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One if by land, two if by sea

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Exploring our areas in and around Gulfport and Madeira Beach is a great way to get out and enjoy all that our wonderful communities have to offer during your trip. With our beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, there is something for everyone. But how do you get around? Here are some fun ways to get around by land and sea.

By Land

Did you know the Gulfside Getaways is only about a mile to the Pinellas Trail? The Pinellas Trail is a 45 mile a rail trail stretching from St. Petersburg in the south to Tarpon Springs in the North.

Motorized & Non-Motorized Bike Rentals (will drop off and pick up)

If you’re looking for a more relaxed way to get around, you can take advantage of the city’s trolley system.  https://www.psta.net/riding-psta/trolley-services/ or the new Sunrunner trolley https://www.psta.net/about-psta/projects/sunrunner/

Or try one of these fun alternates (will drop off and pick up)

By Sea

Gulfport is located on Boca Ciega Bay and Madeira Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, both the Gulfside Getaway and MadBay Getaway have many options for adventures on the water.  Here are just a few.

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Tiki Boat Tours

John's Pass Madeira Beach scene

Things to do in Maderia Beach

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Top 7 Activities In Madeira Beach

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this little city and the Madeira Beach Yacht Club, where you will find the MadBay Getaway, sits between St. Petersburgh and Clearwater. Madeira Beach is actually one of the best beaches between the two! It also makes a fun day trip from Tampa, being less than an hour’s drive away. As a local property owner, we want to suggest things to do in Maderia Beach that will top your list!

Known to locals as “Mad Beach”, Madeira Beach, Florida was named after an island in Portugal, and it is full of fun activities. From quaint shops and restaurants to craft breweries, you certainly won’t go hungry. You can easily get out on the water, whether on your own or on a guided tour, or if you just want a relaxing beach day, you can do that too!

#1 – Explore John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk

One of the most popular things to do in Madeira Beach is to explore John’s Pass. This entertainment and business district is Madeira Beach’s busiest spot. Here you can find all sorts of restaurants and shops overlooking the water.

John’s Pass was named for a pirate called John Levique, who was said to be the first to pass through the narrow channel created by a hurricane in 1848. Today, the area is a bustling hub of activity.

John’s Pass Village – https://johnspassvillage.net/

#2 – Relax at Archibald Beach Park

What would be a visit to Madeira Beach without going to the beach? If you’re visiting, of course, one of the best things to do in Madeira Beach is to relax on the sand or hit the water. And Archibald Beach Park is located directly across the street from the MadBay Getaway.

Like many of the Gulf beaches on the west coast of Florida, at Archibald Beach Park you can expect sugary white sand and gorgeous blue water. The water tends to be warmer here, thanks to the gulf streams! You’ll have all of the beach gear available at the MadBay Getaway including beach chairs, umbrella, beach towels, soft sided cooler and a wagon to make it easy to bring over.

#3 – Go on a Dolphin Quest Cruise

If you want to see dolphins in the wild, why not try a dolphin cruise? You can trust professional tour guides to know where these playful sea creatures can be found! Dolphin tours are another of the most popular things to do in Madeira Beach for families.

Climb onboard in John’s Pass Village and explore the blue waters of Boca Ciega Bay, where you can catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins. The captain and crew may teach you some things you didn’t know about dolphins!

#4 – Visit the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center

This discovery center provides humane care for surrendered exotic pets and wild animals that cannot survive on their own.

The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center offers hands-on experiences that will introduce guests of all ages to the wide variety of Floridian animals. Meet reptiles like alligators, snakes, lizards, and turtles or mammals like sloths, lemurs, and even pigs! There is also an aquarium component full of fish and aquatic animals.

Kids and adults alike will be educated on the different animals’ habitats, and how we can ensure they’ll be around for years to come. Maybe one day you’ll be able to see alligators in the wild, and not in an exhibit!

#5 – Play at R.O.C. Park

Located right next to the MadBay Getaway, Madeira Beach’s R.O.C. Park has everything you could possibly want in a community park. The acronym stands for “Remember Our Children”, and the park stands as a memorial for those lost too soon and creates a peaceful setting for families to gather.

R.O.C. Park is one of the places to go in Madeira Beach if you’re into sports. It has three fields plus tennis and basketball courts. The park hosts events throughout the year such as softball and fishing tournaments, as well as a Rotary carnival.

Popular Events Hosted at R.O.C. Park’s location include Eastern Michigan Madeira Beach Invitational, NSA Softball Tournaments, King Of The Beach Fishing Tournament, and Spring Break Rotary Carnival.

#6 – Sail on a Pirate Cruise

One of the more unique things to do in Madeira Beach is climbing aboard and setting sail on a pirate ship! This cruise will be fun for the whole swashbuckling family!

You’ll board this two-level pirate ship in John’s Pass Village, from where it will sail around the beautiful nearby waters. Be entertained by the views, as well as the crew of pirates, for the next hour and a half.

If you want to drink up with your hearties, refreshments (alcoholic and non) are available for purchase on board.

#7 – Mini-Golf at Smugglers Cove

For those in a pirate mood, another of the best things to do in Madeira Beach, FL is to go mini-golfing at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. This mini-golf course is full of fun, no matter your age.

Get your game on throughout this unique course. You’ll be traveling through waterfalls, caves, and pirate ships of course. The course is just hard enough that both beginner and intermediate players can enjoy themselves.

Best of all though, you can purchase a bag of food and feed baby alligators!

Madeira Beach

Corgi dog running on beach

Pet Friendly Things to do in Gulfport

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Pet Friendly Things to do in Gulfport

So many of our local areas are dog friendly and Gulfport is no exception.  When you bring your four-legged friend to the Gulfside Getaway for a stay they already have the big fenced in backyard to explore, play fetch or catch a nap under the large patio umbrella.  But, if you want to take your pup out and about for an adventure, you have several great options.  Check out some of our favorite pet friendly things to do in Gulfport.

Gulfport, FL

  • Tomlinson Park and Tangerine Parkway – right outside our door is a wonderful walking path and plenty of dog stations/trashcans for your morning and evening walks.
  • Downtown Gulfport – Beach Blvd. S. and the boardwalk have several restaurants and a few shops that are pet friendly. Stop by Gulfport Brewery + Eatery for a bite and beverage and a shady spot for your pup to relax.
  • Paw Paw’s of Gulfport – while you are in downtown Gulfport check out this quirky little shop with gifts for Cats and Dogs and for the people love them. Doggie Bakery. Treats and Florida themed collars and leashes.
  • Chase Park – Gulfport Dog Park – 5301 28th Ave. S.
  • Clam Bayou Nature Park – located at the end of Miriam St. S. The area is a nature preserve and includes several observation decks and docks, a canoe/kayak launch, several short trails and views of Clam Bayou and Boca Ciega Bay.

St Petersburg, FL

  • The Dog Bar in St. Petersburg – is a combination of a private, off-leash dog park and a full-service sports bar. Watch your dog play while you enjoy your favorite beverage! Located in the Grand Central District of St. Pete, this unique spot offers a hybrid between a private dog park. 2300 Central Avenue, St Petersburg
  • Vinoy Park is pet-friendly – This popular park is located on Saint Pete’s waterfront. The park is named after the Vinoy Park Hotel, which once sat adjacent to the park. Enjoy scenic views, events, festivals, concerts, and sporting events, and a full liquor, beer, and wine bar.
  • Saturday Morning Market – Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St. SE, St. Petersburg or the Corey Avenue Sunday Market in St. Pete Beach – dog friendly. Pets must be leashed.
  • Opening March 2023  –  Mutts and Martinis On Central – Featuring Florida’s first doggy splashpad.  2900 Central Avenue, St Petersburg

Area Beaches

  • Beaches – While most public beaches do not allow dogs, there are some spectacular dog friendly beach areas including:
    • Fort De Soto Dog Beach – St. Petersburg, FL, has are two fenced areas so both large and small dogs can enjoy off-leash fun. It also has dog showers for hot days. The rest of the park allows dogs on leash, and features beach the Paw Playground beach.  3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierre Verde
    • Other Pet Friendly Beaches
      • Pass A Grille Dog Beach – 1-199 Pass A Grille Way, St. Pete Beach
      • Sunset Beach Dog Beach, Treasure Island – 7545 Bayshore Dr, Treasure Island
      • Honeymoon Island State Park Pet Beach – 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin
      • Northshore Dog Park – 901 N Shore Dr NE, Saint Petersburg

woman walking dogs on beach