Need a laid-back Gulf Coast beach escape with big personality? Head to Madeira Beach! Just west of St. Petersburg, this Florida gem offers sugar-white sand, a historic boardwalk, fantastic fishing, and vibrant coastal charm. Whether you're sunbathing, sailing, or exploring funky shops, Madeira Beach delivers a perfect mix of relaxation and fun in the sun.
Madeira Beach, FL Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Parasail or jet ski along the Gulf – Take in sweeping beach views from the sky or race across turquoise waves on a rental.
- For History Buffs: Stroll through John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk – This historic fishing village turned tourist hotspot offers shopping, dining, and a fun maritime vibe.
- For Shoppers: Browse unique boutiques and beach shops at John’s Pass – Find souvenirs, local art, and handmade jewelry along the boardwalk.
- For Couples: Enjoy a sunset cruise or beachfront dinner – Toast the golden hour with a cocktail or seafood feast as the sun melts into the Gulf.
- For Families: Play at ROC Park – This waterfront park features playgrounds, sports courts, a splash pad, and a relaxing family vibe.
Best Time to Visit Madeira Beach, FL
The best time to visit Madeira Beach is from March through May and September through November. These months offer warm, sunny weather with fewer crowds. Summer is great for beach lovers but can be hot and humid, while winter is mild and popular with snowbirds.
How to Get to Madeira Beach, FL
- By Car: Madeira Beach is located off Gulf Boulevard and is accessible via US-19 or I-275 through St. Petersburg.
- By Plane: Fly into St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) or Tampa International Airport (TPA), both within 30–45 minutes by car.
- By Trolley: The Suncoast Beach Trolley runs along Gulf Boulevard and connects Madeira Beach to nearby towns like Clearwater and St. Pete Beach.
Where to Stay in Madeira Beach, FL
- Camelot by the Sea – Beachfront resort with spacious condos, a pool, and stunning sunset views.
- Barefoot Beach Club – Comfortable, family-friendly hotel steps from the sand and close to John’s Pass.
- Shoreline Island Resort – Adults-only property with Gulf-front suites and a quiet, romantic atmosphere.
Best Things to Do in Madeira Beach, FL
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Stroll Along the Water at John's Pass Village
John's Pass Village and Boardwalk is a charming fishing village located just outside of the city of Madeira Beach, home to a stunning waterfront boardwalk overlooking the beautiful Intracoastal waterway and the pristine waters of Florida's Gulf of Mexico coastline.
- The village, which is located at Madeira Beach's southern edge within convenient driving distance of St. Petersburg, is known as one of the region's top shopping and dining destinations, home to more than 130 unique boutiques and restaurants.
- Visitors can enjoy a plethora of opportunities for watersports and eco-tourism, including chances to rent single-person and multi-person WaveRunners for use on the region's waters.
- Dolphin Quest tours get up close and personal with the region's marine life on Boca Ciega Bay. After a full day of adventures, visitors can dine at waterfront favorites like Sculley's Restaurant.
12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, Phone: 727-238-3671
The drive from St. Petersburg to Madeira Beach takes 25 minutes.
⮕ Meet Reptiles and Rescue Animals at the Alligator Attraction
Alligator Attraction and Wildlife Learning Center showcases some of Florida's most unique native animal species, including more than 60 live American alligators rescued or surrendered throughout the Madeira Beach region.
- The hands-on learning center encourages up-close adventures with wildlife, offering tour experiences for the entire family to enjoy throughout the year.
- In addition to alligator populations, the center is also home to over 30 rescued reptiles of a variety of species, along with fish and marine life rescued from around the Gulf of Mexico area.
- Visitors can enjoy opportunities to "kiss a gator" and learn the answers to a variety of alligator pop culture trivia facts, from the names used for baby alligators to which United States President kept an alligator at the White house.
12973 Village Blvd A-D, John's Pass Village Madeira Beach, FL 33078, Phone: 727-329-8751
If you are staying in Clearwater Beach, you can reach the Alligator Attraction and Wildlife Learning Center in 30 minutes by car:
⮕ Relax, Play, and Reflect by the Water at R.O.C. Park
R.O.C. Park , formally known as Remember Our Children Park, is a lovely waterfront memorial park opened in Madeira Beach in 2015, showcasing a gorgeous public pier and landscaped areas for visitors to relax. The park was established in honor of area residents, family, and friends who have lost children to tragedy or illness, creating a setting to remember children and the joy they brought to the world. Three sports fields at the park host annual special events, including the Eastern Michigan Madeira Beach Invitational and softball tournaments hosted through the NSA. A public pier offers space for fishing and hosts the annual King of the Beach Fishing Tournament. Other popular events hosted at the park throughout the year include a Spring Break Rotary Carnival, offering activities for the whole family.
200 Rex Pl, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, Phone: 727-392-0665 ext. 503
Where to Eat:
⮕ Savor Craft Pizza and Coastal Vibes at Slyce Madeira Beach
Slyce Madeira Beach is a local favorite stone-baked artisanal pizza joint owned and operated by restaurateur Jack Bennett, known for its signature, whole wheat, and gluten-free pizza varieties. The contemporary-style restaurant serves up delicious pizzas, appetizers, and salads at its laid-back dining space, which also features a full bar serving craft beers, fine wines, and spirits. Specialty pizzas include the restaurant's Beach Bird, which pairs barbecue chicken with smoked gouda cheese, and Pear-a-Dice, which tops signature crusts with fresh sliced pears, gorgonzola cheese, and sliced prosciutto. Calzones are also served up throughout the day, along with strombolis, meatball subs, and Italian sandwiches. Shareables range from garlic knots and bruschetta to spinach artichoke wontons and brie wheels.
662 150th Ave, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, Phone: 727-308-7881
⮕ Raise a Glass to Local Flavors at Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company
Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company is a unique brewpub founded by brewers Alex Garcia and Matthew Powers, co-operated by executive chef Tyson Williams. The full-service brewpub specializes in crafting beach-friendly session beers with quirky flavor profiles, including favorites like the company's Kalypso Key Lime Cider, Polyjuice Potion Fruited Milk Blonde, Banana Hammock Hefeweizen, Cinnamon Maple Toast Crunch Red Ale, and I Yam What I Yam Spiced Ale. Higher-gravity beers are also available by the pint or by the growler, perfect for pairing with the restaurant's delectable Caribbean and Southern-inspired brewpub eats. Menu offerings range from Cajun-inspired favorites like gumbo or alligator po'boys to artisanal burgers, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers.
12945 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, Phone: 727-362-0008
⮕ If You Crave Fresh Seafood, Grab a Table at Friendly Fisherman Restaurant
Friendly Fisherman Restaurant is the oldest operating seafood restaurant in John's Pass Village, founded in 1978 by local fisherman Captain Wilson Hubbard. The restaurant is known for its prime location on one of Florida's most famous waterfront stretches, home to an upstairs dining room and a downstairs bar showcasing live music performances each weekend. Old Florida-style cuisine served up throughout the day includes selections like Caribbean-style lobster tails, New England-style clam strips, Gulf fried shrimp and crab cakes, and Diamond Jim flounder topped in Rockefeller sauce and hollandaise. Seafood-tossed angel hair pasta dishes are also on the menu, along with shoreline platters and build-your-own surf-and-turf entrees. Shareables range from fried alligator bites to powdered sugar and honey-drenched corn fritters.
150 Boardwalk Place West, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, Phone: 727-391-6025
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Putt Your Way Through Pirate Fun at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Looking for a unique and exciting way to pass the time at Madeira Beach? How does mini golfing with alligators sound? At Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf, players will have to navigate more than just obstacles, they’ll also have to get past caves, pirate ships, waterfalls, and live alligators in this 18-hole adventure-style golf course. Once an 18-hole game has been completed, players can visit the American Alligator Exhibit located on the course grounds and even feed the course’s resident alligators with cane fishing poles made available to guests. Undeniably memorable, the Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is a gem in Florida and has been consistently ranked the best mini-golf experience in the state for five years running.
15395 Gulf Boulevard, Maderia Beach, Florida 33708, Phone: 727-398-7008
If you are interested in local events:
- John’s Pass Seafood Festival (October) – A lively multi-day event featuring seafood, craft vendors, live music, and family fun.
- Madeira Beach Boat Parade (December) – Holiday-decorated boats light up the night in a festive coastal celebration.
- Spring Break Sand Sculpting Events – Watch artists transform beach sand into stunning creations each spring.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Madeira Beach, Florida:
- Clearwater Beach (30–40 min) – Visit one of America’s top-rated beaches, with family activities and a lively pier scene.
- St. Pete Beach (15–20 min) – Relax on wide sandy shores or explore art and dining in nearby Pass-a-Grille.
- Downtown St. Petersburg (30 min) – Check out the Salvador Dalí Museum, shops, craft breweries, and art galleries.
- Fort De Soto Park (40 min) – Hike, kayak, bike, or birdwatch in this expansive coastal park with historic forts and natural beaches.
- Tampa (45–60 min) – Explore ZooTampa, Busch Gardens, or the Florida Aquarium for family-friendly urban adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Where is Madeira Beach located?
- A: Madeira Beach is a charming Gulf of Mexico city located adjacent to St. Petersburg along Florida's western coastline.
- Q: What is Madeira Beach known for?
- A: The city is known for its two-mile pristine white sand beach and historic John's Pass Village.
- Q: What can visitors find at John's Pass Village?
- A: Visitors can explore a boardwalk and over 100 shops and restaurants at John's Pass Village.
- Q: What natural feature enhances the atmosphere of Madeira Beach?
- A: The beautiful Intracoastal Waterway borders the city's shoreline, offering stunning colorful sunsets.
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