Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach
4.5
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  • Sak
    New York City, New York41 contributions
    Very nice white sand
    Loved the white sand. Was fluffy and soft (not like the beach 5-10 minutes away where the sand was hard). Lots of people at the middle of the beach but the beach is long enough where you can walk a little further to have a quieter spot. Water was very cold (we went in mid-Feb) so no one was swimming but the weather was nice and lots of people tanning. Water was also a little dirty, it seems a combo of waves picking up the sand and also a little garbage or shells. I am not sure if this would be the case in warmer weather. Parking is $2.50/hr and it fills up quick, but you can also park across the street next to the CVS. There is a shack restaurant/pub also on the beach, and also a volleyball court.
    Visited February 2020
    Written February 14, 2020
  • Patick C
    Middleburg, Florida702 contributions
    Parking fees
    Parking fees takes all the fun out of any beach access along Madeira and St. Petersburg beaches. You cannot even go and enjoy a sunset without having to pay a fee just to walk on the beach. The beach is nice but the parking fees are not. This whole area was a one and done for us.
    Visited August 2020
    Written August 19, 2020
  • MisterShrimp
    Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania141 contributions
    Got to see the amazing sunsets
    My first stay at a Florida beach and Madeira didn't disappoint. White sand, warm clear water. Just the right balance of touristy/small town appeal. Can't fail to mention the incredible sunsets. Everyday is unique and beautiful. When you have hundreds of people standing around the beach taking pictures of the sunset, you know it's something special.
    Visited June 2021
    Written June 30, 2021
  • Jude2022
    3 contributions
    BE AWARE! MADEIRA BEACH PARKING TICKET RIP-OFF
    After shopping all day and having a good time with my family we decided to watch the sunset. We parked and paid enough for 3 hours and left before time was up. Sadly, we found a parking violation ticket for $40 and at that moment I thought it was probably a mistake. When back at home, I called Madeira Beach city Hall to dispute the ticket since I have proof of payment. They figured out I paid, but I made a mistake by misspelling my plate number. From the customer service to the city supervisor, they flatly stated they won't void the ticket, due to an incorrect license plate entered! It doesn't matter if I paid the space, submitted the appeal, or have ADHD or any other disability. They didn't care to listen and didn't care at all! Entering the wrong plate number by mistake is penalized. In fact, they indicated, that if no payment is received, the fine will be increased to $70 ! and so on. Oh additionally, not a chance to take it to court either. it will be a waste of time and money because they will not be voided or reduced. Instead, I will have to pay court costs. Period! This is the most disgusting and horrible experience I ever had. I have been to Madeira beach before and I've never experienced such hostility. We, tourists, are a vital part of the city's economy and this city has a lot of work to do to improve its way to manage its growth and obviously financial issues. Ripping your tourists might increase your instant revenue, but in a long run will damage tremendously the city's economy. I hope Madeira beach will get back to being the welcoming city it used to be. I hope the city Mgr Robin Ignacio Gomez will pay more attention and understand where the city's priorities lie. In the meantime, sadly I will try to avoid this beach.
    Visited July 2022
    Written August 11, 2022
  • chryso2013
    Charlotte, North Carolina218 contributions
    Put Out the Smoke
    It was really nice to be able to sit on the beach and watch the bridge go up as boats were coming through at John's Pass. The water was very pretty, and the beach wasn't very crowded, especially on a weekday. John's Pass was great. The boardwalk around the bay is beautiful. We were able to go one morning and have breakfast and see the dolphins. They have many restaurants, shops, and other activities. It was a fun place to go. We had a delicious banana split at John's Pass in the middle of the shops (Not on the boardwalk). There was a magician outside the ice cream shop. He was really entertaining at night, and the shop owners are very friendly. As far as cons about this beach-waayyyy too much smoking, too many thongs on women who shouldn't be wearing a thong, and unflattering low cut bathing suits. The thongs and low cut bathing suits were on much older women. If I could give the area only one suggestion, it would be to do something about the smoking. There was even smoking at outdoor restaurants with seating outside. Yes, everyone is outside, but it's still a restaurant! We avoided one of those restaurants because of this. I think the area would be greatly improved if they made a few changes to clean up their act. I haven't seen so many smokers in years, and it makes the area so unappealing. The area has the potential to be a higher end place, especially with John's Pass, but it's just not that way. Nice? Yes. But, more than likely we will not return to Madeira.
    Visited May 2021
    Written May 10, 2021
  • Penny Prather-Dix
    Springboro, Ohio1 contribution
    A day trip to Madeira Beach
    My son and I are visiting my dad in Leesburg, Florida. My son had never been to the gulf side so we packed up for the day and headed over to the beach for the day. I had never been to Madeira Beach. Very clean and family friendly. We did visit on March 30,2021 during spring break. I will admit it was a bit crowded but we arrived around 10:30 am and was able to rent 2 chairs and an umbrella for $25 for the day.
    Visited March 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written March 31, 2021
  • davidpmac
    The Villages, Florida26 contributions
    No swimming
    Came with 2 buses for a day at the beach. Because of red tide and dead fish left after only a couple of hours. Before we left our homes, we checked with the city about the condition and they said red tide was low and never told us about the tons of dead fish on the beach. Even people with out lung problems were having problems. Bad experience. No one could go into the water because of the dead fish.
    Visited July 2021
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 25, 2021
  • LettersCV4
    14 contributions
    Kids Loved It and Inner Child of Parents Relaxes and Have Fun
    Madeira beach is one of our favorites! When we can, we prefer getting to the beach early for sunrise and longer times to beat the heat. It was clean, relaxing, and offered something for the entire family!! There a few shells for the kids that like to take their nets and quickly swoop up a nice find. The up and coming young anglers have the option of fishing from the bank or the pier. With the youngest in puddle jumpers, being coached by the adults, the inner child of the parents could still be found relaxing in the water, gently moved by the refreshing, salty waves. It was fun, cozy, and just right for our crew. What a day!
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 26, 2023
  • FH-Bangalore
    Bengaluru, India24 contributions
    Lovely, quite and safe.
    One of the most beautiful experience of sunset. Nice long walks and swim friendly. One could even enjoy a run or cycling while the sun beautifully sets into the ocean. Photographer's delight.
    Visited January 2020
    Written February 14, 2020
  • Pat
    12 contributions
    Almost a 5 star
    We happened to arrive during a red tide event in the gulf. Lots of dead fish on the beach every morning, but to their credit the beach team cleaned up the fish quickly. Also, the surf is a little rough for small kids. Lifejackets are a must!
    Visited June 2021
    Written June 18, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
1,602 reviews
Excellent
1,163
Very good
336
Average
55
Poor
16
Terrible
32

thePidge
Canada80 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Sand is impossible to walk on if you have walking or balance issues. Too soft and exhausting. Try a different beach w firmer sand.
Written August 3, 2023
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.

LettersCV4
14 contributions
Jul 2023
Madeira beach is one of our favorites! When we can, we prefer getting to the beach early for sunrise and longer times to beat the heat. It was clean, relaxing, and offered something for the entire family!! There a few shells for the kids that like to take their nets and quickly swoop up a nice find. The up and coming young anglers have the option of fishing from the bank or the pier. With the youngest in puddle jumpers, being coached by the adults, the inner child of the parents could still be found relaxing in the water, gently moved by the refreshing, salty waves. It was fun, cozy, and just right for our crew. What a day!
Written July 26, 2023
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.

reise3
1,040 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Average beach with soft sand, few shells, public parking, a snack shack, restrooms, & wash stations. We had to circle the lot before finding a spot. It was $3/hour to park. There were lots of people, but it was not uncomfortably crowded. Nice spot to walk along the surf and take in the sunset.
Written July 5, 2023
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.

Glenda T
1 contribution
Jul 2023
This is NOT a shelling beach! Nice beach, yes, soft sand beach yes. Don't come here for an abundance of shells.
Written July 4, 2023
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.

Pamela G
Largo, FL93 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Great beach! You can rent chairs, and umbrellas there or bring your own. Snack shack is right there for lunch/dinner. There is also a bar for cocktails. Perfect!
Written June 3, 2023
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.

Gayle K
Hallandale Beach, FL65 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Beautiful beaches and a great selection of restaurants, coffee spots and local shops. This is a nice slower paced beach town where you can relax.
Written May 30, 2023
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.

Bleepers
London, UK76 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
A lovely area of the Gulf Coast, long beautiful beaches with fine powdered sand.
Johns Pass is a great area for souvenir shopping ( every type of T-shirt you could wish for) and many great restaurant choices.
Written May 6, 2023
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.

Michael P
1 contribution
Apr 2023
No signs saying you have to pay 1st
Which does not make sense...how dp you know how long you will be there

Myself / wifeI parked and walked around 1.5 hrs
When we came back somebody said you had to pay to park
so they pointed out the machine and i paid my 6 .00 for 2 hrs
as i was driving away i had a ticket in my wiper blade i found

I sent the police department a very nice Email stating that i paid it after we came back and said please call me...which they did
but they would not remove the ticket
They gave me a 60.00 ticket for spending my money in there town
plus is was my 63rd Birthday that day
The man i was talking to about it said funny with administration fee it will be 63.00 Total

Maderia Beach..............Ticketing to make money

We will never Return !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Powers
Written May 4, 2023
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.

rkta2002
Washburn, IA2 contributions
Apr 2023
Madeira Beach was great! Soft sand and cabanas for rent by Beach Service West. Their service was outstanding and Nick was wonderful to work with. I hesitate giving this information as I feel it’s a hidden gem since most people go to Clearwater. We are already planning our trip for next year!
Written April 25, 2023
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.

shoei y
San Francisco, CA2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
beautiful beach i will come back but i have to stay on the beach. i stay marriott it is dirty and so far but the picture look like it is on the beach so i stay. the restaurants very good on this beach. only bad thing the bathroom is far
Written April 23, 2023
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.

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