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Florida State Parks

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USA Parks
Florida
Central West Region
Caladesi Island State Park
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Caladesi Island State Park © No machine-readable author provided. Philipp Michel Reichold assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Taken by me at Caladesi Island State Park, Florida. Nature trail with live oak branch forming arch over trail. Olympus Camedia D-395 digital camera.Mikereichold 2220, 14 March 2006 UTC
Caladesi Island State Park © No machine-readable author provided. Philipp Michel Reichold assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Taken by me March 6, 2006. Beach at Caladesi Island State Park. Honeymoon Island in distant background.Olympus Camedia D-395 digital camera. Mikereichold 2314, 14 March 2006 UTC
Caladesi Island State Park © Philipp Michel Reichold / CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Caladesi Island State Park Honeymoon Island SP near Caladesi © Judy Barrett
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CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
#1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, Florida   34698

Phone: 727-469-5918
Reservations: 727-469-5918
One of the few completely natural islands along Florida?s Gulf Coast, Caladesi?s white sand shores have been rated as the nation?s #1 best beach. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Saltwater anglers can fish from their boats or throw a line out into the surf. Nature enthusiasts watch wildlife while hiking the three mile nature trail through the island?s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach; picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups for boaters. The park also has a snack bar and gift shop. For ferry information call (727) 734-5263. Located one mile west of Dunedin off the Gulf Coast.
Nature of the Area
One of the few completely natural islands along Florida?s Gulf Coast, Caladesi?s white sand shores have been rated as one of the nation?s best beaches. The park is accessible only by private boat or ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park. Beach lovers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Saltwater anglers can fish from their boats or throw a line out into the surf. Nature enthusiasts watch wildlife while hiking the three mile nature trail through the island?s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach; picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups for boaters. The park also has a snack bar and gift shop. For ferry information call (727) 734?5263. Located one mile west of Dunedin off the Gulf Coast.
History of the Area
Caladesi Island was originally part of a larger barrier island called Hog Island. In 1921, a hurricane split the landmass into two parts: Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands. The state acquired Caladesi in 1968 for conservation purposes.

The park opened to the public later that year with amenities like picnic pavilions and nature trails added over time. It's renowned for its untouched beaches which were ranked America's best by Dr Beach (Stephen Leatherman) in 2008.

Today it remains an important natural habitat hosting diverse wildlife species including gopher tortoises and ospreys while offering recreational activities such as kayaking through mangrove forests.

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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Swimming
1. Caladesi Island State Park offers swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Lifeguards are not present, so swim at your own risk.
3. The beach is known for its clear waters and white sand.
4. Swimming areas can be accessed by ferry or private boat only as there's no bridge to the island.
5. Snorkeling gear rental is available on-site for underwater exploration during swimming sessions.
6. The park also has a marina with electric and water hookups if you want to dock overnight before swimming.
7. Swimming near mangroves may allow sightings of various wildlife including dolphins, pelicans, herons etc.
8. Beach wheelchairs are provided free-of-charge ensuring accessibility options while visiting this pristine location.
9. There aren't any pool facilities; all swims take place in natural bodies of water around the island.
10. Always check local weather conditions prior venturing out into open sea due unpredictable currents & tides.
Boating
Boaters can enjoy the 108 slip bayside marina, or in calm weather, anchor offshore. Overnight docking with electric and water hook-ups is permitted in the bayside marina, but boaters must register before sundown.
Fishing
You can enjoy saltwater fishing from the shore or a boat. Species include flounder, snook, redfish, trout and Spanish mackerel. Fishing gear is not provided so bring your own equipment. A Florida fishing license may be required for some anglers.


Location
Caladesi Island State Park is located near Clearwater, Dunedin and Holiday

Picnicking
Caladesi Island State Park offers picnic tables, pavilions for rent and grills. Visitors can enjoy meals amidst beautiful beach views.
Trails
- Caladesi Island Nature Trail: This 3-mile trail takes hikers through the island's interior, showcasing its diverse habitats including mangroves and coastal hammock forests.

- Kayak/Canoe Paddling Trail: A marked 3-mile paddling route that winds through the park's mangrove forest.

- Beach Walkway: An easy walk along a boardwalk leading to one of America's top-rated beaches with pristine white sand stretching for miles.

- Birding Trails: These trails are ideal for birdwatchers as they offer opportunities to spot numerous species such as ospreys, pelicans, herons and egrets in their natural habitat. The length varies depending on chosen path.

-Marine Life Viewing Area : While not technically a hiking trail this area is accessible by foot where visitors can observe various marine life from dolphins to stingrays near the shoreline or at low tide areas.

-Picnic Pavilion Pathways : Short paths connecting picnic pavilions offering shaded spots perfect for rest stops during hikes around the park; distance depends on which pavilion you're heading towards but generally less than half mile each way.


Birding
Birdwatchers can explore three miles of nature trails, spotting species like ospreys and pelicans. Kayaking through mangroves may reveal herons or egrets. The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.


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Directions
Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat or ferry. The ferry service to Caladesi leaves from HISP Honeymoon Island State Park hourly beginning at 10 AM. Folks can call the ferry service directly 727-734-1501.

By Boat: From Marker 14 on the Dunedin Causeway Channel, which runs parallel to the causeway between Hurricane Pass and the Intracoastal Waterway, follow a compass heading of about 212 degrees for approximately 1 mile. Follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park marina. (Note: Do not turn 212 degrees from Marker 14 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Look for Marker 14 on the Causeway Channel, which has a brown park sign on it.)

Driving Directions to Honeymoon Island From Orlando: I-4 west to I-275 south to SR-60 west. Cross Courtney Campbell Causeway, then turn right on US Hwy 19 north. Left on Curlew Rd. (SR-586). Follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

From north of Tampa: I-75 south to I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave. exit. West to slight left at Curlew Rd. (SR 586). Pass fork at SR-580. Follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

From Bradenton and South: I-75 north to I-275 north to Roosevelt Ave. exit (Follow signs for St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, last exit before the Howard Franklin Bridge). Stay right on SR-686 west when SR-688 forks to left. Right (north) on McMullen Booth Rd. (CR-611) to cross over the Bayside Bridge. Left on Curlew Rd. (SR 586). Follow SR-586, crossing Dunedin Causeway, to Honeymoon Island State Park for Caladesi ferry.

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