Located on the sunny and vibrant Gulf Coast, Madeira Beach is a friendly Florida beach community located just 15 miles from the St. Petersburg - Clearwater International Airport and less than 30 miles from Tampa, across Old Tampa Bay.

Madeira’s first rumored settler was a pirate named John LeVique. Along with several pirate-themed attractions throughout town, he’s inspired the community's Pirate Days Festival, a three-day pirate-themed event that includes costume contests, a treasure hunt and the Pirates Ball. This is an event that's truly not to be missed!

When it comes to special events, perhaps the most popular is the annual seafood festival held in Madeira Beach each October. The popular fest dishes out fresh grouper and other seafood; arts, crafts, and entertainment. Be sure to bring your appetite for this one - afterall, Madeira Beach is known as the Grouper Capital of the World.

Also commonly called "Mad Beach", Madeira is home to the hugely popular entertainment district, John's Pass, which offers year-round entertainment and attractions. A mini-mecca of unique shops, delicious dining choices, and array of water sports, "The Pass" as it is often called, boasts an impressive 1,100 feet Boardwalk along the deep-water passage between the Gulf of Mexico and Intercoastal Waterways.

From dolphin watch cruises, speed boat rentals, and deep-sea fishing tours to casino cruises and pirate cruises, there are water adventures for every type of adventurer - all at John's Pass.

The Pass also offers a wide range of shopping choices, from arts and antiques to clothing and sports equipment. And, walking along the Boardwalk, you will be sure to see pelicans and other large sea birds.

Dining choices at "The Pass" range from fine dining to casual dining, including plenty of beachfront restaurants and no-fuss shops on the Boardwalk. Click here for a full list of dining choices near Surfs Inn.