Madeira Beach is well known for its beautiful two and one-half mile white sand beach, its public beach access, and especially John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk. Madeira Beach offers a large selection of rental condominiums and hotels for everyone’s budget. The top of the list includes the Shoreline Island Resort and the Courtyard Madeira Beach. Also very popular are the smaller, “Ma and Pa†places still getting rave reviews, such as the Holiday Isles Resort, Schooner Hotel and Snug Harbor Inn. Restaurants abound in Madeira Beach and popular eateries include Castaways Beach Bar and Dockside Dave’s plus many choices at John’s Pass Village, some of which are mentioned below.
The best part of Madeira Beach is the beach. While not as crowded as some others, the wide, white sand beach provides a few miles of access and space to find your private spot to play in the sun and waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Public access is plentiful.
John’s Pass occupies the southern end of Madeira Beach, the natural waterway between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. Legend has it that John’s Pass was discovered by a French pirate named Jaques Leveque. Whether or not that is true, a spirit of adventure grips the pass. John’s Pass Village is an exciting fishing village-themed assortment of over 100 shops and restaurants with beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Familiar restaurant names include Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Hooters, but many of the smaller eateries are well worth finding. These include Walt’z Fish Shak a small bungaloe serving fresh caught fish, Boardwalk Grill and Kilwin’s Ice Cream. Fair warning: if you eat outdoors on the boardwalk, the seagulls will try to steal your sandwich and ice cream.
The shops of John’s Pass Village include a variety of surf-related clothing and accessories shops, galleries for art, jewelry and gifts; ice cream, Caribbean-themed clothing, and much more. Highlights include Florida Winery for an exploration of Florida wines, Cuban Paradise Cigar & Café; Bronze Lady, a gallery featuring Red Skelton, Walt Disney and Swarovski collectibles; Global Candle Gallery; Spice & Tea Exchange of John’s Pass for spices, teas, dry goods and gift boxes; and Windworks for kites, hammocks, flags, chimes and more.
When visiting the Village, stop at the John’s Pass Ticket Booth! The John’s Pass Ticket Booth is located at 12831 Village Boulevard, Madeira Beach, FL33708, next to Knock on Wood. Call 727-320-5610 for directions and reservations or email at info@florida007.com. The John’s Pass Ticket Booth offers the best pricing for day boat trips to Egmont Key for dolphin watch, shelling and snorkeling; wave-runners, parasailing, eco-tours, motorized kayaks and deep-sea fishing. Our boats board and depart for Egmont Key from the Gulfport Marina, south of John’s Pass. They make a big wake that dolphins love to jump and play in. You will see far more dolphins up close on our tours than anyone else’s tour.
