Florida is renowned for its beautiful beaches with chalk-white sands, brilliant Caribbean-like turquoise waters, and opportunities to snorkel or dive among colorful marine life. Still, there’s one place that truly stands out: Honeymoon Island State Park.
Located on picturesque Honeymoon Island, named for its role as a top honeymoon destination after winning a newlywed contest hosted by LIFE magazine in 1940, it boasts four miles of unspoiled white sands lapped by the clear, calm, cobalt waters along the Gulf coast. Not surprisingly, it still receives plenty of accolades today. In fact, it was just named by Tripadvisor among the top 10 beaches in the U.S., specifically for its natural beauty.
You won’t even need to take a ferry or boat to reach it, with the barrier island just minutes from Tampa across the St. Joseph Sound, connected to the mainland city of Dunedin by the Dunedin Causeway.
Fun and Relaxation at the Beach
There’s plenty to do while immersed in the incredible natural beauty here, from sunbathing and swimming to kayaking and paddleboarding (rentals available). It’s just a 15-minute paddle to Caladesi Island for more exploring, including a mangrove forest. Spotting dolphins is common, and you might even see a manatee or two.
While the pristine sands of Honeymoon Island can get crowded, the further north you walk, the less busy it is and the more stunning it gets. Beachcombers will find plenty of treasures too, especially at low tide, including seashells like fighting conchs and lightning whelks.
Beyond the Sand
The park is also popular for nature walks, with the Osprey Trail winding 2.5 miles through a virgin slash pine forest. Keep an eye out for tortoises and armadillos, along with all sorts of bird life. Avid birders should bring the binoculars to watch for rare birds like mourning warblers and green-tailed towhees, along with horned owls, eagles, and of course, ospreys.
Learn more about the beach, shells, forests, and wildlife at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center near the beach.
Facilities
While you can always bring your own supplies for a picnic, there are two cafes on-site. Cafe Honeymoon and South Beach Pavilion Cafe offer snack bar items like burgers, chicken tenders, shrimp baskets, fries, and drinks. You’ll also find two stores on the island with gifts, beach gear, food, and more.
In addition to kayak and SUP rentals, you’ll find a variety of bikes available for rent at both cafes, including single and double surreys, cruiser bikes, and tandem bikes, ideal for pedaling along the 1.5-mile paved bike trail. If you just want to relax and enjoy the view, umbrellas and beach chairs can be rented too.
