Your Guide to John’s Pass in St. Pete
With over 100 merchants, John’s Pass is a former-fishing-village-turned-top-tourist-attraction. Here is a rundown of the best boardwalk spots you can’t miss during your trip to St. Petersburg.
Located a mere mile north of Treasure Island Beach Resort, John’s Pass is a quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village. More than 100 merchants inhabit the village with a unique mix of retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, a local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing, and jet skiing. Here, we highlight what you can’t miss during your stay at the nearby Treasure Island.
Mad Beach Water Sports
No visit to John’s Pass would be complete without getting out on the water. Mad Beach Water Sports offers a slew of salty adventures, including parasailing and a brand-new fleet of Yamaha jet skis. But one of their signature offerings is their private fishing charters aboard Lady Godiva, a top-of-the-line 32-foot SeaVee sport fishing boat. Welcoming anglers of all levels, the charters guarantee some sort of catch, thanks to the waters that are flush with grouper, red snapper, amberjacks, kingfish, and more.
Mad Beach Craft Brewing Company
This family-friendly establishment, stocked with games like pool, air hockey, Jenga, and cornhole, is home to a perfect pairing: a curated menu of Caribbean-inspired dishes to accent their 28 taps pouring inventive brews all crafted on-site. In fact, the brewers at Mad Beach work in tandem with the chef to ensure your beer is the perfect complement to your meal. Sample from a selection of one-of-a-kind beers, like a sweet potato pie and coffee ale, or try out a crowd-pleaser like their “Life’s A Beach” orange wheat ale.
Shell and Beach Walks
This walking eco-tour through Madeira Beach is a great way to explore John’s Pass, beyond the boardwalk. Experience the beach and its natural inhabitants through the eyes of a tour guide familiar with the area. It is about a mile walk, so make sure you pack your walking shoes and a hat to block that Florida sun.
Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop
If you have a sweet tooth, Zeno’s is the place for you, as they have been providing visitors with their sugar fix since 1948. From a chocolate lover’s dream fudge to a dessert spin on popcorn, they have something for everyone. But the real star of the show is their saltwater taffy, with dozens of flavors – everything from berry to Belgian waffle–flavored taffy.
Royal Conquest Pirate Cruise
Taking family-friendly fun out on the high seas, this pirate-themed excursion aboard the two-level 46-foot Royal Conquest is a 1.5-hour-long adventure that consists of festive music, face painting, and pirate stories. While the tours depart three times daily – at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and sunset – you can also book it for a private party.
Where to Stay Treasure Island Beach Resort
