John's Pass Overview Hero
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
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Legend has it that John’s Pass, which was created by a hurricane in 1848, got its name from pirate John Levique, who discovered the pass and was the first to sail through it. Fast-forward to the late 1970s, when a boardwalk with a couple of shops was built in hopes of luring locals and visitors to this waterfront area in Madeira Beach. These days, John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is a top St. Pete-Clearwater attraction with more than 100 shops, restaurants and water-related businesses. Shop for classic Florida souvenirs, enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant and get out on the water on a nature cruise or Jet Ski rental.
Boating, Fishing & Watersports
Set on Florida's Gulf Coast just north of Treasure Island, John's Pass Village and Boardwalk has a handful of watersports companies specializing in boat rentals, parasailing excursions, deep-sea fishing charters and more. Check out Woody’s Watersports for watersports rentals and Don’s Dock for fishing gear and bait. Looking to spot marine life? Head to Dolphin Quest, board their 40-foot power catamaran and keep an eye out for playful bottlenose dolphins and manatees while cruising the Intracoastal Waterway.
Pirate Cruises and Other Family Fun
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is a great spot for family fun. The Royal Conquest, a pirate ship that sails out of John's Pass, runs daily cruises designed for families. The two-hour cruises are filled with nonstop excitement, including water gun battles, limbo dancing competitions, treasure hunts, face painting and pirate stories. Enjoy sailing across the bay singing sea shanties (traditional folk songs) while the skull-and-crossbones flag flies from atop the ship's mast.
Back on land, John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk also hosts lively events each year, including the popular John’s Pass Seafood Festival, which takes place every January, and the Kingfish Tournament, held in the fall.
Delightful Waterfront Dining
In John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, visitors will find plenty of fun options for lunch or dinner. For delicious casual fare with a side of live music and an ocean view, head to Bamboo Beach Bar and Grill. If you’re in the mood for Italian, try DeLosa's Pizza & Italian Restaurant’s hand-rolled pizzas or three-cheese calzones. Cheers with a craft brew at Mad Beach, or head to Walt'z Fish Shack, where the ever-changing menu features whatever seafood is fresh off the boat. Top off your meal with a sweet treat at Sip & Scoop, where you’ll find ice cream sundaes and creamy milkshakes, or stop in Kilwins for house-made fudge.
Shopping in John’s Pass Village
John’s Pass Village is lined with nearly 20 unique specialty shops. If you're looking to take home a souvenir for a loved one – or yourself – head to Wild Time Caribbean Trading Company, which specializes in all things Florida. Find fine jewelry inspired by the coast at Landing Company, or take home an authentic Cuban cigar from Cuban Paradise Cigar and Cafe. Finally, don't leave without visiting the Florida Winery, where you can enjoy a free sample of their wines, bursting with flavor from Florida citrus and berries.
Parking at John’s Pass Village
The parking garage at the southwest corner of John’s Pass Village is very convenient. Two pay-by-meter lots are also located nearby. Try the Central lot, just east of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, or the Beach lot, with under-the-bridge access to John's Pass Village.
accessible features
- Wheelchair-friendly inside walkways
bar offerings
discounts
- Group Discount
- Military Discount
- Senior Citizen Discount
entertainment available
- Live Music
general information
- Family-friendly
- Hours 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Individual store hours vary.
- WiFi available
on site facilities services
- Restaurant
rates times
- Time to Experience Activity Less than 1 hour