Worth The Drive – Clearwater Beach to John’s Pass

Clearwater Beach is an amazing place for a family vacation. It’s known for sugar soft white sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, calm ocean water, delicious food, and more. But there’s more to the Tampa area than Clearwater Beach. Tampa Bay is filled with things to do that are fun for everyone! One of these great things to do is exploring all of the fun and beauty of John’s Pass.

Clearwater Beach to John’s Pass

John’s Pass is only 16 miles south of Surfside Condos and The Villas of Clearwater Beach, the premier beachfront Clearwater Beach Condos located on North Clearwater Beach. It’s not a far distance and it’s an easy drive (directions are available here). The drive offers some beautiful views as you cross over Clearwater Pass and head south toward Maderia Beach.

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry! You can still visit John’s Pass without having a car. You can now take the Jolley Trolley for a direct, non-stop route from Clearwater Beach to John’s Pass! No car, no problem!

What You’ll Find at John’s Pass

John’s Pass opened up in 1848. Yes, it literally opened up in 1848 as a result of a hurricane and began providing an access point from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Shortly after the hurricane, pirate John Levique sailed through the newly opened pass, and the name “John’s Pass” stuck. This spot became a fishing village and has grown to become a favorite tourist attraction in the Pinellas County area.

John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is one of the best shopping areas in the Tampa Bay area. It’s a beautiful outdoor shopping area that offers many local shops, restaurants, and a full marina of cruises, fishing boats, rental boats, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and more! You’ll even see a pirate ship docked at the marina and can take a Ferry to Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

The Village and Boardwalk areas were also used as a filming location for Summer Rental (1985), featuring John Candy.

Restaurants and Bars

• Sculley’s – The Hut
• Sculley’s Restaurant
• Hooters
• Bamboo Beach Bar and Grill
• Mad Beach Fish House
• Cuban Paradise Cigar and Cafe
• Addicted to the Bean
• Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop
• House of Sweets
• Ice & Cream Creamery
• Yogurt City
• Kilwins
• Beef Jerky Outlet
• DeLosa’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
• Wild Seafood Company
• Walt’z Fish Shak
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
• Friendly Fisherman

Shopping

• Overhead Surf Shop
• Lazy Lizard
• Caty Ferreira Swim and Activewear
• Surf Style
• Wild Time Caribbean Trading Company
• Paw Paws Pet Boutique
• Loris Soap and Sponge Market
• DD Collectables
• Windworks
• The Bronze Lady

Activities

• Alligator Attraction
• Beach Fun and Games
• St. Pete Dolphin Snorkeling Tour
• Tampa Bay Dolphin Tours
• Hubbard’s Dolphin Watching Cruise
• Pirate Ship Tour
• Shell and Beach Walks
• Jack’s at John’s Pass
• Hubbard’s Marina
• Florida Tiki Tours
• Shark Boat Tours
• Calypso Breeze
• Lady Godiva Fishing Charters
• Early Riser Charters
• Fly-N-High Waverunners
• Mad Beach Watersports
• Woody’s Watersports
• Freedom Boat Club
• Don’s Dock & Fish Market
• Gators Parasail