When you are ready to take a break from the beach, a day-trip to Johns Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach has fun for the entire family. The Pass, as local often refer to it, offers visitors a unique shopping, dining and ocean exploring experience. The actual pass of John’s Pass is the body of water that connects Boca Ciega Bay with the Gulf of Mexico. The Pass is home to the local fishing fleet as well as a great place for boat rentals, charters and tours. The beautiful sands of Medeira Beach are just a couple of blocks away.
John’s Pass Village is a quaint, turn of the century fishing village and boardwalk, located on the waterfront. There are more than 100 unique shops and restaurants along the pier. There are also boat charters, dolphin watching tours and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing, jet skiing and more available for visitors.
Enjoy the Freshest Seafood, Fresh Off the Boat
Whether you are looking for a quick sweet or snack, or want a fine dining experience featuring some of the freshest seafood you can find anywhere, a trip to Johns Pass will fill the bill. There are numerous bars and pubs, cafes, snack shacks, quick eats and fine restaurants to choose from. Enjoy some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere. John’s Pass is home to the area’s fishing fleet. Enjoy the catch of the moment.
After you’ve filled your belly, fill your shopping bags with some of the unique Florida-centric baubles, souvenirs, fine crafts, beach and swim apparel, and more among the number of eclectic shops, boutiques, galleries and surf shops you’ll find along the boardwalk.
Let Your Pirate Flag Fly
Young and young at heart pirate fans will love taking a cruise on the Pirate Ship at John’s Pass. Two hour cruises give aspiring marauders an opportunity to participate in fierce water-gun battles, treasure hunts for that hidden booty, games, contests and storytelling. Adventuring out on the sea offers great opportunities for dolphin spotting and sightseeing along the scenic waterways of John’s Pass.
Get Out on The Water
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk sits right on the pass connecting the Gulf of Mexico to Boca Ciega Bay, creating the perfect confluence for ocean explorers. There are many places to rent and charter boats and personal watercraft of every shape and size. Visitors can enjoy everything from parasailing to deep-sea fishing and dolphin watching expeditions, directly from the Village.
John’s Pass Annual Seafood Festival
One of the largest and longest running seafood festivals in the country, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival. This annual event is held on the last full weekend of every October. In 2017, the Festival will take place on October 26th – 29th. This four-day celebration of the Gulf’s ocean harvest features live music, fishing tournaments, costume contests and a Halloween block party, craft and souvenir vendors, the world’s largest Bloody Mary toast, and, of course, a ginormous smorgasbord of delectable sea food and other yummy eats. Best of all, admission to the festival is free!
Other Events at John’s Pass Village
An annual tradition every November at John’s Pass is the Veteran’s Day Boat Parade. Held annually since 1996, the Veterans Day Boat Parade started with 13 boats and has grown to well over 100 every year. Every year, a different military branch is singled out for special recognition, but this annual event honors veterans and active service men and women from every Military branch.
Experience a Florida Christmas can be found John’s Pass Village during the Christmas & Jingle Bell Tournament. Browse sidewalk sales along the Village and Boardwalk, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony and a visit from Santa. Get into the holiday spirit without having to get into your parka when you spend the holiday season in Florida!
No matter what time of year you plan your visit to our Tampa Bay area beaches, a trip to John’s Pass is worth leaving the sand and surf for a little while anyway. Get your souvenir shopping done, your parasailing, dolphin touring, deep-sea fishing and even your pirating done at the Village. Then return to your beautiful beach getaway and get back out on our soft white sand. We’ll save your spot.
