This Florida State Park Is A Laid-Back Island Getaway With Caribbean-Like Water And Sandy Beaches

If you can't make it to the Caribbean for your upcoming vacation, Caladesi Island State Park offers beautiful beaches closer to home. Located in Dunedin, Florida, on the Gulf Coast, the park has exactly what you need for a relaxed day of sun and sand. The island itself, which is right off the mainland, is around 27 miles northwest of the underrated Florida destination of St. Petersburg (which is also worth a visit). There are no hotels or resorts, giving the island a laid-back, relaxed feel. It's a paradise featuring beaches that have made Doctor Beach's top 10 best beaches, including in 2026.

You can do some swimming and sunbathing on the white sand beaches and spend some time strolling the boardwalks, hiking, or exploring the historic Scharrer Homestead. Boating and fishing are available, and there are spots to enjoy a picnic. You can pack a lunch or hit Florida Beach Services' Café Caladesi for food and drinks. You can also rent chairs, umbrellas, and kayaks there to use during your beach day.

You can get to the island by boat or the Caladesi Ferry, which departs from and returns to Honeymoon Island State Park, which also has some of the best beaches in the U.S. It runs every day starting at 10 a.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas, weather permitting. Ferries are hourly all year, though they run on the half-hour between mid-February and Labor Day and on weekends. At the time of this writing, round-trip tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children, while children 5 and under ride free. However, you can't get tickets online. You have to get them at the Caladesi Ferry Ticket Office at Honeymoon Island State Park.

The main reason to come to Caladesi Island State Park is to relax on beautiful beaches, and there are three miles of them to explore. One reviewer on Google Maps says, "If you're looking for a less crowded, quieter, and more secluded beach experience, then Caladesi Island is perfect for you," while another says, "The beach is stunning and the atmosphere is excellent. Highly recommended." Shelling is a fun activity you can do in Caladesi Island State Park. You may find varieties like olives, conchs, and whelks, particularly around low tide, though you cannot take anything with a live animal in it. Still, it's lovely to be able to come home with a beachy souvenir. 

The ferry is the best way to get to the island, but if you bring your own boat, there is a small fee to dock at the marina, which has electric and water hookups available. (Overnight docking is permitted, but boaters must register before sundown.) There is a kayak and canoe launch for public use as well. Whether you do so from your own boat, a rented kayak, or the surf, fishing is another great activity. You must, however, have a valid Florida fishing license unless you qualify for an exemption. If you like to paddle, there is a three-mile water trail through the scenic mangroves on the island.

If you want to explore Caladesi Island State Park, the best way to do so is by taking a hike. The Caladesi Island State Park Trail is 2.9 miles. The trail is a loop, so you'll end up where you started. You'll pass through a palm forest, a slash pine forest with shade, and the famous harp tree, which has signage that tells the story of its survival, with photos almost a century and a half old. You may see creatures like armadillos, gopher tortoises, osprey, and hawks as you hike back toward the beach. After your hike, hit one of the picnic tables to enjoy a lunch you brought along with you or snacks from the café. You can also rent one of two covered pavilions. There are restrooms and shower stations if needed as well.

While you can't bring carts and wagons on the Caladesi Ferry, you can bring walkers and wheelchairs. Additionally, the restroom facilities on the island are ADA-accessible. The ferry is accessible, as are the elevated boardwalks to the beach, the picnic facilities, and the café. You can also ask at the ranger station to borrow a beach wheelchair for free. 

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is only 25 miles from the Caladesi Ferry at Honeymoon Island State Park and has earned top rankings for airport dining and the overall travel experience. You can also fly into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which is even closer at around 18 miles away. It's close enough that you won't need a car if you choose to take a taxi or rideshare. However, if you want to explore further afield, you may want to look into car rentals.