Madeira Beach VisitSPC.com/MadeiraBeach • Quintessentially Floridian, Madeira Beach is like a pretty pirate lass who’s not afraid to let her hair down. The laid-back community lures locals and visitors alike with vintage and contemporary places to play and stay at all price points. Fun fact: The town owes its place on the map, in large part, to the aftermath of a hurricane-created waterway, now known as John’s Pass . Named for ex-pirate John Levique, who sailed the waterway’s first passage, John’s Pass is still a mecca for anglers. John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk , one of Florida’s most enduring roadside attractions, pays tribute to those saltier days. The exterior resembles a sea shanty on steroids and splits between both sides of the pass. The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center , located on the north side of the village, houses more than 60 rescued and surrendered American Alligators. Lively but never too wild, Madeira Beach scores big with families looking for low-key fun. Perhaps, that’s why Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine selected the community among their “ Favorite family-friendly beaches ” in 2021, and it’s Tripadvisor’s No. 9 best beach in 2021 . VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM 31
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