Madeira Beach beckons visitors to unwind on its sandy shore and enjoy recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and biking. The attractions also include historical landmarks, charming shops, and incredible restaurants. Book a stay at an unforgettable Madeira Beach vacation rental today. Moreover, look forward to embarking on some of the finest kayaking and parasailing adventures in the country. Without further ado, here are the most noteworthy places to visit in and around Madeira Beach.
1. Madeira Beach
It’s about surf, sun, and sand when you book your vacation rental at Madeira Beach, and being on an island doubles the fun. Whether you reserve a lavish condo or a cozy beach cottage, the Gulf of Mexico borders the island on the west and Boca Ciega Bay on the east if you stay on the island. If you stay on the mainland section of the town, St. Petersburg lies to the east. Madeira Beach’s claim to fame is the quaint fishing village and boardwalk located at John’s Pass on the south end of the island. As the county’s main tourist attraction, over 100 merchants offer unique shops, restaurants, boat rentals, shelling tours and more. On the other end of town, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf offers 18 holes of miniature golf. You navigate through caves, pirate ships, waterfalls and 20 to 30 live alligators. Anyone who wants to participate can help feed the alligators using cane fishing poles.
2. Treasure Island
Perhaps the real treasure you seek is the peace and quiet that you can find on Treasure Island. The island consists of three different beach neighborhoods, each with different types of vacation rentals available. The widest beach is in the middle of the island, in the commercial section where you find restaurants, shops, and conveniences within walking distance of condos. The stretch of beach includes a short trail for walking, biking, skateboarding and walking your dog. The beaches at the north and south ends of the island include everything from quaint cottage to modern homes. Treasure Island’s mascot is Peg-Legged Bucky, a large statue of a pirate donated to the city when the Buccaneer Motel closed in 2005. He stands in the city park, making a great photo op for visitors.
3. St. Pete Beach
If you feel that this is the year to do something really different, St. Pete Beach is the place to find a new adventure or two. Picture your family putting on bathing suits to go out to dinner at RumFish Grill. That’s the start of swimming with the fishes in a 33,500-gallon fish tank that fill a wall of the dining room. The restaurant provides guides, lifeguards, snorkel vests, snorkels, masks and foot gear. The program, led by experts from Secrets of the Sea, aims to enhance understanding of the marine environment through education and personal experiences. Children as young as eight who have some rudimentary snorkeling experience may participate. When you want to get the adrenaline pumping, Suncoast Watersports offers a parasailing adventure a few hundred feet above the gulf’s sparkling waters.
4. Pass-a-Grille Beach on South St. Pete Beach
Pass-a-Grille Beach offers quiet vacation rentals along tranquil stretches of beach and a charming historic district. You can shake out your jangled nerves in this Old Florida community as you stroll along, window shopping in the art shops. When hunger calls, you might pick up some fruit at one of the local snack shacks and make your way to the Merry Pier to enjoy your breakfast by the water. To take a fishing excursion, the crew of the Miss Pass-A-Grille offers deep-sea fishing tours and provides everything you need. Or, if you prefer a different type of tour, St. Petersburg’s Kayaking Adventure Company provides coastal kayak guided tours of the area.
5. Redington Beach
Your Redington Beach stay lets you take outdoor adventures as far as you want with surfing, boogie boarding and jet skiing. It’s a quiet beach town where you can find a spot to yourself to sunbathe, help the kids build sandcastles, gather seashells or simply collect your thoughts. It might be fun to incorporate the pirate lore of the Florida coast and stage and epic treasure hunt for the kids. While they are busy splashing around in the surf or building sand castles, you can look for some plastic beads and coins in the sand. Of course, they will need a treasure map.
6. North Redington Beach
A vacation in North Redington Beach puts you in the ideal position to experience a piece of local history. The Redington Beach Long Pier, first constructed in 1962, underwent extensive renovation in 2007 for the preservation of a priceless historical landmark. The property claims 100 feet of shoreline and includes a tackle shop, concession stand, several shelters, benches, and restroom. The community features luxury homes, small cottages, condos, retails shops and restaurants. Some visitors enjoy strolling out over the Gulf while others try their luck at fishing from the pier. Wildlife frequently seen at the pier includes sea turtles, crabs, manatees, stingrays, and dolphins.
7. Indian Shores
Whether your Indian Shores beach vacation rental sits on the Gulf of Mexico or features the Intracoastal Waterway view, the spectacular coastal scenery is stunning. Either way, you’re only steps away from the water at any time to play or merely revel in the beauty. Many visitors love walking in the soft, white sand while others rent some fun beach wheels from Island Marine Rentals, including bicycles, scooters and cute little sports coupes. You can also rent boats for fishing and cruising adventures. One place to visit is Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, dedicated to rescuing and helping sick, injured and orphaned birds. The observation tower near the beach entrance affords a view of the sanctuary compound and the Gulf of Mexico.
8. Redington Shores
It is your turn to enjoy a sunny vacation at Redington Shores, a small beach town that is somewhat off the beaten path. Just a short walk from your vacation rental, the Candy Kitchen sells homemade ice cream, fudge, and Italian ice. Open since 1950, the shop also features candies from bygone days. After a sweet, nostalgic visit, the kids are ready to don the swimsuits, boogie boards, buckets, shovels and beach towels for a day on the white sand and in the sparkling blue water. When you fling open the door of your vacation rental, it takes the kids about two minutes to dash a few yards to the warm surf, putting a thousand miles between you and the hustle and bustle of city life. Since you’re staying at the beach, you might as well take advantage of wind surfing and sailing, too.
9. Indian Rocks Beach
Go for the blue skies, pure air, azure waters and non-stop vacation fun in a cool vacation rental house in Indian Rocks Beach. Experience the best of beach vacation adventures, including swimming, surfing, fishing and sunbathing. Island Surf Shop rents surfboards, body boards, beach chairs and other beach accessories for half a day up to a week at a time. At your leisure, you can step out the door of your vacation rental and stroll down the path to take a relaxing swim or a walk along the uncrowded beach. Since you’re less than two hours away from Disney World in Orlando, it’s easy to make that a day-trip to surprise the kids.
10. Belleair Beach
When you want to make Florida your vacation destination, you can find great vacation rentals in Belleair Beach. The area includes Clearwater and Largo to branch out for shopping, dining, the arts, and entertainment. On any chosen morning, you can step outside and get some sand between your toes with a brisk stroll along the beach. Later, you can take the kids over to Clearwater to take a dolphin watching tour on the Little Toot Dolphin Adventures tug boat.
11. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach just might summon your inner pirate and that’s okay since there is a pirate ship waiting for you. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise aboard the Pirate’s Ransom takes visitors on a two-hour tour that includes face painting, pirate stories, dancing and a treasure hunt. Many visitors enjoy catching the sunset celebrations at Pier 60 that typically feature jugglers, musicians, and food.