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Caladesi Beach is one of America’s best beaches. If you plan a family trip, here’s everything you want to know about Caladesi Island State Park!
Contents
- 1 Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
- 2 Caladesi Island History
- 3 Where Is Caladesi Island State Park Located?
- 4 How To Access Caladesi Island?
- 5 Alternative Ways To Reach Caladesi Island
- 6 What To See And Do At Caladesi Island State Park?
- 7 Enjoy A Relaxing Picnic Lunch
- 8 Exciting Facts About Caladesi State Park
- 9 How Much Does it Cost?
- 10 To Wrap Things Up
- 11 You Might Also Like The Following:
Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
Caladesi Island State Park is perfect for exploring natural beauty and tranquility. Off the Florida Coast in the Tampa Bay area, it is among the best outdoor places in America to experience nature. Likewise, in 2004, Dr. Beach included it in their top 10 list of best beaches in America. Folks based it on the wave activity, water temperature, and soft sands of Caladesi Beach. Still, the on-site facilities of Caladesi Island Ferry are impressive.
Caladesi Island History
Where Is Caladesi Island State Park Located?
In the Gulf of Mexico and off the Florida Coast, you will find Caladesi Island. The place is a part of Florida’s Clearwater Beach Complex and Sand Key Park. Likewise, it’s a seaside resort northwest of Tampa in Pinellas County. Clearwater Beach provides access to various attractions in the Tampa Bay area. Caladesi Island is an excellent pick for a captivating day trip on the ferry. It also allows for several-day excursions.
How To Access Caladesi Island?
Half the fun of any trip to the island is the journey. Take the Caladesi Island ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park to get to the island. Guests can also walk from Clearwater Beach to reach it. But the Caladesi island ferry is by far the most convenient way. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the island ferry transport passengers hourly. Yet, if you prefer to walk, ensure low tide conditions.
Alternative Ways To Reach Caladesi Island
Private Boat
Having your boat means convenient and independent access to Caladesi Island. Yet, you will still have to pay a $6 entrance fee per boat with up to eight people.
Kayak
Getting on a kayak is an excellent option if you are looking for a little more adventure. With it, you can paddle across the island. Even if you don’t own a kayak, rentals are available at Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway. You can rent a single kayak for 2 hours for $35. But, if you are traveling with family, you can rent double for $45.
What To See And Do At Caladesi Island State Park?
Once you arrive at Caladesi Island State Park, you will have plenty of places to explore and things to do. Yet, if you want to sit and relax, Caladesi beach is a beautiful place to do that.
Hang Out At Secluded Caladesi Beach
Wildlife Watching

Birds flock the area.
Furthermore, remember to be respectful. Be a responsible traveler and give wildlife the space to go about their ways and roam as they please. Do that while observing or interacting with them.
Kayaking
Kayaking at Caladesi State Park provides an enthralling experience. You can take on the paddling trail, which begins and end at the marina and café. It will take you through a broad mangrove forest. As you approach the entrance, you will find it shaded by a canopy of branches overhead. These seem like tunnels from a close distance and afar.

Kayaking at Caladesi Island
Additionally, the shorter 1-mile loop is popular among visitors. But adventurous kayakers take the longer 3-mile loop. It’s the one floating through the ancient Scharer Homestead Ruins. While paddling, you may see wading and diving birds. Great egrets and blue herons are common. Fish like red drum, snook, and mullet are also available.
Hiking at Caladesi Island Trail
Hiking is another exciting option to explore Caladesi State Park. The Island trail is a series of marked paths. Also, it links the park’s complex with the fascinating homestead area. The 3.5-mile loop from the marina docks entices visitors with scenic views. It also has engaging wildlife spotting opportunities.

Caladesi Island Hiking
Moreover, while on the trail, you can discover how mangrove swamps and virgin pines are. Doing so explains what defines the wilderness of Caladesi Island. Still, while the route is easy and flat, it becomes more challenging on clear days. It walking gets tricky, especially under the hot Floridian sun.
Shelling on Caladesi Island
Many seashells remain intact thanks to the unique geography off the coast of Florida. They usually break apart when rolling to shore. That’s why this part of the world is one of the famous sea shelling destinations.

Shelling at Caladesi Beach
While shelling is rewarding, the seashells gathered by some were upsetting. Remember to keep conservation in mind and collect only a few. If you find live shells, you must leave them. If you see something living inside, put them back. Be responsible and contribute to the conservation efforts of the locals.
Camping at Caladesi State Park
If you want a peaceful stay, you cannot afford to miss camping at Caladesi Island. Booking a room in a five-star hotel is fun, yet camping at Caladesi State Park offers a unique experience.
If you own a boat, you can still stay at the campgrounds. Likewise, the park has various camping sites you can check out. We recommend bringing camping gear. But without equipment or to skip packing and unpacking, there are supplies for rent. These items are available from the locals on the island.
Enjoy A Relaxing Picnic Lunch
Exciting Facts About Caladesi State Park
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Caladesi State Park is home to various fantastic wildlife, including birds and fish. It also happens to be on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The island offers sanctuary to a variety of birds. Examples are black skimmers, American oystercatchers, snowy egrets, and blue herons.
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Visitors may also witness green sea turtles and loggerheads nesting at the beach. Folks may also see gophers making their homes.
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Caladesi was once home to homesteader Henry Scharrer and his daughter Myrtle. There’s also a book, “Yesteryear I Live in Paradise,” written by Myrtle. Also, she noted there about her family’s time living on Caladesi Island.
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Before the 1921 hurricane, folks identified some places by different names. The Caladesi Island and Honeymoon were one, and they called it Hog Island. But the cyclone formed what’s known as the Hurricane Pass, splitting the island.
How Much Does it Cost?
To Wrap Things Up
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