Things to do in Maderia Beach
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!
