John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
4.5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
The "Pass", as locals refer to it, was created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848. A pirate, John Levique, made the first passage through the newly created pass. Hence the name, Johns Pass. Located on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County's #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Restaurants
203 within 3 miles
Attractions
137 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- nathaliasouzabhKing of Prussia, Pennsylvania777 contributionsNiceIt’s not very long, but full of stores and restaurants. The beach in front of it has a lot of “parked” boats. There you find various tours to buy. The streets behind it are cute. More stores and more restaurants. There are parking spots: free and paid.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 8, 2023
- BarbP3679Eastlake, Ohio125 contributionsA nice way to spend some hoursThe Pier is great. If a cloudy day, the dolphins show up. Lots of shops on the pier and in town. Drawback is the paying to park; strictly enforced from what I hear. If you have a handicap plaque be sure to take it; parking free. A nice way to spend the day. I wish I had tried the restaurant on the pier for their lunch special; check the time. Wish they had places to sit on the pier.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 25, 2023
- smileyface21100 contributionsFun half day experienceFun half day if shopping and eating. Fills up fast for parking so go early . You can park all day by the surf store for $10. Typical beach stores , but good restaurants. Saw a few folphonsVisited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 14, 2024
- Dottie M14 contributionsExcellent day at John’s PassWe took a lot of photos and did a lot of shopping at John’s Pass. Be sure and go to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co it was so much fun looking at all The memorabilia from The movie and the food was excellent! The drinks from the bar were excellent and the service was great. We went to the surf shop and got some new t shirts and some taffy and got frozen yogurt from a shop and enjoyed watching the boats out in the bay.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 4, 2024
- Pamela C1 contributionFun place when taking a break from the beach.The shops are fun. A bit pricy if you’re on a budget. Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends when locals park here and walk to the beach. (Parking is paid by the hour.) To be such a nice shopping area, the public restrooms are a disgrace. One step up from an outhouse, especially in smell.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 12, 2024
- barbara12557North Port, Florida79 contributionsGreat Shops and RestaurantsThis was our second time of coming to Johns Pass Village. It was even better the second time than it was the first. Even though it was almost 100° outside we were able to go in and out of the shops to cool off and enjoy all of the merchandise the stores had to offer. Very great experience with everybody because they were so friendly and accommodating.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 21, 2024
- wgod1234Boynton Beach, Florida246 contributionsNice place to stop for a bitWe made a 90 minute stop on our way to Clearwater Beach. While we visit Clearwater on a regular basis , this was our first time here and it was pleasant stop. Plenty of shops and restaurants along with a small boardwalk and small beach area. You do pay for parking which we did with our park Mobil app. Again a nice spot to walk around for a bit .Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 5, 2024
- Christine MHobe Sound, Florida39 contributionsAdorable area to walk, shop and eatWe enjoyed our evening here. Cute shops along a walkable strip. Some standard cheesy touristy t-shirt shops and some nice craft and brand name stores. A nice selection of waterfront restaurants moderately priced.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,851 reviews
Excellent
1,983
Very good
1,239
Average
431
Poor
86
Terrible
112
Joe
Orlando, FL259 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
If you decide to visit DO NOT and please take my advice DO NOT Im being honest here DO NOT park on the parking garage!! It’s way too small, if you drive a smart car or a scooter your ok but anything larger..... don’t do it! I pulled in when it was raining and had to maneuver in a way too small space so I was religated to parking on the roof level never left my truck and had to wait for over an hour in 6+ levels of traffic jams. It was so claustrophobic I can’t stress how bad it was. The cherry on top was I was charged for every second I was in that garage, traffic, pouring rain, lightning... they don’t care!! Don’t ever go here it’s just not worth it! I always post positive and I hate posting negative but I have to be honest.
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele B
Lakeland, FL444 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Had a wonderful day at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk.
This isn’t the usual Boardwalk (not as big as you would find in Ocean City) but it has the same kind of idea.
We found parking quickly and pretty easily as soon as we arrived. They have a “pay by plate” system.
We checked out the Beach first - the water was kind of choppy today. The beach was quiet but beautiful.
Then we headed over to the boardwalk. It’s only a few blocks long but it packs the same kind of favorites from larger boardwalks. You can go out on a pirate boat (with pirate bar), a dolphin cruise AND they even have floating tiki bars. We also saw watercraft rentals.
There were MANY bars to choose from, seafood restaurants with water views, a New York style pizza restaurant, lots of choices for ice cream and of course, a taffy store.
Also, plenty of places to shop.
TODAYS HIGHLIGHT: dolphins! We were able to spot dolphins swimming in the pass. And plenty of pelicans were standing guard.
It’s was a great day/night. I want to come back and stay longer than the day.
This isn’t the usual Boardwalk (not as big as you would find in Ocean City) but it has the same kind of idea.
We found parking quickly and pretty easily as soon as we arrived. They have a “pay by plate” system.
We checked out the Beach first - the water was kind of choppy today. The beach was quiet but beautiful.
Then we headed over to the boardwalk. It’s only a few blocks long but it packs the same kind of favorites from larger boardwalks. You can go out on a pirate boat (with pirate bar), a dolphin cruise AND they even have floating tiki bars. We also saw watercraft rentals.
There were MANY bars to choose from, seafood restaurants with water views, a New York style pizza restaurant, lots of choices for ice cream and of course, a taffy store.
Also, plenty of places to shop.
TODAYS HIGHLIGHT: dolphins! We were able to spot dolphins swimming in the pass. And plenty of pelicans were standing guard.
It’s was a great day/night. I want to come back and stay longer than the day.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Mills
London, Canada435 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This is such a fun little spot!
We’ve come here two years in a row now; there’s a great variety of things to do!
My son loves to fish - either on the beach or on the jetty/rocks, my wife loves to check out the cute local shops, my daughter loves the saltwater taffy store and we all love the restaurants! Highly recommend The Boardwalk Grill for dinner - yummy, reasonably priced and a great view of the boardwalk area.
We also love watching the fishing boats come in, clean their catch and feed the hungry / begging pelicans, lol!
Tonight we saw dolphins really close to the boat docks and even saw a local catch a really large redfish!
Very cool experience. Go with plenty of time to wander, enjoy the food and watch the sunset ;)
We’ve come here two years in a row now; there’s a great variety of things to do!
My son loves to fish - either on the beach or on the jetty/rocks, my wife loves to check out the cute local shops, my daughter loves the saltwater taffy store and we all love the restaurants! Highly recommend The Boardwalk Grill for dinner - yummy, reasonably priced and a great view of the boardwalk area.
We also love watching the fishing boats come in, clean their catch and feed the hungry / begging pelicans, lol!
Tonight we saw dolphins really close to the boat docks and even saw a local catch a really large redfish!
Very cool experience. Go with plenty of time to wander, enjoy the food and watch the sunset ;)
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJH2010
Saint Charles, MO667 contributions
Jun 2020
We walked the area shops and ate at two restaurants. We found some of the shops had reasonable prices. awe had a very good experience at the two restaurants. Our son and his family took a charter fishing boat and enjoyed the time fishing. All 4 of the family caught fish and a restaurant prepared the fish for their dinner.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim3oleary47
Gorham, ME127 contributions
Mar 2020
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk offers excellent restaurant choices. Bubba Gump's shrimp is tasteful that offers a variety of shrimp on one plate. Shops are plentiful and offer a wide variety of T-shirts, sunglasses, and other Madeira Beach souvenirs. The Pirate Ship Cruise is a real delight as it sails one and a half hours around the Bay. The crew are marvelous and comical. John's Pass is a pleasurable way to spend an afternoon by far.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrSandyD
Palm Harbor, FL886 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Shops come and go over the years but always worth a stop. $2.50 an hour parking through app or stand on site takes credit cards. Also location to take out fishing or sight seeing boat trips. Love it.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronmsparks
Coopersville, MI231 contributions
Jan 2021
John's Pass is an array of seemingly endless shops, restaurants, water views & sports and outdoor enjoyment. Whenever we are in Florida we make at least one trip to the Pass. Very good restaurants [Sculley's, the Friendly Fisherman, Bubba Gump's and many smaller eateries] make it a worthy destination in themselves. But there is so much more: deep sea fishing charter boats, dolphin watching from the boardwalk, countless souvenir shops, festivals, live music and the beauty of the waterfront both along the Pass and the Gulf shore.
Parking has become a challenge as more people frequent the Village, but the large parking structure is worth the $1 per 20-min fee.
Worth the trip to join the crowd before [or after] a relaxing, more secluded time at one of the beautiful Gulf beaches.
Parking has become a challenge as more people frequent the Village, but the large parking structure is worth the $1 per 20-min fee.
Worth the trip to join the crowd before [or after] a relaxing, more secluded time at one of the beautiful Gulf beaches.
Written January 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Momma Lee
Aberdeen, SD105 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
My new 20-something sons and I went to John’s Pass about 3:00 I’m the afternoon. We had a wonderful time on the boardwalk, watching the birds (was specially when the fishing boats came in and started cleaning their catch!! ). There are blocks and blocks of great and reasonably priced shopping along with some high end shopping. Sweets stores, jewelry stores, memorabilia stores, etc. of all kinds. We went to the Alligator Attraction and had fun there too. Hit Hooters for dinner and drinks before going home around 8pm. We would’ve needed another full day to see everything. I did see that the parking was outrageously priced and they had meter readers still out after 7pm.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
June M
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
I grabbed lunch here - 2 hrs max and returned to my handicap plated vehicle to find a $63 ticket for parking !!! Unbeknownst to me, I had selected a parking area that was a “private pay lot” which does not extend the free handicapped plate parking. There was no one collecting fees and signage was unclear and no visible sign of meter collection post. What a scam and rip off! Worst is, you can’t even find the company that is in charge of the lot to contact. The citation appeal is a joke because the automated response clearly indicated that a human never bothered to read my issue about ticketing a handicap plated vehicle which was obviously a mistaken choice. Yes, I am “ guilty” for having not advance paid but the ticket issuer should certainly have seen my obvious mistake (parking is free at Johns pass for handicap plated vehicles in the “ correct” section). I will NEVER frequent these businesses again. Extremely poor community image!
Written April 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sheriffCarter
Vancouver, Canada359 contributions
Feb 2020
It's a nice place to visit for an hour or so. Very very touristic though, just a bunch of not so cheap restaurants and gift shops, that's about it. Oh, and parking is paid everywhere around. If you park right there it's $5 an hour, but if you park across the road and walk 2 minutes it's $2.5 an hour.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry it won't let me to add a link but here was the phone number,727-776-7553
Written February 15, 2024
I'd like an updated answer to this question, "is parking free if I have a handicap placard at Johns Pass Madeira Beach FL?
Written January 9, 2024
We are visiting over Christmas - which is also my husband's birthday. Are the restaurants/shops open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day/night?
Written November 29, 2023
is there anything going on in the restaurants and bars during St Patricks Day, March 17th?
Written February 21, 2023
Anyone know if John’s Pass opens on Christmas Day 25th ?
Written July 31, 2022
I do not know. You may be able to go to their website, pull that page up. Then and/or go to their Facebook page. Go down to messaging and ask. Good Luck and have fun!
Written August 1, 2022
Plan on coming to buy t shirts from Attitude island, I have an ESA, sm dog.
Are they going to stop me from going in store??
Written September 12, 2021
Leave the dog at home, certainly you can go without it for 30 minutes. 🙄
Written September 13, 2021
miranda
Minnesota
Is St John's Pass being closed up by sand right now? (Less than month ago) Some YouTube videos are showing that the deep sea wall has pushed all the sand up. There is a movement/ rally to Save Johns Pass?? What's going on there?? Our trip is planned at Maderia Beach
Written December 11, 2020
Everything was open in August.
Written December 12, 2020
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