Caladesi Island State Park

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.