Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park are both known for their beautiful beaches.

With a pristine coastline, Caladesi is truly the place to escape it all. A short 20-minute ride on the Caladesi Island Ferry (four-hour stay maximum) is all it takes to feel like you're on your own private island. During my visit, the park was at full capacity and I still had plenty of room to roam without feeling crowded at all. It really is quite nice! For paddlers it's a short trip in your kayak and there were also several people who walked to Clearwater Beach at low tide!

Things were also hopping at Honeymoon Island State Park. Dog Beach is always a popular spot; my sister-in-law who lives in Spring Hill takes her pooch here quite often. Plenty of folks on the beach  -- sunbathing, kite flying, shelling, you name it -- there's a lot going on.

Hungry? No worries. Cafe Caladesi and Cafe Honeymoon provide great meals with a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Make sure you plan a trip to Honeymoon and Caladesi Island State Parks!

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