Treasure Island and Madeira Beach (John’s Pass): A Great Beach Day Combo
Florida has no shortage of tourist attractions, and even on a longer trip it is hard to squeeze in everything you want to do. If you are looking for a beach day in the Tampa area that pairs lazy time on the sand with actual water activities, combining Treasure Island and Madeira Beach at John’s Pass is the way to go. One side is for doing nothing; the other is for doing everything. They sit barely a mile apart, so you can have both in a single day.
Quick verdict: Worth it, and an easy day trip from St. Pete, Clearwater, or Tampa. Start with quiet beach time at Treasure Island, then spend the afternoon and evening eating, drinking, and getting on the water at John’s Pass. One heads-up that matters more than it used to: beach parking here is no longer the free-for-all it once was, so come with the ParkMobile app and a little patience.
What Do You Need to Know About Visiting Treasure Island and Madeira Beach?
1. Why Should You Visit Both in One Day?
2. Treasure Island and Madeira Beach Johns Pass Location
3. Parking
4. Is There an Admission Fee?
5. Weather
6. Are Dogs Allowed?
7. Treasure Island and Johns Pass Things to Do
8. Places to Eat
9. Madeira Beach and Treasure Island Florida Places to Stay
10. Is the Area Still Recovering From the Hurricanes?
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Treasure Island and Madeira Beach
1. Why Should You Visit Both?
Treasure Island and Madeira Beach at Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk are only a little over a mile apart, but they could be different countries. Treasure Island is chill and uncrowded. Beach space is plentiful. It is a great place to play in the sand and splash in the water. There are a few activities readily available, but not many, and that is the whole point.
The John’s Pass area of Madeira Beach, on the other hand, is as crowded as your local Hooters on game day. It is a safe area packed with dining and water-sport options, but there is no good place to just hang out on the beach, and this stretch is really not for swimming. Combining the two gets you the best of both worlds: a slow morning on the sand and a busy afternoon on the water. If you are mapping out a wider Florida trip, this slots in nicely next to a day at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
2. Treasure Island and Madeira Beach John’s Pass Location
Treasure Island Location
The city of Treasure Island, Florida sits on the Gulf of Mexico in Pinellas County, an easy drive from Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Tampa. Orlando is roughly two hours east, so this is not a quick hop from the major theme parks. If you are already planning a stretch of central Florida theme-park days, treat the Gulf beaches as a separate adventure rather than an afternoon detour.
Where is John’s Pass?
The John’s Pass boardwalk is where the action is in Madeira Beach. The distance from Treasure Island to John’s Pass is a little over a mile, so you can drive it in a few minutes. You could walk, but in Florida heat it would be a haul, and you will want the car for the beach gear anyway.
3. Parking for Johns Pass and Treasure Island
The big change since this post first went up: beach parking here is now metered and app-based on both sides, so download ParkMobile before you arrive. There are no cash kiosks at John’s Pass, and the days of finding free street parking are mostly over.
Treasure Island Parking
Park along Gulf Boulevard to reach the beach. Spaces are plentiful, but no longer free: city-owned beach parking is metered, paid through the ParkMobile app or by text-to-park, and runs around $5 per hour on weekdays and a little more on weekends and holidays (Sunset Beach side streets cost a touch more). We last parked off Gulf Boulevard near 107th Avenue. One note for repeat visitors: the Thunderbird Beach Resort that used to be a handy landmark on this stretch has been closed since Hurricane Helene and is slated for demolition and rebuilding, so don’t navigate by it. Always check current rates and any free off-season windows before you go.
Johns Pass Madeira Beach Parking
There are several parking options. My favorite is the John’s Pass parking garage (179 Boardwalk Place W, Madeira Beach). It is conveniently located and was running about $4 per hour at last check, paid by mobile app only. Heads-up: the garage has a height limit (around 6’5″), so oversized vehicles will need to find a lot. It is worth a few bucks to skip scrapping for street parking on streets lined with tourists.
4. Is There an Admission Fee?
No. There is no admission fee to enter Treasure Island or John’s Pass. The beach itself and the boardwalk are free to access. What gets you is everything around it: parking, tours, rentals, and the ice cream cone your kid will demand within nine minutes of arrival. Treasure Island still makes for a cheap day if you bring your own food and drinks; John’s Pass will happily separate you from your money.
5. What Is the Weather Like at Treasure Island and Madeira Beach?
The weather in the Madeira Beach and Treasure Island area is beautiful for most of the year. The trade-off is summer: be ready for heat, humidity, and near-daily afternoon thunderstorms that roll in fast and roll out almost as quickly. The approximate seasonal averages below are a rough guide, not a guarantee, so check the forecast before you commit your day.
Winter Weather
Average High: Low 70s
Average Low: Mid 50s
Spring Weather
Average High: Low 80s
Average Low: Mid 60s
Summer Weather
Average High: Low 90s
Average Low: Mid 70s
Fall Weather
Average High: Mid 80s
Average Low: Low 70s
One real-world note: fall is also peak hurricane season on the Gulf Coast, which is exactly when Helene and Milton hit in 2024. If you are traveling between roughly June and November, keep half an eye on the tropics.
6. Are Dogs Allowed on Madeira Beach and Treasure Island?
Dogs are not allowed on most of the beach at Treasure Island or in John’s Pass. There is a small dog-friendly sliver near the southeastern tip by Sunset Beach, and a handful of dog-friendly beaches in the wider area, so check the current rules before you load up the pup. A few restaurant patios (Sloppy Joe’s included) welcome dogs. With all that said, we saw a bunch of dogs strolling John’s Pass. Like a bunch.
7. Things to Do in Madeira Beach and Treasure Island
We like to start our day at the Treasure Island beach, then move to John’s Pass for the afternoon and evening. This ensures we get daylight for beach time and save the food, shopping, and boats for when the sand has lost its charm. Do what works for you, but that order has never let us down.
Treasure Island Activities
Treasure Island itself is a quiet beach town. There are a few restaurants and touristy shops in Treasure Island proper, but not many. There is usually a large inflatable structure on the beach for kids, and you can rent boats and paddle craft, but that is really the extent of the highlights. Enjoy the beach and move on.
Pro tip: Alcohol is allowed on the Treasure Island beach, but not in glass containers, so pour it into something less stab-happy before you go.
Bonus pro tip: Watch out for the birds with food. They are bold. They have done this before, and they will win.
John’s Pass Activities
John’s Pass caters to tourists, and there is a ton to do. While you can get through a day at Treasure Island without spending much beyond parking, you will not be so lucky here. The businesses are all packed onto a boardwalk and a couple of streets, so you can walk the whole thing before committing to specific activities.
You can book activities ahead of time, but we have never had trouble walking up and making same-day reservations. Because the area is still bouncing back from the 2024 hurricanes, a quick check that your chosen operator is currently running never hurts. Highlights include:
Johns Pass Arcade
Beach Fun and Games is a small arcade. It isn’t much different than your hometown offering, but the kids will be into it. Confirm its hours before you promise anything, then avert their eyes if you would rather not deal with it.
Calypso Breeze Johns Pass Boat Tours
The Calypso Breeze is a massive boat that runs sightseeing cruises as well as dinner cruises. I generally like to avoid strangers, so I would personally spring for a smaller boat. If you just want to get on the water and like to mingle, this is an option.
Johns Pass Alligator Kiss
In the past, you could kiss an alligator at the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center, and really, I wouldn’t. We’ve all seen Tiger King, yes? Fair warning, though: that center had a fire and has bounced around locations, so its status keeps changing. Confirm it is actually open before you build a day around puckering up to a reptile.
Johns Pass Dolphin Cruises
Dolphin Quest Cruise and Hubbard’s Marina take you onto the water in search of dolphins. Hubbard’s, for what it’s worth, rebuilt its storm-wrecked docks and is back running tours. A boat ride is always nice, but if you are already doing another water activity, you can probably skip the dedicated dolphin cruise. Something like parasailing gives you a smaller, more private boat, and you may well spot dolphins even when you aren’t looking for them.
You can also ride a Shark Boat that quite literally looks like a shark. This tour cruises the area looking for wildlife, including dolphins.
Johns Pass Escape Room
John’s Pass Locked Up has offered an escape room experience. It is an indoor activity you can find plenty of places, but it is a way to get out of the sun if you need a break. Its operating status has been a moving target lately, so call ahead before you count on it.
Johns Pass Fishing Charters
Private fishing charters are offered by Lady Godiva Fishing Charters and Early Riser Charters, and Hubbard’s Marina runs deep-sea fishing trips out of John’s Pass as well. Charters book up, so reserve ahead if fishing is the whole reason you came.
Johns Pass Tiki Boats
Florida Tiki Tours has bars on water. The boats are adorable, and everyone points and squeals with delight when they float by. However, they are BYOB with no bathrooms onboard. The experience may lose its luster a few drinks into the alcohol you bring. I would skip this one with kids, but it would be fun with a group of friends.
Johns Pass Parasailing
Madeira Beach parasailing is offered through several companies, including Fly-N-High, Gators Parasail, and Eagle Parasail.
We used Eagle Parasail, which is located next to the Pirate Cruise on the boardwalk (110 Johns Pass Boardwalk). This was money well spent. We had only one other couple on our boat, the ride out and the parasailing were both smooth and fun, and we saw dolphins and manta rays from the air. I highly recommend something like this over a boat packed with people.
Pro tip: If your kid is scared and you aren’t sure whether they will actually ride, ask to pay only the spectator fee first. My six year old initially did not plan to ride, then changed his mind at the last minute on the boat. The crew let him go up, and I paid the difference when we returned.
Johns Pass Boat Rentals
Jack’s at John’s Pass rents boats of varying sizes. They can be booked for a half or full day and used for fishing or general pimping around the bay.
Johns Pass Jet Ski Rentals
In addition to boats, Jack’s at John’s Pass rents WaveRunners by the hour. You can also rent them through Fly-N-High, Mad Beach Watersports, and Levique Tours.
Johns Pass Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals
Hubbard’s Marina rents kayaks and paddle boards by the hour, which is the low-key, low-cost way to get on the water if the bigger tours aren’t your thing.
Shell and Beach Walks
Shell and Beach Walks runs guided tours of the beaches and Madeira Beach boardwalk to teach you about the shells and animals you find along the way. It’s a nice, slow option for kids who like to collect things.
Johns Pass Pirate Ship Cruise
The Royal Conquest Pirate Ship takes you on a slow-moving ride around the bay with views of nice houses. Kids are convinced they are pirates, water guns come into the mix, and it ends with a loud dance party and a cannon firing. It is a 46-foot, two-level vessel running family cruises year-round, and it is back up and running after the storms.
I cannot imagine why adults would ride this without kids, except that it is open bar. The fact that it was open bar became relatively obvious by the end, at which point my eight year old found himself teaching a senior citizen to floss. It is a great option for families with young kids. If your crew leans toward thrill rides over slow boats, file that energy away for a theme-park day instead.
8. Where Should You Eat at Johns Pass and Treasure Island?
Treasure Island Florida Restaurants
Treasure Island, Florida has restaurants, but not many are visible from the beach itself.
I recommend Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach, which sits at the Bilmar Beach Resort and, happily, came through the hurricanes and reopened quickly. It has both indoor and outdoor seating with a beach view. The food is good and reasonably priced, the cocktails are fruity and free flowing, and gluten-free and dairy-free items are marked on the menu. It is also the opposite of fancy, so you can roll in straight off the sand, as some patrons did more liberally than others.
Madeira Beach Restaurants in John’s Pass
There are too many John’s Pass restaurants and bars to list. You will be able to see an ice cream shop at all times. Options range from fast food to upscale, including waterfront seafood spots like Hubbard’s Friendly Fisherman, which is open again after rebuilding its storm-damaged lower level. Take a walk down the street until you find something that appeals to you.
In addition to not one but two different ice cream cones, we ate at Mad Beach Brewing, which closed for about a month after Helene and has since reopened. There are video games at the tables, which I did not realize until we sat down, plus some other games to play. The food was affordable and good, and gluten-free items are marked on the menu.
9. Where Should You Stay Near Johns Pass in Florida?
Treasure Island and Madeira Beach make for a great day trip from several cities, but if you want to stay longer, there are plenty of beachfront options that range from nice enough to Planes, Trains and Automobiles. There are motels you have never heard of as far as the eye can see. Some hotels allow pets, but keep in mind your pet will not be welcome everywhere.
One post-storm caveat worth your attention: a number of smaller properties took hurricane damage, and at least one well-known one (the Thunderbird Beach Resort) is closed and slated for a rebuild, so confirm your hotel is actually open and not under construction before you book. The John’s Pass area is busy, while the Treasure Island side is quieter. Choose your location based on your desired level of drunk people activity. If you’d rather skip the road trip altogether, our general tips for traveling with kids apply just as well to a beach day as a flight.
10. Is the Area Still Recovering From the Hurricanes?
Mostly recovered, but not entirely, and it is worth knowing before you go. Hurricane Helene (late September 2024) and Hurricane Milton (October 2024) hit these Gulf beaches hard, pushing several feet of storm surge through John’s Pass and gutting ground-level businesses up and down the boardwalk.
By 2025 and into 2026, the area has largely rebuilt and reopened. John’s Pass Village is operating with its full roster of merchants, the annual seafood festival is back, and anchors like Sloppy Joe’s, Hubbard’s Marina, and Mad Beach Brewing are open again. A handful of properties, most notably the Thunderbird Beach Resort, remain closed or under redevelopment. The practical takeaway: the day trip absolutely works, but spot-check that your specific restaurant, tour, or hotel is currently open, because a few are still catching up.
Treasure Island and Madeira Beach FAQ
Can you do Treasure Island and Madeira Beach in one day?
Yes, and it’s the ideal way to do it. They sit a little over a mile apart, so a single day gets you beach time at Treasure Island and the boardwalk, dining, and water sports at John’s Pass. We start at the beach in the morning and move to John’s Pass for the afternoon and evening.
Is parking free at Treasure Island and John’s Pass?
No, not anymore. Treasure Island beach parking is now metered and paid by app (roughly $5 per hour, a bit more on weekends), and John’s Pass parking runs about $4 per hour, also mobile-pay only. Download the ParkMobile app before you arrive, because there are no cash kiosks at John’s Pass.
Which beach is better for swimming?
Treasure Island, by a mile. It has wide, open sand and calm Gulf water that’s great for splashing around with kids. The John’s Pass side of Madeira Beach is built for boats and tours, not for laying out a towel and getting in the water.
What’s the best water activity at John’s Pass with kids?
For us, parasailing on a small boat was the standout, with dolphins and manta rays as a bonus. The Royal Conquest pirate ship is the crowd-pleaser for younger kids. If you only do one boat thing, pick the smaller, less-crowded option over a big group cruise.
Heading to Florida for more than a beach day? Our Florida Aquarium guide, LEGOLAND Florida tips, and Orlando packing list round out the trip.
Final Thoughts
A Treasure Island and Madeira Beach combination is a great option for anyone who wants to play on the beach and get on the water in the same day. Each side offers exactly what the other lacks, and their close proximity makes the logistics easy. It’s a great day trip to bolt onto the rest of your Florida vacation.
If you are in the Tampa area, visit Treasure Island and Madeira Beach. Bring the ParkMobile app, double-check that your tour is open, and you will not regret it.
Love Florida. Visiting there soon. never been to Treasure Island or Madiera beach. But from the looks of your write-up, they look like fun places to visit. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
This looks like a great place to go. I might have to convince my children to go to Florida for vacation instead of Hawaii. It’s probably cheaper to go to Hawaii, but there aren’t many fun things for the grandkids over there. I don’t think I can do the parasailing, even though it looks fun. I will just hang back and watch the grandkids that are too young to go. Great article.
Gosh this looks like a lot of fun! Would love to travel here!
This sounds like a super fun outing! I have been looking for beach vacation spots for a while now for a future excursion, and this sounds like it could definitely be an option! Thank you for sharing!
Looks beautiful!
You answered every question I could have imagined. Thanks for sharing that Treasure Island has the inflatable structure. This is definitely a plus since my 4 year old would be in tow.
So many activities. Interesting destination I did not know!
These seem like fabulous and very fun places to visit, full of attractions! I did not know these two beaches before, but now that you have introduced me to them, I hope to visit them soon!
Had never heard of these 2 destinations in Florida until reading your post. Looks like a perfect family vacation destination. An excellent post with some great suggestions for places to visit and dine. Great Job! 🙂
This looks like so much fun! I only think of Disney when I think of Florida and love to be reminded that there’s soooo much more!
What a fun place to visit. The name alone would make any traveling little pirate want to spend time there :). We will definitely add this one to our list!
Some great things to do in Treasure Island Madeira Beach.
Fun!!
Looks like a great place to visit!
Great information! I haven’t been to Tampa in years! Now I have a new attraction to visit!!
Great ideas for our next Spring Break in Florida
Very informative post! Thank you for all the great info. I never knew about these places (I live on the West Coast) so if I’m ever nearby I’ll be sure to have this on my list.
We had limited time when we visited Treasure Island. I would really love to go back. Thank you for reminding me of just how beautiful and fun it is.