Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Madeira Beach, FL

  • Published 2022/10/21

Madeira Beach has been keeping itself low profile, but this Pinellas County gem isn’t just full of surprises.

Aside from its stunning beach, all kinds of fascinating activities are available here.

One can find this marvelous city near St. Petersburg, and it ties up perfectly to the Gulf of Mexico’s coastal waters.

Residents love coming to this city for its white, powder-like beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and scenic views of the sunset.

If you’re ever in Madeira Beach, Florida, here is a list of 20 things that you cannot afford to miss.

Kiss a Gator at Alligator Attraction & Wildlife Learning Center

At Alligator Attraction & Wildlife Learning Center, you can get up close and personal with over a dozen live alligators and even more native wildlife.

It’s an excellent place for those who want an up-close encounter with some of nature’s most fearsome and lovable creatures.

The attraction sits on a pristine natural habitat where you’ll have access to countless species of local fauna.

One of its main attractions is a gator walk, which lets you touch—and take pictures with—an alligator during an educational tour.

The facility also lets you kiss an alligator if you’re bold enough.

You can also closely observe other reptiles, like rattlesnakes and turtles.

The center’s mission is an excellent spot for tourists who want reptile time and an educational place where children and adults can learn about these creatures.

The facility’s main animal species are lizards, fish, alligators, skunks, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, sloths, snakes, and more.

Taste the Local Favorites at Slyce Madeira Beach

Slyce Madeira Beach has an evolved sense of style that manifests in their modern interior, along with the excellent taste they provide in every slice of handcrafted stone-baked pizza.

They make their signature Slyce pizza crust with love and passion for creating new flavors, including pizzas available on Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat dough!

Not only all of this, but Slyce Madeira Beach also offers a delicious selection of fine wines and craft beers to pair with whatever your taste buds are craving.

Slyce Madeira Beach serves up their Tuesday Lunch Specials 12 to 3 during weekdays.

It’s definitely a great idea to start your day off on the right foot with Slyce brunch on Wednesdays.

As for Sundays, what’s better than starting that whole new week with a fantastic meal?

Enjoy breakfast pizzas and Belgian waffles that are uniquely delicious!

On Sundays, you can do just that at an $8 pitcher of Mimosas or Bloody Marys to fuel yourself up before starting your new week.

Buy Jewelry Souvenir from Laska Bead and Glass

Looking for a unique piece of glass art but don’t know where to start?

Then be sure to pop by shop Laska Bead and Glass at 204 Boardwalk Pl E.

Here, you’ll find all sorts of beads and jewelry with glass as the central material.

So whether you’re looking for glass beads or want glass earrings, or maybe you’re simply after that special gift that would make a stunning accessory, then shop at Laska Bead and Glass, where there’s a wide range of high-quality costume pieces on offer.

The next time you’re in Madeira Beach, be sure to visit them between 10 am and 6 pm; they’re available every day except weekends.

You’re going to love the owner’s quirkiness, as well as the pieces in his shop.

Although they look shoddy (you shan’t be), his handcrafted pieces are remarkable in quality – rivaling even the poshest boutiques in the area.

It’s an establishment where you won’t usually look twice at anything that looks mass-produced.

After seeing one of the pieces on display, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for clever designs that haven’t yet become commonplace.

You won’t find more affordable nice-looking one-of-a-kind jewelry (and items of other kinds) pretty much anywhere else.

Bottom line: You’ll get what you expect from a shop whose prices are basically unbelievable.

Go Fishing in the Gulf With Hubbard’s Marina

If you are looking for a quality fishing experience, Hubbard’s Marina is the place to go.

Book one of their charter trips.

If you are seeking a great family experience, try one of their many dolphin watches.

Whether you’re looking for a great family activity or just to spend an afternoon with friends, Hubbard’s Marina will be there for all your boating needs.

You can take fish-finding trips or simply rent their state-of-the-art equipment for private use.

One other thing you should make sure to do while you’re in Hubbard’s Marina is to experience one of their Ghost Tours!

As you explore the area and learn its history, you might even get a few haunting experiences for yourself!

Don’t leave without spending some time in this wonderful town and making memories that will last a lifetime!

Enjoy Happy Hour With Your Friends at Bamboo Beach Bar and Grill

A Van in front of Bamboo Beach Bar and Grill

Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock.com

Located along the sun-kissed Florida shores in the northernmost destination of John’s Pass Village, Bamboo Beach Bar, and Grill (used to be The Bamboo Beer Garden) is one of the area’s longest-standing destinations for locals and tourists alike.

Their delicious menus range from fish tacos to smoked fish spread to burgers & cheesesteaks.

And their Eggplant Fries are the star appetizer due to their unique Boom-Boom sauce flavors!

Their bar offers a whole variety of liquors.

And their Frozen Tiki drinks are what you’re looking for if you want your nostalgia balled up into something that will warm you up and fill your tummy at the same time.

For many years, the “Boo” has been one of Florida’s most beloved and popular areas.

Many families return each year to enjoy the fun atmosphere that you can find here in this little piece of paradise!

Enjoy a New Wave of Fun with Woody’s Watersports

When preparing for that perfect sea-side getaway in Madeira Beach, it’s always nice to have the option of renting a watercraft to complement your stay.

You can enjoy Yamaha and sea-doo rentals in addition to wave runners, jet skis, and more right from Woody’s Watersports in 205 Boardwalk Place East.

For the last fourteen years, Woody’s Watersports has been turning customers into friends.

When you’re finally ready to head out on the water, book your Waverunner rental online and select from one-hour rentals, then opt into a half-hour extension as needed.

Unlike most places, Woody’s Watersports doesn’t confine riders to moving around in circles—you can travel throughout a portion of the Gulf, enjoy incredible vistas, see playing dolphins up close, and more!

Hop Aboard the Royal Conquest

Are you looking for a family-friendly vacation to flow along with the majestic ocean breeze?

Royal Conquest is Madeira Beach’s premier provider of pirate boat tours.

This exquisite cruise will char along with one of Florida’s most unforgettable pirate boat tours, where a breathtaking view day or night awaits you in style.

The salt-filled breeze and coastline will certainly make you think you’re a pirate searching for buried treasure!

Don’t forget your swashbuckling attitude, though, because this day trip offers more than just a refreshing boat ride; this is an immersive cruise experience!

Take a Dolphin Quest Cruise

Missing the old days when you could travel and unknowingly stumble upon dolphins swimming nearby?

Well, you can relive those times by taking a Dolphin Quest cruise.

This three-and-a-half-hour tour focuses on educating passengers about dolphins, from their diet to behavior and family life.

As a bonus, this tour offers opportunities to see manatees or sea turtles!

You will definitely want to book ahead of time since Dolphin Quest gets crowded during peak times of the year.

Make sure that these fun cruises are on your bucket list when you visit Madeira Beach!

Explore John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk

Aerial view of John's Pass Village and Boardwalk

U.F.OProductions / shuttlestock.com

John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is an intimate beachfront attraction located in Madeira Beach, Florida.

This water-front entertainment complex provides sightseeing fun and entertainment for visitors from all over the world.

There are multiple shopping destinations, bars, eateries, and a wide variety of water sports equipment rentals available for use on the Gulf Coast.

It’s also home to first-class restaurants.

Street in John's Pass Village and Boardwalk

Jerome LABOUYRIE / Shutterstock.com

You can taste some of the region’s finest seafood by booking a table at their restaurant.

Or, you can fancy up your dining experience at places like Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, The Boardwalk Grill, or Frabotta’s Beach Kitchen.

If it’s something off the beaten path that you want, you can always take break midday from more strenuous activities and enjoy some time outside by walking along the boardwalk.

Many festivals are also going on here that are unique to this area of town.

Boats and restaurants at John's Pass Village

Khairil Azhar Junos / Shutterstock.com

Get a Beer at “Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company

If it’s a good craft beer that you’re after, then you’re going to want to spend an afternoon at Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company.

You can find the Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company just within the Gulf Beaches.

This unique brewpub offers customers a unique dining experience with its large, fully licensed bar and expansive Caribbean-themed menu.

Brewmaster Matt Powers is passionate about what he does and brews alongside his partners Alex Garcia and Tyson Williams.

They would come up with unique twists on traditional styles and experiment with IPAs inspired by Chef Williams’ recipes!

Their beers pair incredibly well with their pub fare, like small plates and sandwiches that are perfect after a day on the beach.

It also works well for someone looking to have something lighter to eat while enjoying some excellent customer service on tap at Mad Beach!

Play Golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf

You don’t have to travel around Europe or Asia to play golf.

If you’re staying on Madeira Beach and looking for something cool to do while you’re there, don’t forget to play golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.

The 18-hole mini-golf course boasts pirate ships and hidden treasure as you try your best not to sink your putts.

With waterfalls and geysers erupting on every hole, it will test your determination while providing a relaxing escape from everyday stresses.

Each course looks like an area of adventure: you’ll go hiking through a desert canyon on one, explore a pirate’s lair on another, and even make your way through a dense jungle.

Just make sure that you don’t land yourself in any water hazards along the way.

So if you live within driving distance of Madeira Beach, then be sure to stop by; you’ll be glad if you do.

Eat at Mad Fish Beach House

There’s not much better than sitting on a deck and sipping on a nice cool drink while gazing at the beautiful water.

There’s no other way to enjoy yourself when visiting Mad Fish Beach House.

Many lauded this place as one of the best waterfront bars in Florida, and rightfully so.

Located on a private beach strip just minutes from downtown Madeira Beach, Mad Fish Beach House is famous for its fantastic food and unique setting.

Try one of their signature seafood dishes, like Baja Fish Tacos or Mahi Mahi with Cajun seasoning.

Then pair them with a cold craft beer or a tropical cocktail from their hand-crafted drink menu.

They would sometimes play live music, so you can enjoy some tunes while you dine outside on their patio overlooking beautiful Tampa Bay.

For large parties, they offer group rates, so be sure to check them out!

Visit the Butterfly Garden at R.O.C. Park

R.O.C Park is an excellent place for your next picnic.

Or what about a friendly sports competition?

The park derived its name from “Remember Our Children” and has been a part of the community since 2015.

R.O.C Park is a place of remembrance for children who left the world too early.

R.O.C park also houses a softball field, a basketball court, and tennis courts for kids of all ages to participate in, etc.

You can host any special event here, from wedding ceremonies to fishing tournaments and more!

You can also take advantage of its unique features like the dog park – and the butterfly garden is absolutely stunning during the springtime.

The Butterfly Garden is home to dozens of different species of butterflies.

Ride a Jetski and Go Parasailing at Fly N High Waverunner

Jet Ski Tours around John’s Pass is the best way to experience the Gulf’s magnificent beauty while riding on the water!

The open roads are great for exploring this local area, and there are so many beautiful spots along the coast that people go to.

Who knows, you might find your very own special place to visit while in this area.

From Madeira Beach, where you’ll find Fly N High Waverunner, there are many more gems to explore further afield, such as South St. Pete with its long sandy beaches and Clearwater with its vibrant nightlife.

Fly N High Waverunner offers rentals and tours for jet skis for an unmatched experience.

You can also try other popular activities in this area, such as parasailing or boating.

But they don’t allow for far greater freedom than riding on a Jet Ski, which makes for much more exciting trips around stunning locations!

Sample a Wine at The Florida Winery

For an unforgettable wine tasting experience, head over to The Florida Winery.

The sounds of island tunes, from flutes to steel drums, play over the speakers throughout this place.

And no matter where one is within this inspired winery, it’s clear that resort-style green and teal colors combine with traditional whitewashed wood accents found throughout this remarkable wine haven.

Located just inside John’s Pass Village at Madeira Beach, The Florida Winery is a small winery that makes handcrafted wines.

The winery offers multiple wines from various grape varieties and hosts daily tours and tastings.

You can also purchase your favorite wines directly from their retail shop.

If you find yourself vacationing on Clearwater Beach or vacationing at one of many resort hotels around Madeira Beach during your visit to Florida wine country, be sure to stop by The Florida Winery for a taste of some award-winning vino.

You won’t regret it!

Soar High with Gators Parasail

The City of Madeira Beach has granted Gators Parasail a company license, and the business is fully insured for all customers, employees, operations, and vessels.

Consisting of three 12-passenger U.S. Coast Guard-examined parasailing boats, Gators Parasail offers services for big family gatherings or business events.

They provide safe, drier, and more pleasant trips than you would get on the tiny, uncertified six-passenger parasailing boats thanks to their bigger, U.S. Coast Guard-inspected parasailing boats.

Your flight starts while you and a companion or two are seated on the parasailing boat’s back porch.

As you soar softly into the air above the glistening Gulf of Mexico in seconds, you can see the shores of Tampa Bay.

Walk by the Beach at Shoreline Island Resort

Amidst miles of breathtaking white sand beaches, near Madeira Beach, Florida, is the Shoreline Island Resort.

This all-adult resort combines the calm local ambiance of a family-owned seaside resort with contemporary comforts and leisure services.

Four hundred feet of white sandy beach, a heated pool, high-resolution flat-screen televisions within every room, shuffleboard fields, a fitness center, and a guest laundromat are just a few of the amenities.

Their recently renovated rooms and apartments provide all the conveniences of home yet still feel tropical, cozy, and welcoming.

Your terrace offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Delight in Sweet Treats at Candy Kitchen

The Candy Kitchen is a family-run company that has been operating since 1950.

It takes great satisfaction to produce handmade ice cream, fudge, and Italian ice and sell childhood-era delicacies.

Individuals worldwide have traveled to see this icon of the beaches and make sure they leave their imprint by writing the walls, as evidenced by queues out the door during the night.

When you go, be sure to check out the restroom, which is adorned with vintage candy boxes from floor to ceiling.

On your next beach vacation, drop in Candy Kitchen and let them sate your sweet craving.

Spend a Memorable Water Adventure with Levique Tours and Rentals

Neil and Jennifer, a married couple duo, founded Levique intending to provide a greater and more comprehensive rental choice for both residents and visitors based on their passion for travel and significant expertise on the seas of Florida’s Gulf coast.

A modest, family-run company called Levique Tours and Rentals is situated near Madeira Beach, Florida, in the center of John’s Pass.

Levique provides a wide range of top-notch Tiki Boat Tours and Water Sport Rentals.

From 12-person Tiki Boat trips with a skipper to SeaDoo jet skis with BlueTooth speakers.

Levique Rentals expands on that selection by providing kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Experience Flying with Eagle Parasail

The Eagle Parasail Company has been in the watersports business for more than 30 years.

They have Approximately 200,000 parasail flights safely completed.

They consistently improve their equipment to ensure reliability and have an impeccable safety rating.

Their cutting-edge Parasail winch boats will slowly raise you hundreds of feet into the air for the most incredible view you’ve ever had.

Everyone can appreciate their landing since it is so gentle, whether you are 5 or 95 years old.

Bring your family and friends to share the thrill since Eagle Parasail flies solos, tandems, and triples.

Final Thoughts

Madeira Beach offers magnificent history and nature beyond its pristine beaches, sunlight, and gorgeous outdoor atmosphere.

It is also home to sites of art that will inspire every traveler using only your eyes.

Pirate life… Meeting dolphins… And kissing gators?

Those are only some of the bizarre and fun things to do in Madeira Beach that will serve as intangible treasures to anyone who comes to explore the sunlit shores at play in paradise on this side of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

From festivals with live music and food vendors to historic buildings overflowing with charm, you can be sure that something exciting is waiting to be discovered around Madeira Beach’s every corner.

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