Honeymoon Island State Park is one of Florida's most popular parks, located across a 2.5-mile causeway just west of the quaint town of Dunedin. Visitors are drawn year round to the park's four miles of pristine beach, warm and gentle Gulf waves, beautiful coast fronts, and diverse plant and animal life. This barrier island park facing the scenic St. Joseph Sound includes 385 acres in land area, most of it preserved in a natural state, and 2,400 acres submerged. The park's newest feature is a beach cam that offers viewers a choice of three different views of the island.
Must see and must do at Honeymoon Island State Park
Park activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, kayaking, snorkeling, kitesurfing, stand up paddle surfing, and shell collecting. A half-mile long pet beach located on the south end of the island is perfect for visitors with furry friends. Dogs of all ages and sizes enjoy outings here, retrieving balls and Frisbees in the water, basking in the sun, greeting other dogs strolling the beach, and rolling in the sand. The Park Concession offers food and beverages. Kayaks and bicycles are also available for rent. Additionally, the park offers several picnic areas and a limitless playground accessible for all ages and abilities.
Best and worst time to go to Honeymoon Island State Park
Due to its popularity, Honeymoon Island State Park is well visited year round. The nicer the weather, the more people and dogs you will see enjoying the water and park activities. Colder days during December, January, and February are the park's least busy times. Spring break vacations during March and April attract many visitors. A steady flow of beachgoers keep the park well attended from May through November. Special events draw large crowds so it's best to check the park's website for events before planning your visit.
Admission to Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island is open 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year. A per vehicle entry fee is required. Annual passes are also available, allowing entry into any of Florida's state parks.
Wildlife at Honeymoon Island State Park
For nature lovers, Honeymoon Island includes several bird observation areas and a 2.5-mile nature trail winding through a virgin pine forest understory of coastal plants. Here hikers can view egrets, pelicans, osprey, eagles, and other coastal birds. The park's Nature Center offers impressive views of the park's ecosystems, shore birds, and marine life. The Center also includes exhibits and interactive displays that introduce visitors to the park's diversity of plant and animal life and educate them about preserving the island's natural habitat.
Internet access at Honeymoon Island State Park
Café Honeymoon on the island offers free wi-fi service. Cell phone service is also available in the park.
Insider tip for Honeymoon Island State Park
For several years bald eagles have been nesting on the north end of Honeymoon Island each fall. The eaglets typically hatch in early January and remain in the large family nest while both parents feed and protect them as they mature. They typically fledge in early April. During the active nesting season, the state park closes off the area about 100 yards away from the nest to protect the birds. At times volunteers set up a telescope for visitors to get a better look at the growing eaglets but there is no set schedule. Binoculars are a good idea if you want to see the fuzzy heads peeking out of the nest. To reach the eagle area, visitors hike Osprey Trail (a 2.5-mile round trip hike) north to the nesting area. This is an interpretive trail that cuts through a virgin pine forest with an understory of coastal plants. You're likely to see many ospreys (also nesting during this time) and large osprey nests high up in the tall bare pine snags on either side of the path.
Author's bio: Susanne Carter is a retired educator and freelance writer who lives in Dunedin and is a frequent visitor to Honeymoon Island State Park.