This Tampa Bay Area Resort Turns the NFL Draft Into an All-Out Beach Party

As I stood on the smooth sands of Florida's Tampa Bay area, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery orange glow over the ocean. The gentle rhythm of the waves was accompanied by a delightful scent of the sea, mixed with… s'mores?

The 2026 NFL Draft took place from April 23 to April 25, and TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach embraced the occasion with a celebratory event called Bucs Beach Bash. I was fortunate to have secured a room at the RumFish Beach property, immersing myself in the festivities firsthand. The annual Bucs Beach Bash draws both football fans and beachgoers alike, making it one of the prime moments to visit St. Pete Beach just ahead of summer.

Draft Night Takes Over Downtown St. Pete

Bucs Beach Bash is an esteemed annual event jointly hosted by TradeWinds and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. TradeWinds is truly a paradise on Earth, providing relaxation alongside signature tropical drinks.

Upon my arrival at the oceanview suite within RumFish Beach, one of TradeWinds’ two neighboring properties, I had little opportunity to admire the sea before being invited to dinner at Palm Court Italian. Although the restaurant is part of the adjoining Island Grand, guests from either resort are encouraged to enjoy the various amenities. My dining experience included savory drinks, wine, and a delectable serving of prosciutto and melon prior to a towering chicken parmesan that proved challenging to finish. With a full stomach and a touch of sauce on my jeans, I was eager to embrace the night.

My companions and I made our way to downtown St. Petersburg, where the inaugural night of the Bucs Beach Bash was about to commence. The NFL Draft represents a significant occasion, not only for NFL teams aiming to enhance their rosters but also for fans celebrating the addition of new players.

On that Thursday night, Bucs fans in Tampa proudly showcased their enthusiasm. I had not anticipated the extent of the celebration, but I was taken aback by how Central Avenue transformed into a vibrant Bucs-themed block party. Crowds packed the streets, featuring team store pop-ups, drink stations, games, giveaways, complimentary Bucs tattoos, and photo opportunities with team legends, cheerleaders, and the official mascot, Captain Fear. Access to this exhilarating atmosphere was entirely free.

Downtown St. Petersburg stands out as one of Florida's most enjoyable locales. The area’s walkable nature is a rarity in the state, yet St. Pete is perfect for exploration. Restaurants and shops are conveniently situated, with an array of bars in close proximity. The St. Pete Pier offers captivating views of the Gulf and is just a short walk away.

My group spent the majority of the evening enjoying the local offerings. When it was time for the NFL Draft, fans congregated in front of a massive screen to witness the unfolding action. Each selection elicited cheers and groans from the crowd, culminating in a heightened sense of excitement as the Bucs selected Rueben Bain Jr. as their #15 overall pick, which sparked jubilation among the fans.

As a sports enthusiast and Tampa local, participating in this event was profoundly gratifying. The deep-rooted football culture in the Tampa Bay area was palpable, exemplifying the communal spirit as the team engaged with its dedicated fanbase.

Loungers, Pickleball, and Poolside Margaritas

The following morning, after enjoying coffee on my terrace overlooking the ocean, I indulged in breakfast at RumFish's Gulfside Kitchen, where I savored French toast while seagulls watched in envy.

The next few hours were spent relishing the expansive 40 acres of pristine beachfront at TradeWinds. Complimentary beach chairs adorned the sand, equipped with QR codes for convenient beverage orders right from one's seat. Additionally, free beach toys were readily available. Among the beach’s attractions, the High Tide Slide—an impressive three-story inflatable slide—provided endless entertainment for guests.

The beaches of Island Grand and RumFish are seamlessly interconnected via a sturdy walkway, ensuring ease of access for all guests, including those with disabilities. One of my favorite aspects of TradeWinds is the proximity of amenities. Once I arrived, driving was unnecessary; everything I sought was conveniently accessible by foot, including the well-maintained tennis and pickleball courts.

As an avid pickleball and tennis player, I relished the opportunity to engage in both sports during my stay. TradeWinds boasts two pristine courts with all necessary equipment available for guest use. Furthermore, an onsite coach offers lessons and clinics for those wishing to hone their skills.

After working up an appetite on the courts, we opted for lunch at The Hall, a casual grab-and-go dining center that serves pizza, ice cream, snacks, and beverages—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal to casually enjoy back at the beach.

The remainder of my afternoon was spent lounging by one of TradeWinds’ many pools, enjoying a good book, soaking up the sun, and delighting in a refreshing margarita while anticipating the start of the NFL Draft’s second round.

We dined that evening at the RumFish Sports Bar & Deck, where the lively atmosphere enhanced our viewing experience of the second round. This iconic venue—highlighted by a massive 33,500-gallon aquarium featured on Animal Planet's series TANKED—houses more than 30 different species of marine life, including a striking green moray eel.

To cap off the night, we gathered at the beachfront stage, where the Caribbean Chillers, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, delivered an electrifying performance that perfectly encapsulated the tropical beach vibe.

The Bucs Bring the Party to the Beach

The following day marked my final full day at TradeWinds, culminating in the grand festivities of Bucs Beach Bash, hosted at the resort. With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an official partner alongside various local brands, the beachfront was transformed into a vibrant Bucs paradise.

Before joining the revelry, I made a point to visit the newly opened Playa Taco Cocina y Tequileria, a delightful fast-casual taqueria featuring incredible tacos and an extensive tequila menu. The spacious seating and cheerful beach-inspired decor added to the enjoyable atmosphere. After lunch, we proceeded to the event, which was just beginning.

The beach was abuzz with booths, drink tents, activities, and various attractions. Decorated pirates roamed the area, inviting guests to take pictures, while large corn hole games and other competitions engaged attendees. Refreshments and food were available, and Captain Fear himself ensured the energy remained high. As the sun set on the Bucs Beach Bash, country-rock artist Uncle Kracker took the stage, delivering a performance that resonated with guests, echoing the spirit of the festivities—completely free of charge.

To end the weekend on a fitting note, I walked to the bonfire near RumFish and enjoyed several delectable s'mores. Draft weekend in St. Pete Beach concluded just as it should: on the beach, surrounded by entertainment, and perhaps just a bit sticky from marshmallow treats.