Honeymoon Island is a unique state park which is in Dunden, and is located on the west side of Florida and is north of Clearwater beach. Upon paying the $5 fee to enter the park, which includes the vehicle and passengers, you drive to the main beach area.
There is a turn beforehand that takes you to an area where you can purchase tickets to take you to Caladesi Island state park. A ferry will take you over and return you later in the day.
The main beach is pristine white sand coupled with shells. We tend to drive to the farthest part of the parking lot. There are less broken shells at this end of the beach so it is easier on bare feet, when walking in the water.
The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm – thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Today, visitors can drive across Dunedin Causeway to enjoy the sun – drenched Gulf beaches, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats. Nature lovers will find osprey nests, a wide variety of shorebirds, and one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida. The park boasts several nature trails and bird observation areas. Visitors can swim, fish, and snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulf or picnic while they enjoy the beautiful scenery. Shelling is particularly good here, as the Gulf currents deposit an incredible variety of seashells on the shore. Showers are available and the park´s concession has a gift shop and snack bar. Located at the extreme west end of State Road 586.
This is nature at it’s finest. The beach is clean apart from some dried seaweed, which I would expect. The vehicle entrance money pays to keep this beach just perfect for us to walk and swim in. The only time it is busy are when the schools have field trips. It is suitable for everyone, but watch the little ones, as the water can come in quickly, and leave small sandbars. The water is clear and a perfect temperature this time of the year (80 degrees in June). I tend to find January and February cold but that is because I have lived here so long.
The Division of Recreation and Parks offer an annual pass for:
Individual $40 + tax = $42.80.
Family $80 + tax = $85.60.
This allows day use into all Florida State Parks except Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park and the Skyway Fishing Pier, which give a 33% discount.
Honeymoon Island is north of Clearwater/St. Petersburg, northwest of Tampa, and approximately a two hour drive from Orlando, Florida.
Final words written by Pete Krulder, Park Manger and taken from the Florida Online Park guide:
Honeymoon Island State Park is abounding with opportunities for nature lovers! The water and weather are ideal this time of year for a day on the beach building sandcastles, relaxing to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, or sauntering in the shade of the nature trail. Take a stroll on the beach to view the sunsets that beckon an audience in the late afternoons. When bringing your dog out to Pet Beach please make sure that you allow everyone (including you and your dog) to enjoy the beach safely by keeping your dog on a 6 ft. hand-held leash and under your control at all times.
As you walk along the beach, you may notice some areas roped off with twine. These areas are where various species of shorebirds have nested, or are resting. Please do not disturb the birds as any disturbance can cause them to fly from their nests leaving their eggs and young vulnerable to predators.
To enhance your experience, visit the recently opened Rotary Centennial Nature Center. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the observation deck provides a spectacular view of the St. Joseph Sound, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Inside you will learn more about the natural communities and history of Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands.
– Pete Krulder, Park Manager
