John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is a great place for food and fun if you and your family are in the Treasure Island or Madeira Beach area. The boardwalk was developed in the 80’s and since then has become a thriving little community filled with fantastic dining, shops and activities. Here are 7 of our favourites.
1) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
The biggest name on the list, Bubba Gump’s is the home to all things shrimp. The menu likely takes inspiration from the fantastic scene from the Forest Gump movie. The restaurant has a casual, family atmosphere and boasts one of the most gorgeous views of the marina.
2) The Royal Conquest Pirate Ship
If you’re looking for a swashbuckling family adventure, then look no further than the Royal Conquest Pirate ship. Enjoy a day time cruise on the gulf while experiencing the best pirate party around. This is really ideal for kids and includes loads of activities like face painting, pirate stories and even water gun fights!
3) Tampa Bay Dolphin Tours
Everyone loves dolphins! Take this catamaran straight from John’s Pass and socialize with one of the world’s most beloved animals. This is something we recommend for pretty much anyone! Whether you’re with kids or having a strictly grown up day out, there really aren’t many better sights to see than the bottle-nose dolphin in all it’s majestic glory. But that isn’t all you can see on your gulf adventure, as the gulf coast is home to all kinds of wildlife including manatees and pelicans!
4) The Friendly Fisherman
If you ask us, nothing beats a long day of fun in the sun than a classic Florida style fish dinner! This seafood establishment has been a mainstay of John’s Pass since 1978 and cooks up some of the best fresh fish you can get. Our personal favourite is a plate of fried grouper! So, if you’re hungry for some catch of the day, and it is always caught fresh, then this is the place to come.
5) Scully’s The Hut
So far, the options on the list have been perfect for families. Everyone can enjoy great food and fun activities, that’s what vacations are all about. But sometimes it doesn’t need to be about the kids. That’s why Scully’s The Hut is a perfect choice for anyone who want to relax with a drink. With live music 7 days a week and a happy hour that includes specialty cocktails, you really can’t look past one of our favourite watering holes in John’s Pass!
6) Alligator Attraction
The next feature on our list certainly has a bite to it! Alligator Attraction let’s you get up close and personal with one of Florida’s most notorious residents; the alligator. The center is a combination of attraction and conservation that let’s you meet the animals (including alligators, tortoises, fish and frogs) as well as learn about them. Perfect for families, if its ever been your dream to kiss an alligator (we’re not kidding), then you know who to call!
7) Kilwin’s John’s Pass
We thought we’d round out the list with something sweet and for that, we look no further than Kilwin’s. There really is nowhere else to look when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, with over 40 different flavors of homemade ice cream and incredible Mackinac Island Style Fudge. And that’s not to mention all the other wonderful candies and sweet made in store! On top of that, Kilwin’s won the “Small Business of the Year – 2010” award from the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. So stop licking your lips and give them a visit!
Conclusion
So, there you have 7 of our favourite things to do in John’s Pass. What do you think? Have you tried all of these, or perhaps feel that we’ve missed some off the list We would love for you to let us know!