The Inside Scoop
Just five miles north of St. Pete Beach lies the barrier island community of Madeira Beach, a lively but family-friendly destination offering endless ways to enjoy the Gulf waters and miles of beautiful beaches.
The vibe at “Mad Beach”, ranked among TripAdvisor’s top ten beaches in the U.S. in 2021, is best described as relaxed, laid-back, and welcoming. As a quintessential beach town, it exudes a sense of coastal charm and casual elegance.
During the day, there’s a real sense of leisure as people enjoy activities like sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along the beach.
In the evenings, the vibe becomes livelier, especially around popular spots like John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk.
Perfect Music Vibes
- It’s 5 0 Clock Somewhere – Jimmy Buffet
- Meant to Be – Florida Georgia Line
- Worth It – Raye
- Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
- Slow it Down – Benson Boone
Top Vacation Experiences
- Final Friday – Johns Pass Village, Madeira Beach | 6pm-9pm
- The place to be on the final Friday of every month!
- Stroll along the picturesque boardwalk of John’s Pass Village as it comes alive with the sounds of live music, a vibrant marketplace of gifts and souvenirs, from handcrafted jewelry to stunning artwork, and the tantalizing aromas of local cuisine.
- Aligator & Wildlife Discovery Center – Temporary Home: 14805 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
- The Center is home to over 250 animals, including lizards, small mammals, amphibians, turtles and tortoises, fresh and saltwater marine life, and of course….alligators. They offer education for all, conservation, and adoption opportunities.
- Drum Circle – Treasure Island Beach | Every Sunday from before sunset until 10pm | Treasure Island Beach
- If you know, you know! If you don’t know and are new to the Gulf Coast of Mexico, then this weekly event is not to be missed as the pulsating beat of many drums can be heard every Sunday, starting before sunset and continuing as the sun sinks below the horizon.
- No website, but check out the Facebook page Treasure Island Drum Circle
- Second Saturday Gallery Walk – 2955 Central Ave, Downtown St. Petersburg
- If you can tear yourself away from the beach, be sure to make time to visit Downtown St Pete for the Second Saturday ArtWalk. Over 45 studios and galleries (showcasing over 200 artists of all disciplines) stay open late.
- Dali Fun Saturday – Dali Museum, Downtown St. Petersburg | August through January, Open 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- A great introduction to the life and works of Salvidor Dali, even if art isn’t your thing! Learn something new and admire the sheer scope and imagination of this famous painter’s mind!
- Lighted Boat Parade – Madeira Beach & surrounding communities | December every year
- If you’re fortunate to be visiting around the holidays, then be sure to check out your beach community’s plans for their own boat parade. Nothing says Christmas like lighted boats and blow-up Santas out on the water after nightfall!
- Pirate Adventure Cruise – Johns Pass, Madeira Beach
- Hop aboard the Royal Conquest for a 90-minute pirate adventure cruise around Boca Ciega Bay with this Madeira Beach cruise. Beer and Wine for the grown-ups, face painting, pirate stories, and a water gun battle for the little ones!
- Sailing, dolphin watching and parasailing, anyone?
- For a host of other water-bourne adventures around the beautiful bay area, check out the website below for a full list of day sails, sunset sails, and dolphin-watching opportunities.
- Tropicana Fields – St Petersburg
- Tropicana Fields is best known as the ballpark of the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB) since the team’s inaugural season in 1998. When you’re in town, it would be rude not to catch a game! Get tickets here!
Bars, Venues, & Views
- Cuban Paradise Cigar and Café – 12933a Village Blvd, Madeira Beach
- SHARING TRADITION, FAMILY, & TALENT – if you love great coffee and want to see cigars hand-rolled on the premises – what’s not to love about this funky café?
- Mickey Quinns – Irish Pub and Live Music – 13071 Park Blvd N, Seminole
- They offer a tantalizing array of food, speciality drinks, beer, and a vibrant live music scene. We know it’s not exactly Madeira Beach, but it’s worth a mention – we promise it’s worth the drive!
- Caddy’s Bar & Pub Madeira Beach – 14080 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
- Waterfront. Daily Live Music, Cocktails, Beer and Wine. Daily drinks promotions, happy hour and live music sunset sessions. It doesn’t get more Florida than this!
- Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill – 13025 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach
- The perfect way to end a day at the beach is with some fish tacos, a frozen margarita, sunset and live music. Bamboo Beach Bar makes every day feel like the weekend, and every stranger feels like a friend.
- The Salt Water Hippie – 15042 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach | 11am – 2am ( next day) 7 days a week.
- This place has a great vibe and plays live blues pretty much every day! There is an indoor stage and an outdoor stage. Check out the Facebook page for a complete what’s on guide and upcoming events.
- Mad Beach Brewing Company – 12945 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
- Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company is a full brewpub restaurant specializing in beach-friendly session-able beers by day, and go big or go home higher gravity beers by night.
Love to Eat
- The Boardwalk Grill – 204 Johns Pass E, Madeira Beach
- Casual waterfront restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – serving the freshest seafood including fish tacos, lobster rolls, seafood baskets, burgers and more! Famous for their Boardwalk Fries…..
- No website but daily specials, news and events posted on facebook.
- SLYCE – 662 150th Ave, Madeira Beach
- Stone-baked artisan pizza is served indoors and outdoors, as well as takeout and delivery. There are big TVs for sports and live music, too.
- Marios Ristorante Italian – 14995 Gulf Blvd # H, Madeira Beach (Located at Madeira Commons Mall)
- A Madeira Beach staple since 1999. Serving up all your favorite Italian food while listening to some of these classy gents – Sinatra, Caruso, Lanza, Pavarotti, etc.
- The Reef – 14705 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
- The Reef is a fun, casual, indoor or outdoor dining experience with cool artwork and collectibles decorating the walls and ceilings. A real slice of old Florida.
- Pete’s Sushi and Poke – 14995 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
- Does what it says on the tin! Sushi and poke bowls for the freshest and healthiest locally sourced ingredients. No matter what time of year, you can be sure you’re eating the best of the season.
- Crabbys on the Pass – 12754 Kingfish Dr, Treasure Island
- Ok, it’s not strictly Madeira Beach, but it deserves a shout-out as one of the iconic waterfront bar restaurant locations that’s a must-visit by car or boat!
- Touted as the ‘World’s Longest Waterfront Bar,’ the views are amazing! www.crabbysonthepass.com
Top Vacay Reads
- “Still Life” by Sarah Winman
- “The Year of the Locust” by Terry Hayes
- “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
- “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
- “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts
Annual Events
- John Levique Pirate Days
- Festival of Lights Holiday Boat Parade
- Johns Pass Seafood Festival
- St Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival
- Sand Sculpting Competition & Music Festival
- Clearwater Super Boat National Championship & Festival
- Kingfish Tournament
- Christmas in the Village
- Gasparilla Pirate Festival
- Honda Grand Prix