Guide to The Tradewinds Resort St. Pete |

Are you considering a trip to The Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach and want to know what to expect?

I grew up in Clearwater, near St. Pete Beach. When I was young, my family spent a long weekend each summer at The Tradewinds Resort. I have many memories playing pool games, going to the kids’ club, and exploring the hotel.

When my family was looking for a multi-generation weekend getaway not too far from Clearwater, the Tradewinds immediately came to mind. We ended up booking it, and you don’t have to read any further to find out that we all had a great time.

The Tradewinds has grown since I was a kid. There are now two resorts, Tradewinds Grand and Rumfish Beach Resort. It doesn’t matter which one you stay at; you have access to both.

If you want to know more about the family-friendly Tradewinds Resort, keep reading for our guide and review. Find the best things to do during your stay, where to eat, what to bring, and more.

Note that we visited in September 2025. This is after Hurricane Milton did a lot of damage to The Tradewinds and the surrounding area. Some things are still closed, and repairs are being done.

Island Grand at The Tradewinds

The original Tradewinds is now called Island Grand at the Tradewinds. It is located directly on St. Pete Beach.

Conferences and events are held at Island Grand at The Tradewinds, in the ballrooms in the Grand Palm Colonade, which is attached to the lobby.

There is an ATM in the lobby and self-serve laundry machines on the 6th floor.

Four pools are located at Island Grand, including an indoor pool and multiple hot tubs.

Most of the restaurants are located at the Island Grand. Activities, including mini-golf, paddle boating, chess, and a blow-up waterslide, are also there.

The kids’ club is at Island Grand, as is the nightly family entertainment.

Rumfish Beach at The Tradewinds

As The Tradewinds expanded, they opened up Rumfish Beach.

Just like Island Grand, Rumfish Beach is located right on the beach. You can walk along the beach from one hotel to the other. There is a track for beach wheelchairs that makes walking back and forth easier.

Rumfish Beach has 4 pools and multiple hot tubs. An adult-only pool is located here as well.

There is a beach bar with live music in the evenings, and s’mores by the fire.

Basketball and tennis courts are located at Rumfish Beach, along with the Sunsetter Game Zone, which my kids loved. This area has free games they can play, including foosball, giant Connect 4, and table tennis.

The touch tank is located in a shop at Rumfish Beach, as is Rumfish Grill, where those 8+ can snorkel in a large fish tank.

There is an ATM in the lobby, along with a coffee shop and a water station. Laundry is set up in two different areas of Rumfish Beach Resort.

Types of Accommodations

The Tradewinds Resort has two separate areas with another hotel between them. It does not matter which resort you book at; you can use the facilities at both.

The hotels offer plenty of different types of accommodations, including:

2 queen beds
king bed
studio with a pull-out couch and kitchenette
accessible rooms
villas
1-bedroom suite, including a kitchen and a pull-out couch
2-bedroom suite, including a kitchen, dining area, and a pull-out couch
executive conclave, 4 separate keyed areas with 5 bedrooms and a common area

Rooms have either a porch or a balcony.

The executive conclave at The Tradewinds can sleep up to 14 guests. The larger rooms sleep up to 10 guests, with other rooms sleeping up to 4, 6, or 8.

While you can opt for a king bed hotel room that sleeps 2, most of the rooms at The Tradewinds can accommodate large families.

I ended up in a 2-bedroom suite that I shared with my sister, her kids, and my kids. All in all, we had 2 adults and 4 kids in the room. There were 2 entrances from the front into the bedrooms. We also had a living room, kitchen, dining room, 2 bathrooms, and a porch.

Restaurants

The Tradewinds is located on a main road near many restaurants. There are also lots of restaurants on site. You don’t have to leave the resort if you do not want to.

If you are going to be at The Tradewinds during a holiday, chances are, there is a special holiday meal.

We enjoyed lunch at Gulfside Kitchen and lunch was delivered to our beach chairs. Each morning, I got coffee from the lobby, and then we met for breakfast at Palm Court Italian.

While we didn’t eat dinner on-site, except for take-out by the pool, there are multiple options for those who want to stay on the resort grounds.

Dining at Island Grand

Pete’s Gulf Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 am until 10 pm
Palm Court Italian is open for dinner from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 5 pm until 10 pm
Playa Taco opens in November 2025
Salty’s Beach Lounge, open for drinks only, 11 am until midnight
Yoder’s Ice Cream, 11 am until 10 pm
Coastal Pizza, 11 am until 10 pm
Sunshine Grounds and Goods, 7 am until 7 pm
Beachside Food Truck, 11 am until 9 pm

Dining at Rumfish Beach

Rumfish Grill, dinner, 5 pm until 10 pm
Rumfish Sports Bar, lunch on the weekends (beginning at 12 pm) and dinner daily, 5 pm until 10 pm. Happy Hour from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Gulfside Kitchen, breakfast and lunch, 7:30 am until 5 pm
Sunshine Grounds and Goods, 7 am until 7 pm

Beach Dining

You don’t have to even leave your beach chair to get a meal. Food and drinks can be ordered from your phone and delivered to your chair.

Activities

You won’t be bored at The Tradewinds. Something is always happening. That being said, if you want, you can relax on a beach chair or swim in one of the many pools.

Sports and Fitness Classes

You can play shuffleboard, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, or pickleball.

Unfortunately, the courts are not shaded, but most of them have water stations so you can refill your bottle while you play.

If you prefer group classes, check out sunrise beach yoga, sunset beach yoga, zumba, and tennis clinics. Kids can join in on pickleball lessons and youth fitness classes.

Swimming Pools

The pool where poolside activities are held is the Beach Front Pool, located at Island Grand.

We played bingo, but they also have trivia, music, and other games.

Many, if not all, of the pools have accessible access.

Island Grand

In addition to the Beachfront Pool, Island Grand has a few other options for swimming.

There is an indoor pool right by the Beachfront Pool. That was our preferred pool during the day when the sun was blazing.

A hot tub is located by the Beachfront Pool.

A small kids’ wading pool is located by Pirate Island and the kids’ club. It is slightly shaded, though the larger pool is not.

Rumfish Beach

The most popular pool at Rumfish Beach, at least during our visit, is the one right by the beach bar, in front of Gulfside Kitchen.

A quieter pool is on the other side of the building, and we found that it was shady in the afternoons. There are tables and chairs around, and one night, we ordered pizza and ate by the pool.

An adult-only pool and a whirlpool are also located at Rumfish Beach.

The Beach

You don’t have to go far, the Tradewinds is located right on the beach.

Two beach lounges and an umbrella are included with your stay. You are welcome to use the lounge all day, and you can get food and drinks delivered.

Chair Rentals

High Tide Slide

A large inflatable slide is located on the beach right outside the Beachfront Pool at Island Grand.

Those who stay at the Tradewinds have unlimited rides down the slide. I even went down twice, and I suggest sitting up if you choose to slide down. Do not lie down.

Beach Sport Rentals

Head to the beach hut if you are interested in outdoor sports rentals. They can give you more information on the following:

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
kayaking
jet skis
parasailing
diving
fishing
banana boat ride
sunchill loungers
BOTE floating lounger
aquabana
dolphin cruise
sunset cruise

While my family did not participate in any of these activities, I have done all but diving and the loungers in the past.

We found that there were so many included activities that we did not need to purchase additional things to do. There wasn’t even enough time to do all the things we wanted to do!

Minigolf

A self-serve mini golf course is located at Island Grand. You can play as many rounds of mini-golf as you would like.

Chess

A large chess set is located by the mini-golf course at Island Grand. The chessboard is shaded.

Paddleboating

Paddleboarding is included with your stay. Paddleboard rentals are available at Island Grand.

Sunsetter Game Zone

Located by the villas at Rumfish Beach, Sunsetter Game Zone offers free games and lounge chairs.

The kids loved playing table tennis, foosball, and giant Connect 4, and giant Jenga at night.

Arts and Crafts

Various arts and crafts are available throughout the day, for a charge.

Items include:

paint and sip
poolside crafts
family crafts
sea glass shadow box art
sea glass jewelry
nautical coasters
paint the wild

I wasn’t able to find information on the poolside crafts or family crafts in advance. You need to show up to see what the craft is and how much it costs.

Touch Tank

The touch tank is open on specific days and times in the shop at Rumfish Beach.

Guests wait in line for their turn at the touch tank, and there is someone there to explain what to do.

S’mores

Each night, complimentary s’mores are handed out at Rumfish Beach. There is a table where you can get a marshmallow on a stick.

After you roast the marshmallow, you go back for chocolate and a graham cracker.

Live Music

Live music is performed at the Tradewinds daily.

Performances take place at both resorts, during the afternoons and in the evenings.

Family Entertainment

Head to Pirate Island for evening family entertainment on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

While we were at the Tradewinds, they had a Mad Science Show that my kids loved. We missed Redbeard’s Pirate Show and Wild Wonders Animal Show, but I am sure they would have been hits as well.

There are only a few benches on Pirate Island, so arrive early if you want a seat.

Pirate Island is located at Island Grand.

Dive in Movies

One night a week, a movie is shown in one of the pools at Island Grand. This is a family-friendly movie that you can enjoy while floating.

Kids’ Club

My kids didn’t go to the kids’ club on this visit, but I have fond memories of the kids’ club from when I was a kid.

The day camp is seasonal and only runs in the spring and summer months. It was not running during our visit.

Dolphin Discovery Kids Camp needs to be booked the night before and runs from 10 am until 5 pm. It includes lunch, crafts, and a boat ride. Day camp is for kids ages 5-12.

Kids Night Out runs throughout the year, and it must be reserved a couple of hours before it begins. It includes dinner, s’mores, crafts, and an evening show or activity.

Swim with the Fishes

One extra we did choose to pay for is to Swim with the Fishes at Rumfish Grill.

Rumfish Grill is a restaurant at Rumfish Beach Resort, and they have a large fish tank. Guests 8+ can take a tour to learn about the fish tank and then snorkel in the tank.

I took my husband swimming with the fishes for his birthday one year when our kids were young. The rest of our family showed up with our kids for a meal and to watch us swim.

Because I had swum before, I chose to observe this time. My kids went, along with their aunt and their cousins.

As they swam in the morning, the restaurant was closed. Still, we were able to sit inside and watch them.

The experience includes a behind-the-scenes tour, and the whole experience lasts about 90 minutes.

The Spa

While Bodyworks Spa is under renovation, there is a temporary location at Rumfish Beach. Guests 17+ can get a 50 or 80-minute massage inside or on the beach.

Complimentary Beach Photos

Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or extended family, you are going to want pictures!

The Tradewinds makes it easy to get professional photos. They offer complementary beach photos. This includes:

15-30 minute session
Review of your shoot within 24 hours
1 high-res digital image
no minimum purchase

Floating Waterpark

Seasonally, a floating waterpark is located on the Gulf, with 1-hour-long sessions.

We visited the Tradewinds at the end of September, and it was not up at that time.

Ammenities

Wrist Bands

At check-in, everyone is given a wristband. This shows the staff that you are staying at the resort.

You can check in early, and if your room is not available, you can still enjoy the hotel.

Adults and teens get a wristband that can be taken off and includes room entry. You do not get a key in addition to the wristbands. Wristbands can also unlock the towel cabinet by the pools.

Kids receive a wristband that stays on for the duration of their stay.

Towels

Towels are located by each pool. Most of them are in locked containers, which can be unlocked with your wristband.

The towels at Island Grand are blue and white striped, and the towels at Rumfish Beach are blue.

When you are finished with the towel, there is a basket to put the used towels in. You can use as many towels each day as you’d like

Water

There are many water stations located throughout the Tradewinds. Some of the water is iced, while other times it is warm.

We found the best water to be at the bars and in the lobby of Rumfish Beach.

There are also ice machines, so you can fill your bottle with ice if you are playing a sport and don’t want to travel to refill your water.

Laundry

Washing machines and dryers are located at both Island Grand and Rumfish Beach.

Dog-Friendly Services

The Tradewinds is a dog-friendly resort, though we did not see any dogs on our visit.

Island Grand has a dog park, a dog bath station, and a cabinet filled with items such as shampoo, bowls, and baggies.

Book Exchange

Looking for a new book? Check out the free little library by the beach access on the way to the slide.

Cabana Rental

While there is plenty of seating, if you want an area all your own, look into renting a cabana for the day. Cabanas are located by the Beachfront Pool at Island Grand.

Pool Float Air

It feels like the Tradwinds have thought of everything. There is even a place to blow up your pool floats.

This is on the wall by the indoor pool at Island Grand.

Shops

Whether you forgot something or want a souvenir, there are a few shops that offer toiletries, clothing, and beach items.

Sunshine Grounds and Goods
Beach Life Boutique
Outfitter Shop
Shipwreck Trading Co

Accessibility

In addition to booking a handicap accessible room, the hotel is set up for guests with disabilities.

They offer a list of accommodations.

We noticed a beach wheelchair and a beach wheelchair path, as well as access into the swimming pools.

Events

The Tradewinds hosts conferences, weddings, reunions, and just about every kind of event you can imagine.

I found that even though we saw a conference, a wedding, and a reunion, it did not feel like they were taking up space at the resort. The resort is large, and there are many places to go.

Tradewinds Resort Guide Wrap Up

While the Tradewinds is not an all-inclusive resort, it is a family-friendly resort with plenty of included activities. If you prefer an all-inclusive resort, here is a list of all-inclusives in the US.

Just because it is family-friendly does not mean it does not make for a great adult-only trip as well. There are plenty of fun things for adults to do without kids at the Tradewinds.

Activities run from sunrise to evening, and something is happening at all hours of the day. From sunrise yoga to poolside games, live music to karaoke, trivia to movie night, you won’t be bored at the Tradewinds.

Though you won’t receive the weekly schedule until check-in, you can look online to see what activities are offered and to get an idea of what you want to do during your stay.

Unless you are planning to spend time away from the resort, you do not need a car. You can easily walk from one side of the resort to the other.