You’re standing on the sugar-fine sand of St. Pete Beach. To your left, a massive inflatable slide towers over the shoreline. To your right, people are sipping cocktails inside a beach bar that feels like it’s been there since the dawn of Florida tourism. Most people call it "TradeWinds," but if you're actually trying to book a room, you'll realize pretty quickly it’s not just one place. It’s a massive, sprawling complex divided into the Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort.
It’s confusing.
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Honestly, the biggest mistake travelers make is thinking these two properties are identical just because they share a beachfront. They don't. While you get "stay at one, play at both" privileges, the vibe shifts significantly once you cross the property line. The Island Grand is the classic, sprawling centerpiece with the winding paddleboat canals and the massive buffet breakfast at Gulf Food and Company. RumFish is smaller, a bit more modern, and revolves entirely around that famous 33,500-gallon aquarium featured on Animal Planet’s Tanked.
The Reality of the TradeWinds Resort St Pete Footprint
Let’s talk scale. We are talking about 40 acres of prime Gulf-front real estate. If you have kids, you are probably going to spend 90% of your time at the Island Grand. Why? Because that’s where the High Tide Slide lives. It’s a three-story inflatable monster that has become the unofficial landmark of the resort.
But here is the catch that nobody tells you until you’re checking in: the resort fee is mandatory and it’s steep. In 2024 and 2025, guests have noted that while the fee covers "unlimited" rides on the slide and the floating water park, you are still paying for the convenience. Is it worth it? If your kids use the slide ten times a day, yes. If you’re a couple looking for a quiet romantic getaway, you might feel like you’re subsidizing everyone else's cannonballs.
The layout is a bit of a maze. The Island Grand has these unique paddleboat waterways that snake through the property. You can actually grab a boat and pedal around, looking at the swans and the greenery. It feels very "Old Florida," which is a refreshing break from the high-rise glass boxes being built further up the coast in Clearwater.
Where to Eat Without Leaving the Sand
You have to eat at RumFish Grill at least once. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the massive tank. You can actually book a "Swim with the Fishes" experience there, which sounds like a line from a mob movie but is actually a pretty cool snorkeling session inside the restaurant’s aquarium. You’ll see red drum, nurse sharks, and moray eels while people eat their blackened grouper on the other side of the glass. It’s a bit surreal.
For a more casual vibe, the Flying Bridge is built over the water at the Island Grand. It’s breezy. It’s loud. The fish tacos are solid, but you’re really there for the view of the sunset.
Speaking of sunsets, don’t sleep on the SandBar. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a bar on the sand. There is something fundamentally "Florida" about sitting in a plastic chair with your toes in the dirt, watching the sky turn purple while a guy with an acoustic guitar plays a slightly off-key version of a Jimmy Buffett song. It’s not five-star luxury, but it is exactly what a beach vacation should feel like.
The Hidden Perks of the Resort Fee
People complain about resort fees—I do too—but TradeWinds actually puts a lot into theirs. Most resorts give you "complimentary" Wi-Fi and call it a day. Here, the fee covers:
- Beach cabanas (this is huge; usually these cost $50+ a day elsewhere)
- The High Tide Slide
- The Surf WipeOut simulator
- Paddleboats and mini-golf
- Tennis and pickleball courts
If you actually use the beach cabana, the fee basically pays for itself. The staff at the cabana huts are usually pretty efficient, but during peak Spring Break or July 4th weeks, you’ll want to get down there early to claim your spot near the water.
Room Choice: The Make or Break Factor
If you want a quiet night, do not book a room directly overlooking the main pool at the Island Grand. You will hear "Baby Shark" or whatever pool-side game is happening until the sun goes down.
The rooms at TradeWinds Resort St Pete have seen a lot of updates over the last few years, but because of the salt air and the sheer volume of guests, they can show wear and tear faster than an inland hotel. If you want something that feels a bit more "boutique," stay at the RumFish side. If you want the classic balcony experience where you can see the entire Gulf of Mexico, the tropical-view or gulf-front suites at the Island Grand are the way to go.
Many of the suites come with kitchenettes. This is a game-changer. St. Pete Beach is expensive. Being able to walk across the street to the Publix or the local CVS, grab some eggs and snacks, and eat breakfast on your balcony saves you a fortune. Plus, it’s just nicer to drink your own coffee while watching the dolphins jump in the distance.
Beyond the Beach: What’s Nearby?
You shouldn't stay at the resort the whole time. You'd be missing out. Downtown St. Petersburg is about a 20-minute drive away and it has become one of the coolest cities in the Southeast.
- The Dali Museum: Even if you don't "get" art, the building itself is a masterpiece. The "Enigma" bubble of glass is incredible.
- The St. Pete Pier: They spent a fortune rebuilding this, and it shows. There’s a splash pad, a tilted lawn, and several high-end restaurants at the end of the pier.
- Central Avenue: This is where the locals go. Miles of murals, vintage shops, and craft breweries. If you want a break from "tourist food," go to Bodega on Central and get a Cuban sandwich. It’s life-changing.
Managing the Crowds
TradeWinds is popular. Like, really popular. During the summer, the beach in front of the resort can look like a sea of blue and white umbrellas. If you want more space, just walk 200 yards north or south. Because Florida beaches are public up to the high-water mark, you can find a pocket of solitude just outside the resort’s cabana zone.
The "Floating Water Park" is another big draw. It’s a series of giant inflatables anchored offshore. It’s a workout. If you’re not in decent shape, you’ll spend most of your time trying to haul yourself back onto the slippery plastic while your kids laugh at you. But for the teenagers, it’s basically the highlight of the trip.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
Bring your own sunscreen. The gift shop prices will make your eyes water. Also, keep an eye on the "Red Tide" reports. While it hasn't been a major issue in the 2024-2025 seasons like it was in years past, it can occasionally blow in and ruin a beach day. Local sites like Mote Marine Laboratory provide daily updates if you're worried.
Parking is included for one car per room under that resort fee. If you have a second car, be prepared to pay extra or hunt for a spot in the public lots nearby, which is a nightmare on weekends.
TradeWinds Resort St Pete isn't trying to be the Ritz-Carlton. It's a high-energy, sun-soaked, slightly chaotic, and deeply fun family destination. If you go in expecting hushed hallways and white-glove service, you’ll be disappointed. But if you go in expecting a massive playground where you can walk from your bed to the ocean in three minutes, you’re going to have a blast.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Event Calendar: TradeWinds often hosts "Sanding Ovations," a massive sand-sculpting competition, or beach concerts. Check their official site before booking to ensure you aren't arriving during a sold-out event—or to make sure you are there for the fun.
- Download the App: The resort uses an app for activities and maps. Since the property is so large, having the digital map helps you find the hidden quiet pools (yes, they exist) away from the main slide.
- Book RumFish Dinner Early: If you want a table next to the aquarium glass, you often need to book 2-3 weeks in advance, especially on weekends.
- Pack a Reusable Water Bottle: There are water refilling stations throughout the resort. It’s a small thing, but it saves you $5 per bottle at the bars and keeps you hydrated in the Florida humidity.