Things To Do In Madeira Beach, Florida
Madeira Beach is like a little slice of heaven – population 5,000 or so, only two miles long, but tucked right in between St. Petersburg and The Gulf of Mexico. It boasts clear water and white sand, and is a perfect spot for a day at the beach or a week’s vacation spent there. Despite its small size, there is more to do than lay in on the beach and frolic in the warm waters off the coast (as if that wasn’t enough!) When you are finished, you can make your way to several local establishments to continue the fun.
Things To Do In Madeira Beach, Florida
- John’s Pass and Boardwalk
- Fort de soto Park
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Boardwalks are awesome because they offer a taste of the sea and the land – and John’s Pass and Boardwalk is no different. According to legend, a pirate named John LeVique was the person who settled the land of Madeira Beach, and the European traditions he brought along with him continue to this day. There are over one hundred merchants on the boardwalk, along with opportunities for parasailing, boat rentals, dolphin tours, unique antiques, and much more. You can make your way to the marina off of the Boardwalk, where you can rent an expedition of deep sea fishing. There are many dolphins that dance and play in the general area of the boardwalk, so it’s a popular date night and family hang out as well. There is plenty of delicious seafood and scrumptious ice cream located at various places on the boardwalk – something for everyone! It’s a great place to gather, shop, unwind or feast after a day on the beach.
Fort De Soto Park is a historical area located a very short distance from Madeira Beach, and it perfect for the outdoorsman or nature lover. You can rent a kayak and glide through the waters, and then take a tour of the Fort that was once standing guard to protect Tampa Bay. There are two piers in Fort De Soto that are public and available for fishing, so combine nature with history and head over to the Park!
Further down the road, but only a few miles, is the magical underwater world of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This Aquarium is not just so that people can look at that sea life – it is a sea life rescue and rehab center where injured aquatic creatures can have a second chance at life. What’s not to love about that? The staff has a goal to release the creatures back to the water from where they came, but some aren’t able to go back, due to injuries or other issues, and have become beloved long-standing citizens of the Aquarium, where they will happily spend the remainder of their lives. Along them are river otters, dolphins, sea turtles, starfish, and sting rays. Three dolphins are permanently homed at the Aquarium – including a Dolphin named Winter, who lost her tail at a very young age after a mishap with a crabbing net. She would have surely perished in the deep blue had she not been rescued by the folks at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and now she spends her full and happy days with two other bottle-nosed dolphins named Hope and Nickolas. You might recognize this story line from the movie The Dolphin Tale, because this is where the trio lives in real life.
Madeira Beach has plenty to offer in and of itself with its glorious beaches and extremely warm coastal water, but if you long for a bit more, or something different to try on a rainy day at the beach, there are plenty of alternatives to be found.
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