Although he has moved further out from the beach and more into Dunedin, he still heads for Honeymoon Island when he can. "It was very relaxing and it's such a beautiful area that I went out almost every weekend," he said. He walked to the beach at least once a week, enjoying the scenery along the way as well as the destination. ![]() Today, it is once again a popular place for honeymooners and weddings are performed there.ĭavid Mason, a local, used to live in a condominium near the causeway. Years later, after the bridge from the mainland was built, the island passed through various developers until it became a state park. A resourceful investor purchased the island and turned it into a popular honeymooner's destination, using newsreels and magazine ads to promote the bungalows and cottages built on the land.Īs World War II started, the island became a dedicated vacation area for tired workers helping with the war effort. In the early 1920s another hurricane split the island, forming Caladesi Island to the south. Hog farms began to thrive with some of the settlers and the name took. It was first known on the map as Sand Island, but a hurricane changed its shape. There have been pirates, traders and fishermen. Honeymoon Island has been home to many groups, from the Tocobaga tribe to the Spanish explorers in 1530. For a fee, pavilions can be reserved and there are grills for outdoor cooking. Restrooms are available as well as a picnic area and playground. There are other amenities at Honeymoon Island, such as Café Honeymoon, offering casual fare. Caladesi Island, known as one of the better beaches in the nation, is accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island. The natural amenities are abundant within the park, and it is a popular destination for locals as well as others. Others in the area include roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets and great blue herons. Interpretive exhibits and guided tours offer educational aspects of the natural area.įor those who like to bird watch, the island is known for actively nesting birds such as osprey, oyster catchers, snowy plovers and least terns. For those who like to travel by foot, a hiking trail of 2.5 miles winds through one of the few remaining South Florida virgin slash pine stands. Kayaks are available or visitors can bring their own for a trip through Pelican Cove between the sand spit and nature trail areas. There's even a beach area to bring the dog. There is swimming, surfing and snorkeling in the beautiful waters, fishing and shelling. Honeymoon Island has a little of everything at the beach. ![]() The island is a perfect place to watch fiery red sunsets, and before that, to spend the day. Planning a Florida vacation? Read our article featuring 22 favorite Florida destinations according to travel bloggers.What was once called Hog Island has been given a more glamorous name of Honeymoon Island and is a state park on Florida's west coast near Dunedin. ![]() From I-75 (south of Tampa): I-75 north to I-4. Take SR 580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). To get there: From I-75 (north of Tampa): I-75 south to I-275 south towards Tampa. How to Get to Honeymoon Island from Around Florida It’s among the unique Florida Gulf coast destinations. Or just go to watch the amazing sunset, the west coast of Florida has beautiful sunsets and Honeymoon Island is a wonderful place to watch one. There is a cafe on the Island which is handy if need be, but packing a picnic in my opinion is the best way to go. But think about it, if you choose to go to Clearwater, by the time you drive around for half an hour looking for a spot to park and then still have to pay a few dollars, you really may as well have paid $8 and immediately enjoy the beach, rather than the bumper sticker of someones SUV. But only $4 for a single occupied vehicle, and also $4 to view the sunset (starting 1 hour prior to sunset): so this deters some people. Vehicle with 2-8 adults cost $8 on Honeymoon Island. Honeymoon Island is one of the best day trips from Tampa. On Honeymoon Island, you can easily find a parking spot because it is a State Park. Both beaches are close to our house in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Parking spots In Clearwater cost around $5 an hour. While it has lovely white sand, Clearwater Beach gets very busy. Clearwater Beach is just down the highway. We love Honeymoon Island, as it’s often not as busy as more popular nearby beaches. And my favorite beach while we lived in Florida was Honeymoon Island. The thought of being landlocked makes me nervous. I just love sand, the waves and fresh air. But whether it is cold or sunny, it doesn’t matter for me. ![]() Last updated on January 8th, 2023 at 02:32 pm
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