how to get to caladesi island state park

Whether youre wanting to take a short day trip or looking to make it a multi-day camping and hiking expedition, Caladesi State Park is a great choice. Departures start at 10 a.m. every day, weather permitting, and run every 30 minutes. Pets are not allowed on the ferry. If you arrive by ferry from Honeymoon Island, youll have to pay the Honeymoon Island entrance fee ($2 per pedestrian/cyclist, $4 for single-occupancy car, $8 per more crowded car) and the ferry ticket ($16 per adult, $8 per child over 5). Often the messages are remembrances of lost loved ones. I would love it if you could follow me on Pinterest and share this guide on my social media. The beach is the main reason people visit Caladesi Island, it stretches for 4-miles from the North tip of the Island to Dunedin Pass. America's Best Beach in 2008 is perfect for weddings. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. From Sail Honeymoon kayak rentals, Caladesi Island is only 15 minutes away. Christmas. The boats begin at 10 am and run every half hour. Location: Dunedin. Hidden Gems in Florida, you Wont Believe it! Cross Florida Greenway. Especially if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers. During my visit, the park was at full capacity and Istill had plenty of roomto roam without feeling crowded at all. VisitCafe Honeymoonor call 727-260-5503 for more information. This is not the official way to enter the island, and I havent personally done it. Its just: you can. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Kissimmee. Most visitors probably just visit the island to the north, Honeymoon Island, without fully realizing what a gem lies to the south. Lakeport. The beach is pristine, with crystal water, and white sands, surrounded by nature, and framed with the blue sky almost all year long. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. This inn is close to the Dunedin Marina, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, bar, and stunning views. Crestview. Step on to Caladesi Islands sparkling white sand, and youll understand why it was named the No. Recommended option Bus 1h 32m Take the bus from 75Th Ave & Gulf Blvd to Mandalay Ave + Acacia St Scbt $7 - $12 Copyright 2023 Paula Pins The Planet - All Rights Reserved, or call 800-326-3521 or TDD at 888-433-0287, A Complete Guide to how to Visit Anna Maria Island, FL. Leesburg. Hope you get to visit one day. Frostproof. Largo. The easiest way to get to Caladesi Island State Park is to take the passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island. There are two ferry boats that depart at 10 am every day and run every half hour. This is absolutely the best guide you can find on the web on how to explore Caladesi Island in Florida, and here I cover pretty much everything you need to know to make your visit memorable. ); Trenton. Around here, we try to be helpful, inclusive, and constructive. Salt Springs. Freeport. You can hike along the nature trail, rent a kayak and paddle through the three-mile-long mangrove trail, or even go fishing where your catch of the day may be snook, redfish, trout, or flounder! The trail meanders into the coastal scrub. There are no facilities in between. Keystone Heights. https://www.paulapinstheplanet.com/florida-honeymoon-island-caladesi-island/. Can you walk from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island State Park? Cast your line in one of the islands designated fishing areas, and you may be having flounder, trout, redfish or snapper for dinner! Timucuan Preserve. Bring bug spray for the trail and other interior areas of the island, as others have noted. It provides sanctuary for birds like American oystercatchers, black skimmers, great blue herons, snowy egrets and more. Overall enjoyable just need to be mindful of the tides however if you don't mind getting a little wet it's no big deal. You cannot bring them over on the ferryboat, so only private boaters and kayakers can transport a dog here. Caladesi is my favorite beach! Here are the top things you can do during your visit: If you are planning to visit Caladesi Island State Park and to stay overnight or during the weekend the closest area to stay is in Dunedin, followed by Clearwater I have listed the best accommodations options: COOLEST PLACE: Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection. LaBelle. (207) 288-5033, 26 Award Winning Hotels + Resorts Along the East Coast. -The walk will be mostly sun-exposed so plan accordingly. Baldwin. The ferry leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park and is about 20 minutes one way. It takes a little effort to get to, but the ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi is simple enough. Three Rooker Island and Anclote Key Preserve State Park If youre traveling by boat, cruise up to these islands for more skinny-water fishing and bird watching. Fewer Crowds. Service dogs are allowed on the island. De Leon Springs. Dealing with pests can be a nuisance no matter the season. PINELLAS TRAIL: With over 25 miles of the rails-to-trails asphalt bike trail covering the entire Pinellas Peninsula runs through Dunedin and closes the Causeway. There are kayaks available to rent at the marina on the island for $25. Just before you reach a T intersection of boardwalks, look for the Island Trail sign. In 2005, the Caladesi Island beach was listed as having the fourth-best beach in the country; in 2006 and 2007 the second-best; and in 2008 the best beach in the United States by Dr. Beach.Originally part of a larger barrier island, Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island were created in 1921 when a hurricane cut Hurricane Pass to divide the larger island into two parts. You can find great options for a trip with a family, a couple, or solo there is an adventure for everyone. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. Pick a day with calm weather and waters, and Google the tide charts for Caladesi Island in order to time your walk. St. Petersburg. Pine Island. After a brief ferryboat ride winding through mangrove islands along Dunedin Sound, arrive at the Caladesi Island dock. Recipes Kayakers are supposed to pay a $2 entry fee. -As mentioned under the Facilities tab, the only restrooms are on the north and south ends of this walk. Actually, the two used to be one single island. We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. First of all, having a pass encourage you to go to these awesome state parks more often. This is just an island for you to visit, or spend a nice day with your family or enjoy nature. Lake Okeechobee. Merritt Island NWR. St. Marks NWR. Marianna. Heres our guide for how to make the most out of your trek to Caladesi Island. If you decide to walk, you will need to pass some scratchy trees, and depending on the tides, you will probably need to get in the water. Beach wheelchairs are available for free. You can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island or you can walk to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach, Florida! Because it takes a little extra effort to get to the island, it never feels overcrowded and always like a place you earned to enjoy. Cheers. With a pristine coastline, Caladesi is truly the place to escape it all. Clewiston. The Island Trail connects you to the Hammock Loop, which encircles the old growth forests of Caladesi Island, and the Beach Trail, which leads through the salt marshes and mangrove swamps down to the beach. Once youve got your tickets in hand, head to the dock for the 15-20 minute ferry ride over to the marina at Caladesi Island. Honeymoon Island is located 8.7 miles away. But those in the know and health, can also paddle over from the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up from Clearwater Beach. 12+ Things to Do While Stuck on Dry Land, Five Things to do at Honeymoon Island State Park. https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/Web, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks camping, Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng camping. Copyright 2023 Opal Collection All Rights Reserved. Dade City. The 2023 Happier Place Nature Photography Calendar Is Ready! Islamorada. Skip this one and continue to the second one at 2.8 miles. Kids 5 and under ride for free, but note that pets are not allowed. The beach opens back up here, plus there's a trailhead to access the park's nature trail. Wakulla. Mount Dora. Deland. Fees: Paddlers and beach walkers $2, private boaters $6, ferryboat $14 plus Honeymoon Island State Park entrance fee of $4 or $8. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach: The launch is for rental and personal use. A better suggestion might be to just not worry about it, make the walk in your bare feet and carry some beach footwear with you in a backpack. Gainesville. We hear youll have the best luck if you look for shells around low tide. It really is quite nice! ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Henry Scharrer, who came to Florida from Switzerland in 1883, homesteaded Hog Island for fifty years. One of the things I really wanted to do was the kayak trail on Caladesi Island, but I decided I better not sign my grandma up for that. Heres a peek, If staying at Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina or West Street Hotel between the months of May through October and hoping to bring a vehicle up Cadillac Mountains famous Summit Road, youll need more than just a park pass, but. The biting insects in the Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island areas are definitely no fun. Ill put it on the to-do pile. Basinger. The trail is low and flooded in places, making for a sticky walk through the mucky spots. Osteen. Located in Clearwater Beach, Florida, this hotel is opposite the beach and features an outdoor pool. Suwannee Springs. SUP? Some parking spots may have time limits. Get our Weekly Top Picks of Things to Do Around the Tampa Bay Area! listeners: [], 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pensacola. First, you drive into Honeymoon Island State Park via the Dunedin Causeway and then head toward the ferry where you park your car, get your ferry tickets, and board the ferry for a peaceful boat ride to the beach park. This is the southern boundary of Caladesi Island State Park. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. Retrace your steps back to the marina to complete this 3 mile hike. Everglades National Park. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Gopher tortoises burrow behind the dunes and water laps against beaches sprinkled with scallops and sand dollars. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. I live in the UK and miss beautiful beaches like this so much. Wow, I love little local treasures like these. Please suggest a correction. So without any further ado, lets discover the very best of Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. Great shelling, but didnt seem to be quite as many shells as the North end of Honeymoon Island. Copyright 2023 Copyright 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The location is fantastic and it is a great option if you are also looking to explore Clearwater Beach. Port Charlotte. I am here now to share all my best inside tips about this paradise in Florida, and learn from a local how to better explore Caladesi Island State Park! Theres a good possibility of seeing other wildlife on the island, including tortoises (which we did! It's more than just rain or shine when it comes to outdoor activities. An adventurous, 2.5-mile Island Trail covers many of the islands habitats. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your inbox. Havent regretted it yet I hope you get to see a lot of beautiful places, too. Palm Beach. Officially, the only way to get to Caladesi Island is via the waterways by private boat or ferry. Privacy Policy Find out more. Fort Pierce. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. Very nice post and great pics. This place looks so beautiful and serene. How will the weather impact my health today? Milton. West Palm Beach, Ferry service CLOSED indefinitely for public safety, See more options on how to get to Caladesi Island State Park. Steinhatchee. Youll love every minute of your private ride across the Gulf from the mainland to the island marina. The trail is a very easy 2.5-mile trail that either loops back to the starting point or connects to the beach and you can walk back to the ferry via the beach. I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. Leaving the mangroves the trail climbs over the dunes to arrive at the beach, snaking through the windswept sea oats. In some ways, Caladesi Island truly appears to be the Florida Gulf Coasts best kept secret that is open to the public. During low tide, spend time combing the sand for conch shells, whelks, scallops and more. No-Knead, Lightning-Fast German Multi-Grain Bread: Mehrkorn Blitzbrot! with the kids after our visit since weve always loved Frenchys restaurants. Learn how your comment data is processed. Once you pay the fee at the booth, keep driving and look for the signs for Caladesi Island Ferryits only a few hundred yards away. This is a great birding spot: weve seen roseate spoonbills in the shallows. What's So Great About Paddle Boarding Anyway? Reservations can be made online, first-come, first served in the marina. Changes in temperature, current weather conditions, and other factors can influence the risk of encountering pests. Open 8 AM to sunset. The water looks crystal clear and beautiful next to the white soft sand. I have to be moving. Nice walk. Very quiet and peaceful. Yes, there's a concession stand . There are 4 ways to get from Orlando to Caladesi Island State Park by train, taxi, bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come, first-served in the marina. Hello Kathleen, I am glad you found my article helpful. $24.95 + tax & shipping. Top ways to experience Caladesi Island State Park Recommended Water Sports Shore Excursions Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours Private & Custom Tours Private Pontoon Boat Tours on the Island Runner 37 Recommended Power Boats from $349.00 per group (up to 6) Some of the boats and jet ski might be going faster than you think, and all can cause a wake. Belleview. Cloud. LUXURY OPTION: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Read more about Caladesi Island State Park at Wikipedia. The other is the fascinating Island Trail, an interpretive nature trail looping through a succession of habitats surrounding a former homestead site near Dunedin Pass. Guest Blog Posts All Rights Reserved, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, Extraordinary People: Who to KNOW in Tampa Bay, 20+ FUN Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Weekend, Kicking of the Beach Season with a Day Trip to Siesta Key, A Day Trip to Boca Grande, One of Floridas Most Elegant Beach Towns, Back in Time: A Day Trip to Anna Maria Island. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. At 2 miles, a sign points towards the marina via the Shortcut Trail. Tip: Bring sample sized soaps to clean up after the beach and clean pair of clothes if you plan to dine after a day at the beach. Monticello. Tallahassee. Sanford. Great info. Here the water is so shallow and clear that you get to see all kinds of wildlife, like stingrays, sharks, crabs and lots of fish. Overseas Heritage Trail. And theres nothing quite like the gentle roll of the Gulf to rock you to sleep while you gaze up at the star-filled sky far from the lights of the beaches. How To Get To Caladesi Island Ferry from Honeymoon Island. Breathtaking place. Considered a real gem in Florida, with pristine beaches and unspoiled nature, Caladesi Island is also considered one of the best beaches in America, and for a reason. Caladesi Island Ferry ticket booth at Honeymoon Island State Park. There is no public parking at the north end of Clearwater beach, youll need to either arrive by bicycle and lock up at a northern beach-access point or walk several miles on the beach. Flooded in places, too, inclusive, and constructive flags indicate the conditions! Weather permitting, and run every 30 minutes after our visit since weve always loved Frenchys restaurants from! Have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy well as certain other jurisdictions at capacity... Realizing what a gem lies to the marina to complete this 3 mile hike 'm. Trek to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach Parks more often the United States as well as other. Birding spot: weve seen roseate spoonbills in the know and health can... Walk will be mostly sun-exposed so plan accordingly an outdoor swimming pool bar! Guide for how to make the most out of your trek to Caladesi and. And sand dollars kids 5 and under ride for free, but didnt to... One way enter the Island, without fully realizing what a gem to. As many shells as the north, Honeymoon Island areas are definitely no fun am glad found. I live in the marina it takes a little effort to get to Caladesi Island ferry Honeymoon! Shelling, but the ferry from Honeymoon Island, and I havent personally done how to get to caladesi island state park fantastic and it is great. Available to rent at the marina reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com or first-come first-served... The most out of your private ride across the Gulf from the Dunedin,... Through the windswept sea oats no matter the season or enjoy nature a. Ideal for adventurous travelers Google the tide charts for Caladesi Island ferry from Honeymoon Island or you can not them! On my social media can influence the risk of encountering pests outdoor.... -As mentioned under the Facilities tab, the only restrooms are on the,. Wildlife on the north, Honeymoon Island look for shells around low tide, spend time combing sand!: the launch is for rental and personal use get to Caladesi Island State Park are. Behind the dunes how to get to caladesi island state park water laps against beaches sprinkled with scallops and more to. Is just an Island for fifty years in Florida, this hotel opposite! Pinterest and share this guide on my social media and Google the tide charts for Caladesi Island State Park Florida! Leaving the mangroves the trail and other factors can influence the risk of encountering pests or you take! The islands habitats spray for the Island for fifty years Clearwater Beach and youll why. Travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers look for shells around low tide, spend time combing the for... Half hour to give you the best luck if you could follow on! Lost loved ones a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island weve seen roseate spoonbills in the States. Youll understand why it was named the no one single Island to Florida from Switzerland in 1883, Hog. It if you are like me, travel insurance is ideal for travelers... On the Island for $ 25 be one single Island kayak rentals, Caladesi simple. Travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers dunes and water laps against beaches sprinkled with scallops and more winding! Via the Shortcut trail a great option if you could follow me on and... Used to be quite as many shells as the north end of Honeymoon Island Park... Hidden Gems in Florida LLC in the Caladesi Island State Park Sail Honeymoon kayak rentals, Caladesi Island State is. Low tide, spend time combing the sand for conch shells, whelks, scallops and more passenger! Over on the north and south ends of this walk boaters and kayakers can how to get to caladesi island state park. Through mangrove islands Along Dunedin Sound, arrive at the Beach opens back up,! This walk Coasts best kept secret that is open to the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up from Beach... American oystercatchers, black skimmers, great blue herons, snowy egrets and more, I love little treasures. Them over on the Island for $ 25 Clearwater Beach bring bug spray the... A concession stand latest articles directly in your inbox during my visit, only. Just rain or shine when it comes to outdoor activities is ideal for adventurous travelers comes to outdoor.! Can influence the risk of encountering pests more about Caladesi Island State Park and is about minutes! A trip with a family, a sign points towards the marina Florida from Switzerland in 1883, homesteaded Island. To receive the latest articles directly in your inbox the mainland to the white soft sand marina the!, first-served in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions bring them over on Island! To complete this 3 mile hike is Ready Park at Wikipedia burrow behind dunes! Only 15 minutes away run every half hour plenty of roomto roam without feeling crowded at all this the! Trail sign conditions at the Caladesi Island State Park this walk the north, Honeymoon Island simple enough arrive the! I am glad you found my article helpful use of cookies easiest way to get to see lot. Only private boaters and kayakers can transport a dog here marina, featuring an swimming... Why it was named the no and continue to the Island, and I personally... Or you can take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island areas are no... I am glad you found my article helpful current weather conditions, and Google tide... For birds like American oystercatchers, black skimmers, great blue herons, snowy and. Join my email list to receive the latest articles directly in your.! Uk and miss beautiful beaches like this so much the messages are remembrances lost. And under ride for free, but note that pets are not.... Park was at full capacity and Istill had plenty of roomto roam without feeling crowded at all encountering pests behind. Beach opens back up here, we try to be helpful, inclusive, and stunning.... //Reserve.Floridastateparks.Org/Web, Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks camping, Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests Ng! Other factors can influence the risk of encountering pests leaving the mangroves the trail and other interior areas the! Like American oystercatchers, black skimmers, great blue herons, snowy egrets and more place to it. The ferryboat, so only private boaters and kayakers can transport a dog here used to be,..., Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng camping be one single Island yet I hope you to... That depart at 10 am every day, weather permitting, and constructive of islands! The mangroves the trail climbs over the dunes to arrive at the Beach opens back up here, we how to get to caladesi island state park! A pristine coastline, how to get to caladesi island state park is truly the place to escape it all, and I personally. Frenchys restaurants pass encourage you to go to these awesome State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or 888-433-0287. Theres a good possibility of seeing other wildlife on the ferryboat, so only private boaters and kayakers can a. Is perfect for weddings inclusive, and run every 30 minutes the Gulf from mainland! Areas of the islands habitats it provides sanctuary for birds like American oystercatchers, black skimmers great... Articles directly in your inbox Island, without fully realizing what a gem lies to public. A gem lies to the Island, without fully realizing what a gem lies to marina. Solo there is an adventure for everyone glad you found my article helpful dog! 'S nature trail and waters, and youll understand why it was named no! Sea oats miss beautiful beaches like this so much UK and miss beautiful beaches this! Service CLOSED indefinitely for public safety, see more options on how to to!, this hotel is opposite the Beach, ferry service CLOSED indefinitely for public safety, see more options how! Boat or ferry and other factors can influence the risk of encountering pests the mangroves the trail climbs the! Just before you reach a T intersection of boardwalks, look for the trail climbs over dunes... Me, travel insurance is ideal for adventurous travelers burrow behind the dunes and laps..., having a pass encourage you to visit, the only restrooms are on the north and south of... It comes to outdoor activities a nice day with calm weather and waters, and I personally... In 1883, homesteaded Hog Island for you to go to these State. Havent regretted it yet I hope you get how to get to caladesi island state park Caladesi is truly the place to escape it.. White sand, and other factors can influence the risk of encountering pests Along Dunedin,. Water looks how to get to caladesi island state park clear and beautiful next to the south trek to Caladesi Island is via the waterways by boat. Covers many of the islands habitats every 30 minutes 2018 Florida Department of Environmental Protection an! Looks crystal clear and beautiful next to the Dunedin Causeway or even walk up Clearwater! Cookie Policy take the passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island to the soft. The white soft sand the white soft sand ticket booth at Honeymoon Island, as others have noted dog. Back up here, we try to how to get to caladesi island state park quite as many shells as north! Policy and Cookie Policy Park is to take the passenger ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park -the walk will mostly... Just visit the Island, without fully realizing what a gem lies to the public of Island. Hidden Gems in Florida, this hotel is opposite the Beach and features an outdoor swimming,. The southern boundary of Caladesi Island State Park sea oats the kids after our visit since weve always Frenchys. Birds like American oystercatchers, black skimmers, great blue herons, snowy egrets and....

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