John's Pass Boardwalk
When I think about boardwalks…
I’m reminded of family vacations in Daytona Beach enjoying a cold hand-dipped ice cream cone while feeling the warm tingle of a mild sunburn on my back. I think about two weeks of my 8th grade summer spent with friends in Ocean City, New Jersey riding the ferris wheel and eating too much salt water taffy. I think about our first year of marriage when Court and I had just moved to St. Pete. When Courtney texted me at work saying she had just found the best lobster roll in St. Pete at a fun boardwalk by Madiera beach called John’s Pass.
Fast forward 5 years later and Courtney and I still love visiting John’s Pass for lunch and ice cream or a casual dinner. There are a few large chain restaurants at John’s Pass if that is your preference but if local spots are more your speed then we could be friends. Sculley’s is a fine place to grab a bite to eat, as is The Friendly Fisherman, and The Hut but if I had one day to spend at John’s Pass here is what I’d do.
After I picked out a spot on Madiera Beach I’d make my way under the Gulf Blvd bridge to the Boardwalk Grill for an early lunch and one of the best Lobster Rolls I’ve had in Florida. Boardwalk Grill is a small spot towards the far end of the boardwalk but don’t overlook it, many a time we have driven all the way to Madeira Beach just for this buttery lobster roll.
After a few hours spent floating in the turquoise gulf waters or strolling the beach (in an attempt to work off some of the lunch calories) I’d cool off by either grabbing a frozen custard at Kohrs or a cold drink on the Hut’s floating dock. Exploring some of the local shops is another great way to avoid the mid-day heat while finding some unique Florida treasures.
Then, after enjoying a one-of-a-kind gulf sunset, I’d make my way to Walt’z Fish Shack. If you walk to the end of the boardwalk and get off on the last walkway you’ll find Walt’z right across Boardwalk Place. If the dictionary had an entry for “Florida Seafood”, Walt’z would surely be pictured next to the entry. Seating is packed with people who keep returning to Walt’z for their fresh seafood and laid back atmosphere. Get there early though, because the specials run out quickly on a busy night.
A few more things to do that might not be on the top of my list but would be worth checking out: jet ski rentals, hand rolled cigars, or a deep sea fishing charter.
I hope you come visit soon. We explore the boardwalk at John’s Pass frequently and if you ever see us there please stop and say hi. Odds are I’ll be drinking something cold and wishing that I’d listened to Courtney when she told me to apply more sunscreen.
Love,
The Kahns
