![]() They have a sort of museum/ nature observatory too, and some walking paths. Caladesi ferry is extra cost but it’s definitely cool to do at least once if you’ll be in the area for awhile. There are a couple beaches on the island to choose from, including a dog beach and a ferry to another island called Caladesi Island. Honeymoon is a state park, so you do have to pay to get in, but it’s for all day and honestly it’s way cheaper than even paying parking at a regular beach. Single occupant fee is $3 and sunset fees of $3 per vehicle start one hour prior to sunset.I absolutely love this sweet little island! I feel that Honeymoon really gets overlooked since it’s very close to the ever-busy Clearwater Beach. PRICES: As many as eight people per car is $5. WHAT'S UNIQUE: A nature trails goes through one of the few remaining South Florida virgin slash pine stands. WHAT TO SEE: A variety of nesting and other birds, beautiful water and a white sand beach. WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS SPOT: Beach lovers, wildlife and nature enthusiasts, children and families. Stay straight to go onto Causeway Boulevard (2.2 miles). Linebaugh Avenue becomes Forest Lake Boulevard south (2.2 miles). Turn right onto Linebaugh Avenue (4.2 miles). Ehrlich becomes Gunn Highway/County Road 587 north (0.4 miles). Stay straight to go onto Ehrlich Road (4.1 miles). ![]() Take the State Road 678 west ramp (0.1 mile). Merge onto I-275 south (exit 274) toward Tampa/St. Savage is a freelance journalist and the owner of a public relations firm in Ocala.ĭESTINATION: Honeymoon Island - 1 Causeway Blvd., DunedinĪPPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours, 10 minutes "It's just a great way to spend the afternoon," he said.Ĭurrently a restoration project is taking place at Honeymoon Island with about one-half mile of the beach closed, but the remaining area is open.Ĭarole C. Although he has moved further out from the beach and more into Dunedin, he still heads for Honeymoon Island when he can. "It was very relaxing and it's such a beautiful area that I went out almost every weekend," he said. He walked to the beach at least once a week, enjoying the scenery along the way as well as the destination. Today, it is once again a popular place for honeymooners and weddings are performed there.ĭavid Mason, a local, used to live in a condominium near the causeway. Years later, after the bridge from the mainland was built, the island passed through various developers until it became a state park. A resourceful investor purchased the island and turned it into a popular honeymooner's destination, using newsreels and magazine ads to promote the bungalows and cottages built on the land.Īs World War II started, the island became a dedicated vacation area for tired workers helping with the war effort. In the early 1920s another hurricane split the island, forming Caladesi Island to the south. Hog farms began to thrive with some of the settlers and the name took. It was first known on the map as Sand Island, but a hurricane changed its shape. There have been pirates, traders and fishermen. Honeymoon Island has been home to many groups, from the Tocobaga tribe to the Spanish explorers in 1530. For a fee, pavilions can be reserved and there are grills for outdoor cooking. Restrooms are available as well as a picnic area and playground. There are other amenities at Honeymoon Island, such as Café Honeymoon, offering casual fare. Caladesi Island, known as one of the better beaches in the nation, is accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island. The natural amenities are abundant within the park, and it is a popular destination for locals as well as others. Others in the area include roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets and great blue herons. Interpretive exhibits and guided tours offer educational aspects of the natural area.įor those who like to bird watch, the island is known for actively nesting birds such as osprey, oyster catchers, snowy plovers and least terns. For those who like to travel by foot, a hiking trail of 2.5 miles winds through one of the few remaining South Florida virgin slash pine stands. ![]() Kayaks are available or visitors can bring their own for a trip through Pelican Cove between the sand spit and nature trail areas. There's even a beach area to bring the dog. There is swimming, surfing and snorkeling in the beautiful waters, fishing and shelling. Honeymoon Island has a little of everything at the beach. The island is a perfect place to watch fiery red sunsets, and before that, to spend the day. What was once called Hog Island has been given a more glamorous name of Honeymoon Island and is a state park on Florida's west coast near Dunedin.
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