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Florida
301

Florida State Parks

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Florida
Central West Region
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park Julian at Honemoon Island, FL © Carla kaempf
Julian at Honeymoon Island, FL
Honeymoon Island State Park Dog beach at Honeymoon Island , FL © Carla kaempf
Dog beach at Honeymoon Island
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HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK
HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK
1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, Florida   34698

Phone: 727-469-5942
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.
Nature of the Area
Honeymoon Island is home to many actively nesting birds including Osprey, Oyster catchers, Snowy Plovers and Least Terns. Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons and many other species are often observed feeding in the bay, beaches and estuaries surrounding the park. Gopher tortoises and armadillos can be found in the picnic area and along the nature trail.
History of the Area
The area now known as Honeymoon Island was originally named Hog Island. In 1921, a hurricane split it into two islands: Caladesi and what is now called Honeymoon.

In the late 1930s, honeymoon cottages were built on this island by Clinton Washburn to attract newlyweds. However, World War II halted these plans due to travel restrictions.

After several decades of private ownership and development attempts that fell through or failed financially, Florida purchased most of the land for preservation purposes in 1974.

The state acquired additional parcels over time until finally owning all but a small portion at its southern tip today. It officially became a State Park in July 1981.

Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Park Store
The Park Concession offers food, beverages, beach supplies and souvenirs. Kayaks, umbrellas and beach chairs are available for rent.
Swimming
1. Honeymoon Island State Park offers four miles of beach for swimming.
2. The park's North Beach is popular among swimmers and sunbathers.
3. Pet Beach allows dogs to swim with their owners in designated areas.
4. Lifeguards are on duty at the main beaches during peak season, ensuring safety while swimming.
5. Snorkeling is permitted off all the park's beaches, offering a different kind of aquatic experience.
6. The water temperature varies from 60-85 degrees throughout the year making it ideal for swimming anytime.
7. Swimming after sunset isn't allowed due to lack of lifeguard supervision and potential wildlife encounters.
8. Avoiding certain areas marked by buoys or flags helps protect sensitive habitats like sea grass beds when you're swimming.
9. Picnic pavilions near Oasis beach provide an area to relax post-swim.
10. Beach wheelchairs available free-of-charge ensure accessibility options even if one wants just wade into shallow waters.
Beaches
With approximately 4 miles of shoreline, beach lovers will find a variety of activities with areas designated for swimming on the main beach, a pet beach on the south end and great shelling and walking on the north end which turns into a sand spit. Showers are located near the boardwalks leading out to the main beach areas
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, with rentals available on-site. There's also the option to bring your own boat or kayak as there is an area designated for launching small watercrafts into St Joseph Sound from the South Beach picnic area. However, motorized boats aren't allowed within 900 feet of beaches due to safety reasons.

Canoeing
Kayaks can be rented through the concession or if you have your own, explore Pelican Cove which lies between the sand spit and nature trail.
Fishing
Surf and pass fishing can yield catches of flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead, pompano, Spanish mackerel, cobia, ladyfish and tarpon Do you need a fishing license?
Surfing
Surfing is allowed in the park, and it's usually pretty good on the north end by Bathhouse 3.



Day Use Area
Restroom facilities are available in the park. Several are ADA accessible.

Pavilion

There are two covered picnic pavilions and grills are located next to the nature trail. These pavilions may be reserved for a fee.

Playground

There is a playground located in the picnic area on the north end of the island.
Picnicking
A picnic area is located on the northern end of the island. There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbeque grills.
Trails
Observe one of the few remaining south Florida virgin slash pine stands along the Osprey trail which provides visitors with approximately 2-1/2 miles of walking.
Bicycling
Biking is a popular activity, with four miles of paved trails available. Be cautious as these paths are shared.

The Osprey Trail offers an off-road option for more experienced cyclists. Watch out for wildlife crossing the path.

Rentals aren't provided on-site so remember to bring your own bike or rent one before arrival at the park.

Ensure you have adequate water and sun protection; Florida's heat can be intense even during short rides.

Always adhere to safety rules while biking in this area - helmets are recommended due to high pedestrian traffic.

Remember that after sunset cycling isn't permitted - plan accordingly if intending a late afternoon ride.

Be aware: some areas may close without notice due to nesting birds or other environmental concerns, respect all signage posted along routes.

Guided Tours
Ranger led trail walks and shell programs are offered. Please contact the park for additional information on times and availability or to schedule group tours.
Nature Programs
Various interpretive kiosks are located throughout the park. The Rotary Centennial Nature Center is a great place to learn more about the History of Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands as well as information on the plants and animals that can be found on the islands. The elevated observation deck offers spectacular views and at low tide and provides many opportunities to see wading birds around the seagrass beds in the St. Joseph Sound.
Birding
The park offers birding trails with diverse species including ospreys, eagles and great horned owls. The Osprey Trail is a popular spot for spotting nesting birds of prey. Birdwatchers can also see migratory songbirds during spring and fall seasons. Pelicans are commonly seen along the coastline.


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Pets
Pets

Dogs are allowed in designated areas such as pet beach on the southern tip of the island and on the nature trail. Pets must be on a 6 foot hand held leash at all times while in these areas.

Directions
Honeymoon Island State Park is located at the extreme west end of S.R.586, north of Dunedin. From I-75 (north of Tampa): I-75 south to I-275 south towards Tampa. Follow I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). Take SR 580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-586 into park. From I-75 (south of Tampa): I-75 north to I-4. I-4 to I-275 north. I-275 to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). SR-580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-586 west into park.

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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