About John’s Pass
The pass itself was created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848, and got its name from pirate John Levique, who made the first passage through the newly formed waterway. Today, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village has been transformed into a bustling hub with over 100 merchants, including unique shops, restaurants, the local fishing fleet, and countless water activities.
Village Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Select restaurants open until midnight on Fridays & Saturdays)
Parking Information
City Parking Rate: $4.00 per hour (effective October 1, 2024)
Payment: As of September 2025, all payments are mobile only (no kiosks). Use the ParkMobile app or text-by-plate.
Where to Park:
- John’s Pass Parking Garage (179 Boardwalk Pl W) – 6+ floors, most convenient option. Height limit: 6’5″. Enter from the southernmost entrance off Gulf Blvd, make your first right onto John’s Way, then right again at the Lighthouse/Friendly Fisherman.
- John’s Pass Park Beach Lot – Southwest corner near the bridge, under-bridge access to the boardwalk. Great option with easy access.
- Village Parking Lot – East of the VFW, nearly 100 spots, centrally located.
Tip: Arrive early on weekends—the garage fills up during peak times. If you book a trip with Hubbard’s Marina, you get access to discounted all-day parking.
Top Things to Do
- Stroll the Boardwalk – Browse over 100 shops offering everything from Florida souvenirs and handmade gifts to nautical treasures, spices, teas, and beachy boutiques. Don’t miss Kilwins for fudge and waffle cones, or The Spice & Tea Exchange for unique blends.
- Dolphin Watching Cruise – Several operators offer tours through the scenic waters of John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay. Dolphin Quest and Hubbard’s Marina are popular choices.
- Deep Sea Fishing – John’s Pass is home to one of Florida’s largest fishing fleets. Book a half-day, three-quarter day, or full-day charter. Hubbard’s Marina has been a local fixture for decades.
- Parasailing & Jet Skis – Get an aerial view of the Gulf with Mad Beach Parasail or Gators Parasail. Rent jet skis from several operators along the boardwalk.
- Pirate Ship Cruise – The Royal Conquest offers family-friendly pirate adventures complete with water cannons and treasure hunts.
- Florida Tiki Tours – Cruise around John’s Pass and Boca Ciega Bay on a Hawaiian-style tiki boat. BYOB and bring snacks. Tours start around $45 per person.
- Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center – Located right in John’s Pass Village, get up close with gators, turtles, snakes, and lizards. They offer meet-and-greet sessions where you can hold a baby alligator.
- Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf – A pirate-themed mini-golf course with 18 holes featuring caves, waterfalls, and a pirate ship. They also have a live alligator exhibit with 20-30 gators on site.
- Hit the Beach – Madeira Beach offers pristine white sand and calm Gulf waters. Archibald Memorial Beach Park (15100 Gulf Blvd) has picnic areas, restrooms, and easy beach access.
Where to Eat
John’s Pass has no shortage of dining options, from fresh-off-the-boat seafood to casual pub fare:
- The Friendly Fisherman – A Madeira Beach institution since 1978. Fresh seafood, waterfront views, and they’ll even cook your catch if you’ve been fishing.
- Walt’z Fish Shak – Hole-in-the-wall gem with the freshest fish around. Menu changes daily based on what’s caught. Opens at 5pm and closes when they sell out—get there early!
- Sculley’s Seafood Restaurant – Gulf-to-table dining with fresh catches right off their boat, The Dagger. Great waterfront tables for dolphin watching.
- Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company – Local brewpub with Southern and Caribbean-influenced food. Great selection of craft beers, IPAs, and lagers.
- The Boardwalk Grill – Started as an ice cream shop, now a local institution. Known for fish tacos, New England lobster rolls, and 30 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream.
- Daiquiri Shak Raw Bar & Grill – Pet-friendly deck, live music Fri-Sun, and legendary frozen drinks. Happy hour runs Mon-Sat 11am-7pm.
- Pirates Pub-N-Grub – Pirate-themed family spot with seafood staples, gator bites, and tropical cocktails. Fun atmosphere for kids.
- Bamboo Beach Bar – One of the oldest bars on the Florida Suncoast. Great for cold beers and live music.
For Fine Dining: Head to Salt Rock Grill (technically in Indian Shores, just north). Premier waterfront dining with fresh fish, in-house aged steaks, and an award-winning wine selection.
Annual Events
- John’s Pass Seafood Festival (January) – Three-day celebration with dozens of food vendors, arts and crafts, and live music. Free admission.
- Madeira Beach Craft Festival – Local artisans showcase handmade goods
- Weekly Live Music – Many boardwalk restaurants feature live entertainment, especially on weekends
Good to Know
- Distance from Tampa International Airport: About 30 minutes
- Public Transit: PSTA buses serve the area; Free Beach Ride offers tip-based shuttle service within Madeira Beach
- Nearby Attractions: Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (Indian Shores), Clearwater Marine Aquarium, St. Pete Beach
- Pet Policy: Some restaurants have pet-friendly patios. Check individual spots for policies.
Nearby Parks
- Boca Ciega Millennium Park – Nature trails, fishing piers, and scenic picnic areas. Great for bird watching in the mangrove forests and wetlands.
- Archibald Memorial Beach Park – Shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and beach access. More laid-back than the busy John’s Pass area.
Whether you’re looking to shop the boardwalk, feast on fresh grouper, watch dolphins play in the pass, or cast a line into the Gulf, Madeira Beach and John’s Pass Village deliver an authentic Florida experience with something for everyone. It’s the kind of place where the fishing boats still come in each afternoon and the sunsets are always worth sticking around for.
Driving Directions
Just a short drive south from our vacation rental, Madeira Beach—affectionately called “Mad Beach” by locals—offers the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and lively waterfront entertainment. The crown jewel here is John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, a historic fishing village that draws over a million visitors each year and ranks as Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction.
Getting Here from Our Vacation Rental
From: 1731 Clearwater Dr, Largo, FL
To: John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach
Distance: Approximately 8 miles
Drive Time: 15-18 minutes
Directions:
- Head south on Clearwater Largo Rd
- Turn right onto Walsingham Rd heading west toward the beach
- Cross the bridge onto the barrier island—the road becomes 5th Avenue in Indian Rocks Beach
- Turn left onto Gulf Blvd (heading south)
- Continue on Gulf Blvd through Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores
- John’s Pass Village will be on your left just before the bridge (approximately 6 miles on Gulf Blvd)
