front, or tropical system, and works on all tide stages, staying uncrowded even when it is on.
| Day | Surf | Wind | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 7/24 | ankle to knee (1.8 ft) | 12 mph NW | Poor |
| Sat 7/25 | flat (0.9 ft) | 13 mph WNW | Flat |
| Sun 7/26 | ankle to knee (1.6 ft) | 15 mph WNW | Poor |
| Mon 7/27 | knee to waist (2.6 ft) | 16 mph W | Marginal |
| Tue 7/28 | ankle to knee (1.8 ft) | 15 mph WSW | Poor |
| Wed 7/29 | knee to waist (2.6 ft) | 16 mph WSW | Marginal |
| Thu 7/30 | knee to waist (2.6 ft) | 19 mph WSW | Marginal |
Days 8 to 15 are a lower confidence outlook. Data by Open-Meteo.com, refreshed every 2 hours.
How It Breaks
Sunset Beach sits on Treasure Island's exposed stretch of the Pinellas Gulf coast, and that exposure makes it one of the more reliable peaks in the local lineup, though reliable is relative on the Gulf, it is still flat most of the time. When a strong W/SW wind, a cold front, or a tropical system pushes through, it turns into a good first stop for beginners and all levels, and it stays uncrowded even on the days it is working.
Best Conditions
Best with a strong W/SW wind, cold front, or tropical system building swell and light E/NE offshore wind cleaning it up. Unlike most of the Gulf spots nearby, it works across all tide stages, so timing the tide matters less here. Winter fronts and hurricane season are the seasons to watch, and even on a good day expect rip currents, shallow sandbars, boat traffic near the pass, and stingrays.
Cam and Know Before You Go
Watch the live cam at EarthCam before you head out. Know the flags and rip currents before paddling out, watch the inlet current and boat traffic near the pass, and shuffle your feet for stingrays.
Parking and Local Tips
Parking is limited, free or metered, and it fills fast, so get there early. The local read is that the bend at Sunset Beach is one of the better Tampa-area catchers on W/NW front swells, small but a known quantity among Pinellas regulars, worth checking any time a front is forecast.
Gear and the Shop
Sunset Beach is a haul from the nearest Island Water Sports store, so use our locations page to plan the trip, or shop online before you go. Soft-tops, surfboards, winter wetsuits, leashes, wax and traction, fins, ding repair, and board bags ship from islandwatersports.com.
Gear for Sunset Beach (Treasure Island)
FAQ
Is Sunset Beach a consistent surf spot?
It is one of the more reliable peaks in the Pinellas lineup thanks to its exposure, but it is still flat most of the time. It needs a strong W/SW wind, cold front, or tropical system.
What tide is best at Sunset Beach?
All tide stages work here, which sets it apart from most nearby Gulf spots that need a specific tide.
Is Sunset Beach crowded when it breaks?
No, it stays uncrowded even when it is working, a rarity for a spot that is a good first stop on a windy day.
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