Honeymoon Island State Park: Fall in Love with Natural Florida
Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in America, Honeymoon Island State Park is the perfect place to walk hand-in-hand along the sand…or to chase after your rambunctious dog. Pet friendly and stunningly beautiful, Honeymoon Island isn’t exclusive to lovebirds, despite its name. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the gorgeous stretch of sugar-white sand beach and winding nature trails.
The real sense of romanticism found on Honeymoon Island is the kind artists talked about in the 19th century—an individual’s connection to nature, relishing in the five senses and upholding the power of imagination. It’s a revitalizing place. The sea spray against your face will reawaken you, and the glowing Gulf sunsets may reignite your sense of wonder.
Are you ready for a beautiful adventure? Then let’s head over to Dunedin, Florida! (That’s about an hour northwest of Tampa, FYI!)
And Island By Any Other Name…
A rose by any other name might smell just as sweet, but does “Hog Island” sound like a tempting vacation spot to you? Yeah, Clinton Washburn didn’t think so either. That’s why, when he purchased the island in the 1930s, he switched out “Hog” in favor of “Honeymoon.”
It was more than just a new name, though. Washburn also began building cottages along the beach, creating a great vacationing gig for newlyweds. However, his lovestruck business venture didn’t last. The Second World War began, and the island was leased to a defense contractor. When the war finally ended, the cottages stood vacant and lonely. There was another attempt to develop the island, but it turned out to be a dead end.
But that turned out to be a good thing.
Instead of being irrevocably altered, much of Honeymoon Island remained fortuitously intact and was eventually purchased by the state of Florida for a park.1 Today, the northern part of the island is still very much a portrait of what it was decades ago, offering pristine beaches, peace, and quiet to its conscientious visitors.
Beach Day Bonanza
The biggest draw to Honeymoon Island State Park is the beach.
There are four miles of soft, sun-warmed sand to explore. You can stake a claim with a beach umbrella and lounge away the afternoon with a good book or take a refreshing dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Fish fanatics will find themselves having fun in no time, as anglers here regularly hook spotted sea trout, mackerel, and snook. Even the shelling is great at Honeymoon Island! Whether you’re searching for the perfect natural souvenir or collecting for craft projects, you’ll discover plenty of little treasures nestled in the sand—especially along the northern beachfront.
If you’ve got your furry friend with you, then the southern beach is where you’ll want to be! Here, they have a designated Pet Beach just for you and your dog. As long as you complete clean-up duty and have Lassie on a six-foot leash, your best friend is totally welcome here. This pawsome policy is part of what makes Honeymoon Island State Park so popular!
Of course, popularity comes at a cost. With over a million visitors each year, the southern beach can be kind of crowded. If you’re looking for more of a beach retreat (as in, retreat from people—#relatable), then definitely head north and check out the park’s two-and-a-half-mile sand spit. You’re more likely to find that much-needed solitude by taking a stroll here!
Want to guarantee a true getaway? Honeymoon Island State Park is also the connecting point for the untouched, accessible-by-boat-only Caladesi Island. One hundred years ago, Caladesi and Honeymoon were a single island until a hurricane split them apart in 1921 and created Hurricane Pass.2 Talk about a romantic tragedy! Luckily, you can bridge the gap! (And the ferry is included with your $8 park admission fee!)
Beyond the Beach
Between picnics and surfing, it might seem like all of Honeymoon Island’s activities take place on the waterfront. However, there’s also a two-and-a-half-mile nature trail that winds through a virgin slash pine forest—one of the last of these Floridian forests, in fact.
Hiking the Osprey Trail is a birdwatcher’s delight. As the name suggests, the forest is home to ospreys, as well as bald eagles and great-horned owls. Water-loving birds like great blue herons and snowy egrets can be observed wading in the bay or on the beach.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot Honeymoon Island’s coolest, non-feathered resident: the endangered gopher tortoise! Trundling through the underbrush or munching on grasses that grow on the dunes, these kindly tortoises are always a fun sight to behold.
If you don’t feel like hiking, then you can bicycle on paved trails around the island. Honeymoon Island even has a bike rental company (Wheel Fun Rentals), so you don’t have to worry about lugging your own pedal-power around on the roof of your car.
In addition to pedal power, Honeymoon Island State Park also has a great spot to unleash your paddle power! If you enjoy kayaking, definitely bring your own (or rent from the concession) and explore Pelican Cove. If you so choose, you can even paddle across Hurricane Pass to Caladesi Island! Over the years, this pass has begun to narrow, so maybe someday, the islands will be reunited. Until then, it makes for a great sailing venture!
Of course, all of that hiking, pedaling, and paddling is liable to wear a person out. Thankfully, there are two cafes within Honeymoon Island State Park where you can grab a bite and reenergize. Cafe Honeymoon is located on the main beach, while South Beach Pavilion Cafe is located—you guessed it—south of the main beach, right next to Pet Beach!3 With fresh, casual food, souvenirs, and all the rental gear you might need, these cafes are a wonderfully convenient bit of Honeymoon Island life.
Which island do you like better—Honeymoon or Caladesi? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll see you on the next adventure!
Cover Image
Photo: Unsplash
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