What to do near Sheraton Resort on Sand Key — beach, nature and water activities
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key sits on private Gulf-front sand and is a short walk from Sand Key Park, making beach time, nature walks and water-sport rentals the easiest activities nearby. On-site options include a heated beachfront pool, children’s pool, whirlpool, bike rentals and several casual restaurants and bars for post-activity meals.
In this guide
Private beach & Sand Key Park
The resort occupies private Gulf-front beach on Sand Key, so the most obvious activity is relaxing on the sand, swimming in the Gulf, or watching sunrise/sunset from the shore.
Sand Key Park and Preserve — a quieter stretch of beach with nature trails and picnic areas — is about a 5–7 minute walk from the hotel and is a good spot for short hikes, birdwatching, and family picnics.
- Private Gulf-front beach on the resort property
- Sand Key Park: nature trails, picnic areas, quieter beach (approx. 5–7 minute walk)
- Clearwater Beach (main strip) is across a short bridge — reachable by trolley, drive, or a 20–30 minute walk
| Nearby beach spot | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Resort private beach | Sunbathing, swimming, beach games, resort beach services |
| Sand Key Park | Nature trails, picnic areas, quieter shoreline |
| Pier 60 / Clearwater Beach | Busier, eventful waterfront and Pier 60 sunset celebration |
Water-sport rentals and boat trips
Jet skiing, parasailing and paddleboarding rentals are available on the beach near the resort, giving quick access to active water time without leaving the Sand Key/ Clearwater Beach area.
Daily dolphin-watching cruises and family-oriented sailing excursions depart from the nearby Clearwater Beach marina; passenger ferries to undeveloped barrier islands (like Caladesi) run from the Honeymoon Island/Honeymoon Island ferry dock.
- Beach rentals: jet skis, parasailing, paddleboard (available on the nearby beach)
- Dolphin-watching boat tours depart daily from Clearwater Beach Marina
- Caladesi Island: reachable by passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island (ferry crossing about 15–20 minutes; check local schedules and fees)
| Activity | Where to book |
|---|---|
| Jet skiing / parasailing | Beach operators near the resort |
| Dolphin tours / pirate cruise | Clearwater Beach marina operators (daily departures) |
| Caladesi Island ferry | Honeymoon Island ferry dock (check ferry times) |
Resort pool, whirlpool and family recreation
Sheraton Resort on Sand Key offers a heated outdoor beachfront pool, a separate children’s pool, and a whirlpool/hot tub — pool hours are generally listed as early morning through late evening, though hours can change with weather or events.
The resort also runs family-friendly beach activities such as volleyball and cornhole, and has a small game/lounge area for rainy-day downtime.
- Heated beachfront pool plus dedicated children’s pool and whirlpool
- Pool hours are commonly listed as 7:00 AM–11:00 PM (subject to change)
- On-site family activities include beach volleyball, cornhole and a game lounge
| Feature | Typical availability |
|---|---|
| Heated beachfront pool | Daily — usually early morning to late evening |
| Children’s pool | Daily — family-friendly hours |
| Whirlpool / hot tub | Open with pool area (check front desk for exact times) |
Biking, walking and nearby trails
You can rent bikes at the resort (fee around $20 reported) and pedal along Gulf Boulevard or explore the trails through Sand Key Park. Biking is an easy way to reach nearby Belleair Beach, local restaurants, and the trolley stops.
For walkers, the resort provides immediate beach access plus a lawn and coastal path; the Jolley Trolley stop in front of the hotel connects Sand Key to Clearwater Beach and other nearby coastal neighborhoods.
- On-site bike rentals (fee reported at about $20)
- Sand Key Park trails for short nature walks
- Jolley Trolley stop at the hotel — guests ride free with room key card
| Route | Why go |
|---|---|
| Gulf Boulevard by bike | Scenic coastal ride with shops and cafes |
| Sand Key Park trail | Quiet nature walk and birdwatching |
| Jolley Trolley to Clearwater Beach | Quick access to Pier 60, marina, and main beachfront |
Dining and where to eat after activities
On-site dining options let you move from activity to meal without a long trip: Rusty's Bistro (beachfront American/seafood) serves breakfast and dinner with a casual dress code and accepts reservations; Mainstay Tavern offers gastropub-style lunch, dinner and late-night drinks without reservations required.
For quick poolside bites and drinks there’s Slo Joe’s Turtle Bar (poolside/bar) and the Poolside Café for grab-and-go pizza, nachos and wraps.
- Rusty's Bistro: breakfast & dinner (hours listed on-site; reservations via OpenTable or phone)
- Mainstay Tavern: casual gastropub — no reservation needed
- Slo Joe's Turtle Bar and Poolside Café: poolside drinks and quick bites
| Venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Rusty's Bistro | Breakfast & dinner (reservations available) |
| Mainstay Tavern | Lunch, dinner, late-night (walk-ins common) |
| Poolside Café / Slo Joe’s | Poolside snacks and cocktails (casual, walk-up) |
Practical tips: rooms, transport and timing
Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM; guests must present a photo ID and credit card at check-in. Many rooms have private balconies and views; room types include Room, Room, Balcony, Room, Balcony, Resort View, Room, Pool View, and Room (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr).
The hotel offers a complimentary local shuttle and a Jolley Trolley stop at the hotel; the closest airport is St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (about a 20–27 minute drive) while Tampa International Airport is a longer drive. Confirm parking, resort-fee and bicycle-rental costs directly with the hotel before arrival, since some listings conflict.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; Check-out: 11:00 AM; photo ID and credit card required
- Room names to note: Room; Room, Balcony; Room, Balcony, Resort View; Room, Pool View; Room (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr)
- Shuttle and Jolley Trolley stop at the resort; airport transfers commonly arranged via shuttle, rideshare or rental car
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Want to ride the Jolley Trolley | Use the stop at the hotel; guests ride free with room key card |
| Need bikes | Ask front desk about on-site rentals (fee reported) |
| Parking or resort fees | Confirm current policy with the hotel at booking or check-in |
