
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. Visitors can expect a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, with locals often embodying the spirit of Southern hospitality.
During the day, there’s a real sense of leisure as people enjoy activities like sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along the beach. But that’s not all. Madeira Beach also boasts a range of outdoor activities, including fishing charters, dolphin-watching tours, parasailing, and boat rentals, catering to a variety of interests. There’s always something exciting to do here.
In the evenings, the vibe becomes livelier, especially around popular spots like John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, where visitors gather for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Whether it’s enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, sipping cocktails at a beachside bar, or listening to live music, there’s a sense of community and appreciation for the coastal lifestyle, making it an inviting destination for travelers seeking a laid-back beach experience.



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 and the tantalizing aromas of local cuisine. Immerse yourself in a vibrant marketplace of gifts and souvenirs, from handcrafted jewellery to stunning artwork.Entertainment abounds as talented musicians and captivating street performances add an extra spark to the night. Join in for a night of fun, flavor, and festivities, and let the magic of this beachfront destination sweep you away.
- Aligator & Wildlife Discovery Center – Temporary Home: 14805 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
- Their immediate goal is providing humane, professional care for pet surrenders and orphaned native wildlife that cannot be safely returned to the wild. 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. Kids and adults alike will find it fascinating to get up close and learn about these critters!
- Drum Circle – Treasure Island Beach | Every Sunday from before sunset until 10pm
- 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! Up and down the white sand beaches on this glorious coastline, the pulsating beat of many drums can be heard every Sunday, starting before sunset and continuing as the sun sinks below the horizon. Everyone is welcome to watch and participate in the drumming and dancing as the sun sets on another beautiful day in paradise!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 at least once during your visit. There’s always something going on in this eclectic neighborhood, day or night. The Central Arts District, EDGE District, Grand Central District, Warehouse Arts District, Uptown Arts District and downtown Waterfront District unite once a month for the St. Petersburg Second Saturday ArtWalk. Over 45 studios and galleries (showcasing over 200 artists of all disciplines) stay open late and welcome visitors from 5-9 pm.Free of charge.
- 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! Join in every Saturday for fun games, puzzles, and craft activities for the entire family. Dalí Family Guides are available so families can explore on their own. The cost is FREE with museum admission.
- 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 on different weekend nights throughout December. Nothing says Christmas like lighted boats and blow-up Santas out on the water after nightfall!Check out www.visitstpeteclearwater.com for links to some of the other local communities hosting boat parades.
- 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, a large domed venue just off the I75, is best known as the ballpark of the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB) since the team’s inaugural season in 1998. The stadium is also used for college football.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?Their extensive tobacco tradition and ancestral techniques, which specialize in the art and manufacture of handmade cigars, date back almost 200 years.
- 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. Check out their website for a jam-packed calendar of events and live music, ensuring there’s always something for everyone.We know it’s not exactly Madeira Beach, but it’s worth a mention for its one-of-a-kind live entertainment—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
- Be a part of the tropical dream at Bamboo Beach Bar. Just steps from the Gulf, here you can grab a cold pint and watch the sunset over paradise. The perfect way to end a day at the beach is with some fish tacos, a frozen margarita, and live music. Bamboo Beach Bar makes every day feel like the weekend, and every stranger feels like a friend. Dine in, drink up, and step into paradise.
- The Salt Water Hippie – 15042 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach | 11am – 2am ( next day) 7 days a week.
- It’s a great dive bar that plays live blues pretty much every day! There is an indoor stage as well as an outdoor stage in the beer garden. This place has a great vibe, much loved by locals and visitors alike.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 that pair well with its expansive Caribbean and southern-inspired menu by night.




Love to Eat
- The Boardwalk Grill – 204 Johns Pass E, Madeira Beach
- Casual waterfront restaurant located on the boardwalk in Johns Pass Village. 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
- SLYCE proudly serves up stone-baked artisan pizza in a contemporary and relaxed setting.They offer indoor and outdoor dining options, as well as takeout and delivery. SLYCE is also a great spot to watch your favorite sports and catch all the big games. And if you’re into live music, they’ve got you covered there as well.
- 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.This family-owned restaurant offers traditional Italian Cuisine and Italian-American classics. With an open kitchen, you can literally see/smell your food being prepared from your chair or barstool 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 that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The decorations are fun, and funky, with cool artwork and collectibles decorating the walls and ceilings. It’s a real slice of Old Florida, and the perfect place to bring the kids, or grandma, or all your friends.
- 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 dining options around! Locally sourced fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets. 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,’ Crabby’s On The Pass has something for everyone. The views are amazing, plus you may even see a dolphin or two.





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