HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK
The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Today, visitors can drive across Dunedin Causeway to enjoy the sun - drenched Gulf beaches, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats. Nature lovers will find osprey nests, a wide variety of shorebirds, and one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida. The park boasts several nature trails and bird observation areas. Visitors can swim, fish, and snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulf or picnic while they enjoy the beautiful scenery. Shelling is particularly good here, as the Gulf currents deposit an incredible variety of seashells on the shore. Showers are available and the park?s concession has a gift shop and snack bar. Located at the extreme west end of State Road 586.
Honeymoon Island is home to many actively nesting birds including Osprey, Oyster catchers, Snowy Plovers and Least Terns. Roseate Spoonbills, Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons and many other species are often observed feeding in the bay, beaches and estuaries surrounding the park. Gopher tortoises and armadillos can be found in the picnic area and along the nature trail.
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.
The Park Concession offers food, beverages, beach supplies and souvenirs. Kayaks, umbrellas and beach chairs are available for rent.
With approximately 4 miles of shoreline, beach lovers will find a variety of activities with areas designated for swimming on the main beach, a pet beach on the south end and great shelling and walking on the north end which turns into a sand spit. Showers are located near the boardwalks leading out to the main beach areas
Kayaks can be rented through the concession or if you have your own, explore Pelican Cove which lies between the sand spit and nature trail.
Surf and pass fishing can yield catches of flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead, pompano, Spanish mackerel, cobia, ladyfish and tarpon Do you need a fishing license?
Surfing is allowed in the park, and it's usually pretty good on the north end by Bathhouse 3.
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