This Florida Beach Hideaway Is Just Two Miles Long—But Makes Every Inch Count
Florida has a plethora of beach towns where travelers can go to get their fix of seafood and sunshine. If you’ve already been to the likes of Seaside, Vero Beach, and Anna Maria Island, we’ve got another waterfront destination to add to your list: Madeira Beach.
The beach town is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay, just west of St. Pete. Though relatively small, Madeira Beach has everything you need for a classic, Old Florida-style vacation: excellent beaches, a buzzy boardwalk, and laid-back bars and restaurants serving up all your coastal favorites—fried shrimp, fish tacos, and frozen daiquiris.
Ready to start plotting out your trip itinerary? Read on to discover the best things to do in Madeira Beach, Florida.
What to Do
Spend the Day on the Beach
Madeira Beach has 2.5 miles of beach where you can enjoy large doses of sun and surf. Bring your chairs, towels, and umbrella (plus plenty of sunscreen), or you can opt to rent beach equipment. Both Sand Dunes Beach Services and Saltwater Destination offer daily rentals. The former has cabanas, umbrellas, and chaise lounges, while the latter has loungers, umbrellas, tables, and paddle boards.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R27ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R47ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframesanddunebeachservices.com; 14400 Gulf Boulevard, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
saltwaterdestination.com; 15100 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Go Fishing
Madeira Beach is a great place to throw out a line. Anglers looking to fish from the shore can make their way to John’s Pass Park at the Southern end of the island. On the other end of Madeira Beach, there’s R.O.C. Park, a popular place to fish from the piers. Just be sure you have your Florida fishing license handy.
madeirabeachfl.gov/johns-pass-park
madeirabeachfl.gov/rocpark; 200 Rex Pl, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Stroll the Boardwalk
Besides the beach itself, one of the main highlights of Madeira Beach is John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. There are over 100 different retailers within the village—from restaurants and boutiques to fishing charters, rental companies, and tour guides. Shop for taffy at Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop, rent a jet-ski from Fly-N-High Waverunners, or book a deep-sea fishing excursion at Hubbard’s Marina.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2gekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4gekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframejohnspassvillage.net; 12902 Village Blvd. Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Board a Dolphin Cruise
While you’re at Hubbard’s Marina, you may also want to sign up for a dolphin cruise. The 90-minute voyage departs multiple times a day from the marina and brings passengers out to watch bottlenose dolphins—plus they also get views of John’s Pass Village and Treasure Island from the water. Guides add commentary on the local marine life, and there’s a possibility of seeing manatees and sea turtles as well.
hubbardsmarina.com; 170 John's Pass Boardwalk, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Depart on a Sunset Tiki Tour
Walking around John’s Pass, you may also spot Florida Tiki Tours. The company has a few different vessels, but the six-person octagon tiki boat is one of the most classic ways to take part in the experience. For a truly spectacular ride, book the 2-hour sunset tour, which tours around John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay at the most majestic time of day.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2nekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4nekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframefloridatikitours.com; 209 Boardwalk Pl E, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Where to Eat and Drink
Have a Boardwalk Breakfast
The Boardwalk Grill, located right in John’s Pass, is ideal for a late breakfast. It opens at 10 am each day, and the menu includes entrees such as the JJ’s Original Hangover Wrap (complete with eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, and ham) and a French toast sandwich.
facebook.com/TheBoardwalkGrill; 204 John’s Pass Boardwalk E, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Indulge in a Seafood Spread
The menu at Caddy's Madeira Beach is extensive, so no one in your party should have trouble finding something that suits their fancy. Those who are in the mood for seafood may gravitate toward the peel-and-eat shrimp, mahi tacos, or shrimp basket—or they may feel like going all in with the surf and turf option.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2vekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4vekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframecaddys.com/caddys-madeira-beach; 14080 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Sip on a Frozen Cocktail
Billed as one of the oldest beach bars in Madeira Beach, Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill—affectionately known as “the Boo”—is where you go when the craving for a frozen drink hits. Frozen daiquiris, margaritas, mojitos, coladas, and even a mudslide… they’ve got it all. You even get to take home the glass as a souvenir.
bamboobeachbarandgrill.com; 13025 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Where to Stay
Book an Oceanfront Suite
If your priority is being within steps of the beach, you’ll want to check out Barefoot Beach Club. Along with unparalleled beach access, you’ll be able to use the property’s pools and pool cabanas, outdoor grilling deck, and fitness room. The resort is also just a short walk from John’s Pass Village, putting you in the heart of Madeira Beach.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R37ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R57ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframebarefootbeachclub.com; 13220 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Opt for a View of the Intracoastal Waterway
Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach Marina also has waterfront views, but they’re just a little different from those of the Gulf. On days when you don’t feel like journeying to the nearby beach, you can head up to the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, where cocktails from the Ember bar await.
cambriamadeirabeach.com; 15015 Madeira Wy, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
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