Honeymoon Island State Park Say “I do” to a beach park where serene shores court pristine nature. A retreat named in honor of contest-winning newlyweds, Honeymoon Island State Park basks in wildflowers, virgin slash pines and fan-like saw palmettos. Ospreys soar above while great horned owls and gopher tortoises bring you down to earth. RECENT BUZZ: The island’s Pet Beach won Best Dog Park in Creative Loafing’s 2022 Best of the Bay awards. WHERE TO STAY: The Hampton Inn , located at the entrance of Honey-moon Island, squares you away with clean and welcoming accommo-dations, and Beso del Sol Resort, just a few miles away, offers bike rentals. WHERE TO PLAY: Enjoy bike and kayak rentals or cast a line at a fishing pier. Take the fur babies to the Pet Beach, and hop on a ferry to Caladesi Island, which was ranked the No. 4 beach in the U.S. in 2023 and 2024 by Dr. Beach. WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The island may have areas closed due to post-hurricane repairs. Caladesi Island State Park With restoration efforts continuing through 2026, Caladesi Island’s man-made amenities will soon be back in action. Until then, its palm trees, sea oats, lush mangroves and pristine shore will continue to enchant visitors who are few and far between. RECENT BUZZ: In 2023 and 2024, Dr. Beach ranked Caladesi as the fourth best beach in the U.S. and is well worth the extra time and effort. Its lush canopies, wildflower-dotted meadows and 4 miles of glistening shore might tempt you never to return to the mainland. WHERE TO PLAY: Once the island reopens, you can rent a kayak from the island’s cafe. Venture into the brush on a 3-mile loop that winds to the early 19th-century Scharrer Homestead Ruins . Or, stretch out on the island’s pristine beach. Camping is not allowed on the island, but boaters can dock overnight; a reservation is required. The Caladesi Island Ferry docks at Honeymoon Island if you need a way there. WHAT LOCALS KNOW: There’s a remote land bridge if you’re willing to take a long walk from North Clearwater Beach; you must pay the park’s admission fee after arrival. VISITSPC .COM 29
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