Vacation rentals in Madeira Beach

With a sweeping 4-kilometre stretch of shoreline, Madeira Beach is a popular vacation destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast, around a 45-minute drive east from Tampa. It’s a place where you can spend lazy days soaking up the sun on pristine white sands or swim in the warm, gentle blue waters, then migrate to one of the beachside restaurants for a dinner of fresh seafood. Colorful parasails in the air zoom along the waterfront, towing madly grinning humans down below, and jet skis zip along the tips of the waves.

One of this residential beachfront community’s biggest draws is John's Pass Village, a maritime-themed boardwalk home to more than 130 restaurants and shops where you can browse for clothing, jewellery, surfing gear, and souvenirs. The village is one of the region’s top dining destinations, where you’ll find high-end bistros as well as pizza joints and ice-cream parlours.

Madeira Beach experiences nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, with hot, muggy summers and mild, warm winters. The most pleasant seasons to secure a a condo or cottage may be in spring and fall, when you can expect consistently warm and sunny days for enjoying the beach and mild nights for outdoor dining. In October, the annual Seafood Festival at John's Pass is a popular celebration of Gulf Coast seafood, accompanied by live music and local artisans. Summers are generally hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms and lightning likely.

Although serious hurricanes are not common, it’s good to know that the hurricane season runs from June through November in Florida. Temperatures cool down a little in winter, but you can still expect plenty of days warm enough to enjoy the outdoors. Every Wednesday from November to May, the popular Madeira Beach Market features artisan sellers, live music, and food stalls.

John’s Pass Boardwalk

You’ll discover so much to see and do when you wander along the seafaring-themed, 335-metre boardwalk located right on the waterfront. You can participate in some retail therapy in the many shops, enjoy a bite to eat, take a ride on a pirate ship, or get on a boat to spot dolphins. Jet skis are available to rent to get in some action on the water.

Fort De Soto Park

Consider driving 30 minutes south along the coast to one of the Gulf Coast’s most spectacular parks, a 400-hectare expanse with sandy shoreline and five bridge-linked islands. You can climb to the top of the historic fort for sweeping views of Tampa Bay and explore the park on the seven-mile trail. Bring your snorkel to swim in the clear blue waters, or rent a kayak and paddle along the shoreline, keeping a lookout for turtles, cormorants, and leaping mullet.

R.O.C. Park

Spend an afternoon at the peaceful R.O.C. (Remember Our Children) Park, on the Boca Ciega Bay side of town, which is a memorial park dedicated to children who have passed away. The park is home to several beautifully decorated dolphin statues, as well as a playground, tennis courts, a baseball field, and a dog park. The area also hosts many events, including live music concerts and art displays.