Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Florida — and the easiest half-day trip from Clearwater Beach. It sits at the end of the Dunedin Causeway, about 20 minutes drive north. The park covers about 385 acres of barrier island with four distinct beaches, a roughly 3-mile nature trail, a large picnic area, and the ferry dock for Caladesi Island.

How to Get There

1. From Clearwater Beach, take Memorial Causeway east back to the mainland
2. Head north on Edgewater Drive / Alt-19 through downtown Dunedin
3. Turn west onto Curlew Rd / State Road 586 (Dunedin Causeway)
4. Follow the causeway to the end; you'll reach the park gatehouse

Drive time: 20–25 minutes from Clearwater Beach in light traffic.

Fees & Hours

• Vehicle entry: $8 (up to 8 people)
• Single occupant: $4
• Pedestrian / bicycle: $2
• Open: 8 AM – sundown every day of the year
• Concessions: café, gift shop, beach rentals in season

The Four Beaches

Main Beach (North End)

The wide, pristine main beach that draws most visitors. Lifeguards on duty in season. Shelling here can be excellent, especially after a cold front.

South Beach

The south end of the island. Quieter, more shells, great sunset views looking back at Caladesi.

Pet Beach (Dog Beach)

A dedicated dog-friendly stretch of sand where leashed dogs are welcome. One of the few official dog-friendly beaches in Pinellas County. Access from a separate parking area.

Nature Beach

The least-developed stretch. Fewer amenities, more wildlife. Part of the park's Osprey Trail system.

Ferry to Caladesi Island

The Caladesi Connection passenger ferry runs from the marina on the south end of Honeymoon Island. Only way to reach Caladesi Island — one of America's top-ranked beaches. About $20 adult round trip (13+), $10 child (6–12), free for kids 5 and under. Departs hourly, with half-hour service mid-February through Labor Day and on weekends.

Hiking & Nature

• Osprey Trail — 3-mile loop through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida
• Pelican Cove Nature Loop — shorter 1.5-mile loop, good for families
• Bird life: osprey (dozens of active nests), bald eagles, herons, ibises
• Other wildlife: gopher tortoises, armadillos, occasional dolphins offshore

What to Bring

• Cash or card for entry (credit accepted)
• Water & snacks — the café is small and sometimes closed
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat (limited shade on the beach)
• Binoculars if you're into birds
• A mesh shell bag — shelling here is quietly excellent

Who It's Best For

• Visitors wanting a quiet, natural alternative to Clearwater Beach
• Dog owners (Pet Beach access)
• Bird watchers and hikers
• Shellers (fewer people = more intact shells)
• Anyone catching the Caladesi ferry — you'll end up here anyway

Local tip: arrive by 9:30 AM if you're catching the Caladesi ferry — the small ferry parking lot fills first. The main Honeymoon Island lots stay open most of the day.

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