Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach, FL

Madeira Beach centers on John's Pass Village, a boardwalk of shops, seafood restaurants, and charter boats built around the pass separating the town from Treasure Island. The beach itself sits just steps from the boardwalk, giving it more built-in things to do than most Pinellas beach towns.
The John's Pass boardwalk gives it more character and things to do than a typical beach stop, though parking fees and crowds around the village can make a quick visit less appealing on weekends.
How we score beachesJohn's Pass Park has metered parking right by a wooden walkover, closer to the water than the village's own lots, worth trying first if it's not full. All parking payments go through the ParkMobile app now, so download it before arriving.
Metered parking runs 4 dollars an hour, paid through the ParkMobile app at municipal lots throughout town.
A wooden walkover connects John's Pass Park's lot to the beach.
Dogs aren't allowed at John's Pass Park or the adjacent beach.
Winter and spring bring the mildest weather and the biggest snowbird crowds to this stretch of the Gulf coast. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, bring the warmest water and afternoon storms.
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