Caladesi Island State Park
Type: Beaches, Outdoor Activities, Parks
10Best Says
Another consistent award-winner in the beautiful beach parade, Caladesi Island is a barrier island along Florida's Gulf Coast and accessible only by a 15-minute boat or ferry ride. Along with three... Read More
Another consistent award-winner in the beautiful beach parade, Caladesi Island is a barrier island along Florida's Gulf Coast and accessible only by a 15-minute boat or ferry ride. Along with three miles of pristine beaches, the island boasts abundant wildlife, mangrove-shaded kayak trails, hiking trails and a host of opportunities to get up-close-and-personal with nature. Once part of the larger island once known as Hog Island (now Honeymoon Island) because of the hogs an early homesteader raised there, today it's one of the area's premier beach destinations and especially popular with people in search of unusual shells. A café and restrooms are available and canoes and kayaks can be rented. Pets aren't allowed on the beach, but they are allowed in the park area.
Hours:
- Park: Daily 8am-Sunset
- Ferry: Daily 10am-6pm
Admissions:
- Ferry Adult $10; Child (4-12) $6
Visitor Owned Boat $5
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Michelle da Silva Richmond
St. Petersburg / Clearwater Local Expert
- Beaches: "The Caladesi Ferry runs two ferries daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Days, weather permitting. Departures from Honeymoon Island begin at 10 a.m. every half hour mid-February - mid-September and hourly the rest of the year)."
- Best for Beaches Because: It's a chance to turn yourself over to Mother Nature and get away from it all on a beautiful island.
