Madeira Beach Park at John’s Pass, Tampa Bay, Florida
Madeira Beach bills itself as “an island two miles long and a smile wide.” Others refer to the island as “Grouper Capital of the World,” since it is host to the annual Grouper Fest, held the last weekend in October. Call it what you will, Madeira Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beach destinations on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Even with a storm rolling in, Madeira Beach's white sands are alluring
Seventeen beach accesses are available along the oceanfront, with the three major ones being Archibald Park at the north end; Madeira Beach Access Park in the center of the island; and Madeira Beach Park at John’s Pass, on the furthest southern tip. While any of the three provide easy entry to the island’s dazzling white sand and turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming, sunning, beachcombing, and a variety of water sports, the beach at John’s Pass has the added advantage of being located directly across the street from John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, an old fishing village that has been transformed into a quaint waterside shopping center with 110 shops, galleries, restaurants, and water-sport vendors.
Surf casting from the beach is a favorite activity
John's Pass Village and Boardwalk is directly across from Madeira Beach Park on the southern tip of the island
After a morning of wriggling your toes in the soft white sand while the sun’s warmth bakes stress out of your body, cool off with an ice cream cone and some leisurely shopping at John’s Pass Village during the hottest hours of the afternoon. Then return to the beach to witness stunning colors that paint a swath across the sky each evening as the sun sinks into the Gulf. But there is more! Because Madeira Beach is part of the greater Tampa Bay area, dozens of entertainment venues, pubs, museums, and attractions are conveniently located nearby, and the area offers a wide range of accommodations and dining choices to suit almost any budget, making Madeira Beach a near perfect beach destination.
Photo credits: Beach view and fishing; John’s Pass Shopping Center
Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels
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One Response
My husband and I go to Treasure Island in the Madeira Beach vicinity often. We frequent John’s Pass. It’s the best little beach that no one knows about…at least, not yet! That’s what we love about it. It’s still so private, not overrun the way Clearwater Beach is. We love going out on the boat and sighting dolphins in the Pass. And the sunsets at Madeira are a slice of heaven. Shhh…don’t tell too many people about how amazing this place is!