Deborah Chan
Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida State Park located on Honeymoon Island, a barrier island across St. Joseph Sound from Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Ozona, and Crystal Beach. The park is 385 acres (1.6 km2) in land area with 2,400 acres (10 km2) submerged and 4 miles (6 km) of beach. It is located about 30 minutes west of Tampa International Airport and is a quick trip from Tampa and St. Pete. The park offers numerous nature-based activities, including 5 miles of beaches, 3.5 miles of wooded hiking trails, a nature center with a gift shop, scenic views, 2 cafes, a playground, and wildlife including gopher tortoises, dolphins, manatee, and 100 species of birds. The park is open from 8 am until sundown daily and has a range of amenities, including showers, restrooms, and a concession stand that rents bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Visitors can also take a ferry to the neighboring Caladesi Island State Park, known for its pristine beaches and virgin slash pine forests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Dunedin, Florida, United States |
| Address | 1 Causeway Blvd |
| Directions | Take U.S. 19 to S.R. 586 (Curlew Rd.) and continue west for five miles |
| Entrance Fee | $8 per vehicle, $4 per single-occupant vehicle, $2 per bicycle |
| Opening Times | 8 am to sundown daily |
| Annual Visitors | Over 1 million |
| Area | 385 acres of land, 2,400 acres submerged |
| Beach Length | 4-5 miles |
| Facilities | Café, gift shop, playground, picnic area, nature trails, observation deck, beach chair and umbrella rentals |
| Activities | Hiking, sunbathing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, shelling, boating, wildlife spotting |
| Wildlife | Gopher tortoises, dolphins, manatee, eagles, owls, osprey, wading birds, sea turtles |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon Island State Park location and directions
Honeymoon Island State Park is located on the west coast of Florida, about 30 minutes west of Tampa International Airport. The address is 1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, Florida 34698, United States. The park is 385 acres (1.6 km2) in land area, with 2,400 acres (10 km2) submerged and 4 to 5 miles of beaches.
The park is a quick trip from Tampa and St. Petersburg and can be reached by car or ferry. It is located at the western end of Causeway Boulevard, which becomes Curlew Road east of Alternate US 19. To get there, take US 19 to SR 586 (Curlew Road) and continue west for five miles. SR 586 ends at Honeymoon Island State Park.
The park is open from 8 am until sundown daily, and the entrance fee is $8 per vehicle carrying up to eight people or $4 per single-occupant vehicle. Florida State Parks Individual annual pass holders can enter for free, with additional people costing $2. There is also a yearly pass for up to eight people.
Honeymoon Island State Park offers a variety of nature-based activities, including swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking, and bicycling. The park has showers, restrooms, a café, and a concession area that rents bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs, and umbrellas. There is also a pet-friendly beach at the southern part of the island, near the ferry pickup for Caladesi Island.
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Activities and attractions at the park
Honeymoon Island State Park offers a variety of nature-based activities and attractions. The park has about 4 to 5 miles of white-sand beaches, where visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, shelling, and sunbathing. The beach is also pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their four-legged friends. The park has a dog beach and a main beach area, both of which have reopened. However, as of February 24, 2024, the park is recovering from storm damage, and certain areas like North Beach, Oasis Beach, trails, and bathhouses remain closed.
For those who enjoy hiking and biking, the park offers 3 to 3.5 miles of wooded hiking trails and nature paths. Bicycles are available for rent at the South Beach Pavilion, and there are also paved pathways for a leisurely stroll. Kayaks can be rented from Café Honeymoon, and the park serves as a ferry terminal to the unspoiled Caladesi Island State Park, although the ferry service is currently unavailable due to erosion and safety concerns.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including gopher tortoises, dolphins, manatees, bald eagles, owls, osprey, and various bird species. Visitors can learn about the park's natural history and wildlife at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center. The center also provides information about the park's unique name. An elevated observation deck offers panoramic views of the island and its surroundings.
In addition to its natural attractions, Honeymoon Island State Park provides several amenities for a comfortable visit. These include showers, restrooms, food services, ice carts, and a gift shop. Visitors can purchase food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, at the café or the Honeymoon Pavilion. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and other equipment are available for rent. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and barbecue grills for a well-rounded experience.
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History of the island
Honeymoon Island State Park is located on Honeymoon Island, a barrier island across St. Joseph Sound from Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Ozona, and Crystal Beach. The island was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga chiefdom, the native population of the Tampa Bay area, until the arrival of Spanish explorers in the mid-1500s.
The island, formerly known as Hog Island, was purchased in the late 1930s by a businessman who built 50 cottages and marketed them to newlyweds as Honeymoon Island. In the early 1940s, honeymoon-type huts were constructed on the island for vacationing, and the name was changed. After the US entered World War II, the thatch-roofed huts fell into disuse and were soon worn down by the elements.
In 1964, a causeway leading to the island was constructed as part of a plan to build a large residential area on the island by expanding it to 3,000 acres. However, this plan was scrapped in 1969 when the developer's permit expired and the state prevented them from renewing it. The state purchased most of the island in 1974 and then bought the rest soon after. On December 7, 1981, Honeymoon Island State Park was officially created.
The park has since become one of Florida's best-loved state parks, offering more than four miles of white-sand beaches and a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. The island is also a refuge for a number of species, including Florida slash pines, mangroves, and several threatened and endangered species. Osprey, bald eagles, and various species of terns, plovers, herons, and wading birds reside on the island or stop during spring and fall migration. Dolphin pods and sea turtles can also be found in the surrounding waters.
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Wildlife and nature at Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island State Park is a natural barrier island off the west coast of Florida, about 30 minutes west of Tampa International Airport. It is located in the city of Dunedin and is accessible by car. The island is home to diverse ecosystems, including beaches, tidal marshes, and nature trails.
The island has about four miles of pristine, sugar-sand beaches, framed by forests of mangrove trees and ancient sand dunes. The beach provides a variety of fishing opportunities, with saltwater game fish like snook, Spanish mackerel, and snapper frequently caught just offshore. The island is also a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, and wooden stakes and wire cages are placed over the nests to protect them.
The island has a three-mile trail that winds through one of Florida's only virgin slash pine forests. This trail is perfect for hiking and exploring the island's natural beauty. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, armadillos, eagles, Roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, blue herons, and great-horned owls. Common nesting birds include osprey, oystercatchers, snowy plovers, and least terns.
The Rotary Centennial Nature Center is a great resource for visitors, providing information about the island's history and natural resources. The center is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The observation deck offers ample views of the island, including its abundant birdlife and plant life, especially at low tide.
Honeymoon Island State Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking, and bicycling. The South Beach Pavilion provides bicycles and kayaks for rent, and there are plenty of spaces to soak up the sun on the beach. The park also has a playground, picnic areas, and barbecue grills for visitors to enjoy.
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Amenities and facilities at the park
Honeymoon Island State Park is a nature lover's paradise, offering numerous amenities and facilities for visitors seeking outdoor recreation and relaxation. Here is a detailed overview of what you can expect to find at this picturesque park:
Nature and Wildlife:
The park boasts over 100 miles of pristine beaches, framed by forests of mangrove trees and shell mounds. It is home to an array of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, dolphins, manatees, eagles, owls, osprey, and various bird species. The Osprey Trail, one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests, offers a 2.5-mile walk through nature.
Beaches and Water Activities:
With approximately 4 to 5 miles of sugar-sand beaches, Honeymoon Island provides ample opportunities for swimming, shelling, fishing, and surfing. The main beach has designated swimming areas, while the south end features a pet-friendly beach. Kayaks are available at Café Honeymoon, and the South Beach Pavilion offers bicycle rentals by the hour or day.
Amenities and Facilities:
The park offers various amenities to enhance your visit, including restroom facilities, picnic areas with tables and pavilions, and barbecue grills. There are also food options, such as Café Honeymoon and Honeymoon Pavilion, serving cooked foods and treats like ice cream. Florida Beach Services provides casual beach fare, and three ice carts can be found throughout the park.
Nature Center and Interpretive Exhibits:
The Rotary Centennial Nature Center is a must-visit to learn about the park's history and natural resources. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Various interpretive kiosks are scattered throughout the park, offering insights into the plants and animals of Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands.
Ferry Services:
The park serves as a ferry terminal to the unspoiled Caladesi Island State Park. The Caladesi Island Ferry provides access to this pristine island, offering even more natural wonders to explore.
Parking and Transportation:
The park offers parking facilities, and visitors can choose to enter by car or bicycle. The cost is $8 per car and $2 per bicycle. The park is easily accessible, located just a short drive from Tampa and about 30 minutes west of Tampa International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Take U.S. 19 to S.R. 586 (Curlew Rd.) and continue west for five miles. S.R. 586 ends at Honeymoon Island State Park.
Entrance to the park is $8 per vehicle carrying up to eight people, or $4 per single-occupant vehicle. With your Florida State Parks Individual annual pass, admission is free for one person, with additional people costing $2.
Honeymoon Island State Park offers numerous nature-based activities. There are 5 miles of beaches, 3.5 miles of wooded hiking trails, a nature center with a gift shop, scenic views, 2 cafes, a playground, and wildlife including gopher tortoises, dolphins, manatee, eagles, owls, osprey, and 100 species of birds. Activities include birding, fishing, hiking, sunbathing, swimming, shelling, and kayaking.
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