MADEIRA BEACH, FLORIDA

Madeira Beach, Florida is on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County across Boca Ciega Bay from St. Petersburg. 

Locals refer to their little city as "Mad Beach." 

Vintage Postcard Johns Pass Bridge

A happy slogan for the town is "Two Miles Long and a Smile Wide."

The population of Maderia Beach is about 4,400, and the city is mostly residential with very little commercial activity.  

The Madeira Beach area began to develop slowly and in the early 1900s a developer named Noel Mitchell built a hotel on the north side of John's Pass. 

This early attempt at tourism on the beach side did not go well because there was no bridge to the mainland and no water or sewer facilities.

The dream was smashed when a 1921 hurricane destroyed the hotel.

Vintage Postcard Madeira Beach Business District

A developer named David Welch bought all of Mitchell's land in what is now Treasure Island and most of the beach property from 150th Avenue north to Indian Shores.

Welch also pulled the right political strings to get a bridge built to Madeira Beach from St. Petersburg in 1926. 

Shortly after that, the first bridge was built over John's Pass.

Development began in earnest, both north and south of John's Pass once these bridges were opened. 

It was still a fishing village, but things changed in the 1950s when dredging operations created canals and residential lots on what is now known as Crystal Island.

It wasn't long before retirees began to buy the lots on the canals and many single family homes were built. Madeira Beach was incorporated in 1947.

Tourists began coming to enjoy the beach, and several small motels were built in the early days.

The town is still largely residential and many of the residents are snow birds, so the place is quieter than some of the more touristy areas along the Pinellas County beaches.

Enjoying the Beach at Madeira Beach
Flickr/Jan Lagergren

The old mom and pop motels that were so charming not so many years ago have been mostly replaced by oceanfront condominiums. 

The beach is still accessible and is as pretty as ever.

Two areas in Madeira Beach draw a fair amount of locals and tourists.

The first is John's Pass Village,  a shopping venue centered along a boardwalk on John's Pass. It is an easy walk from the Village to the sandy Gulf beach just to the west.

It is a nautically themed place with hundreds of restaurants, shops and curious small tourist attractions.

View of John's Pass Village Looking North
Shutterstock

A local charter captain, Wilson Hubbard, convinced the leaders of Madeira Beach to let him build a boardwalk along the public waterfront along John's Pass adjacent to his marina.

He built the boardwalk in 1980 and it led the development of the community of John's Pass Village.

He added interesting boardwalk shops over his marina in 1982 and 1983, and the area has continued to develop with the fishing village theme over the years.

READ MORE ABOUT JOHN'S PASS VILLAGE

The second place that draws a lot of lookers, especially photographers, is The Church by the Sea.  The non-denominational church was built in the 1940s.

Closeup of Madeira Beach Chapel by the Sea

Although it is an attractive building, the thing that makes it popular to shutterbugs is the Spanish style tower on the church. 

Madeira Beach Chapel by the Sea

No matter which way you look at it, the tower resembles a giant chicken.  Then it becomes one of those things you can't unsee.

Locals and tourists refer to it as "the chicken church."

THINGS TO DO IN MADEIRA BEACH, FLORIDA

John's Pass Village and Boardwalk 
12901 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | (727) 394-0756 
 
As discussed above and at John's Pass Village: Replica of Old Florida Fishing Village (florida-backroads-travel.com) John's Pass Village and Boardwalk is the heart of Madeira Beach, bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.  
 
We enjoy exploring the unique boutiques for souvenirs and trying local seafood delicacies. The boardwalk is perfect for a scenic stroll with views of the waterfront, and frequent boat tours and watersports rentals offer adventures on the water. 

Madeira Beach
Madeira Way, Madeira Beach, FL 33708

The pristine sandy beach itself is the main attraction in Madeira Beach. We love spending the day sunbathing, building sandcastles, or swimming in the clear Gulf waters.

The beach is well-maintained with easy access to amenities, making it ideal for families. During the evening, the sunset transforms the horizon into a spectacular display of colors—a must-see for all visitors.

Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center
Temp. Location 14805 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | (727) 329-8751

For a unique Florida experience, visit the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, where you can meet and learn about Florida's famous reptiles.

Our favorite part is the hands-on encounter where you can actually hold a baby alligator. It’s educational and fun for all ages, providing a closer look at these fascinating creatures.

R.O.C. Park
200 Rex Pl, Madeira Beach, FL 33708

R.O.C. Park is a waterfront community hub featuring memorial gardens, a kids’ playground, and sports facilities. We enjoy the pier, the peaceful walking paths and the well-equipped areas for various sports.

It’s a great place for active visitors or those looking for a tranquil escape. Picnic tables available. It has a dog park. R.O.C. stands for Remember Our Children.

The Pirate Ship Royal Conquest
140 Boardwalk Pl W, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | (727) 423-7824

Embark on a swashbuckling adventure aboard the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest. This family-friendly boat tour offers a blend of entertainment with pirate-themed activities, music, and games.

We enjoy the interactive experience, especially the water cannon battles and treasure hunts, which are a hit with kids.

Hubbard's Marina
John’s Pass, 170 Boardwalk Pl E, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | (727) 393-1947

Hubbard's Marina is the go-to place for deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and wildlife viewing tours. We love the dolphin watching tours, where you can see these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

The knowledgeable crew makes every trip educational and enjoyable.

Candy Kitchen
13711 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | (727) 392-6803

Visit Candy Kitchen for a nostalgic trip to a classic ice cream and candy shop. We enjoy their homemade ice creams and the wide selection of sweets.

It's a delightful spot for a treat after a day at the beach. Open since 1950, the Candy Kitchen is a family owned business that prides itself in making homemade ice cream, fudge, Italian ice and selling candies from your childhood.

The Florida Winery
12945 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | (727) 362-0008

The Florida Winery offers a selection of locally produced wines with a tropical twist. Our favorite part is the wine tasting experience. 

You can sample unique flavors like mango, key lime, and blueberry. The friendly staff are always ready to share their knowledge about winemaking.

The Church by the Sea

495 137th Ave Circle, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | (727) 391-7706

As mentioned and pictured earlier on this page, here is the contact information for you to go see this landmark in person.