Johns Pass

by Melanie
(Excellent Vacation Ideas)

On a recent trip to Florida to see my parents we decided "play tourist" and spend the day touring around the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area. After a great visit to the St. Petersburg Pier we drove to St. Pete's Beach and up Highway 699.

We eventually came upon Johns Pass in Madeira Beach and decided to stop for lunch.

Johns Pass is a turn of the century fishing village and it tries to retain it's old world charm. There was plenty of parking, and we opted for the multi level parking garage that looked relatively new.

We could have chosen one of many restaurants, including Hooters or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. We decided to go with a more "Florida" option and went with the The Friendly Fisherman. The food was great. We all had grouper sandwiches with the yummy corn fritters. Luckily my parents weren't too fond of them so I had extra.

Afterwards, we went for a walk along the boardwalk. There were many more restaurants, bars and live entertainment. We were surprised at how many wave runner rental places, dolphin encounter excursions, fishing charters and para sailing companies were here.

I found this great video that will give you a sense of the village.