Honeymoon Island

HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK HISTORY AND NATURE Located near the top of Florida’s barrier island chain, Honeymoon Island is an important location for resting and foraging shorebirds. The white, sandy beach dunes extend to the northern tip of the island, where flocks of birds typically feed. Nearby, Anclote Key Preserve State Park and Caladesi Island State Park also attract nesting shorebirds to their pristine beaches. The Osprey Trail winds its way through the pine flatwoods portion of the island. Many animals reside here, such as gopher tortoises, raccoons and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes. Large osprey nests located in the top of barren pine snags may be seen. Great horned owls nest here in late winter, and sometimes the chicks can be observed peeking over the edge of their nest or flapping their wings as they learn to fly. The island received its name in 1939 when New York developer Clinton Washburn purchased the island and, together with LIFE magazine, held a contest for newly married couples. The winners of the contest would stay in thatched bungalows in sunny Florida for a two-week “honeymoon,” giving the island its name. 1 Causeway Boulevard Dunedin, FL 34698 727-241-6106 HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK A barrier island paradise PARK GUIDELINES • • • • • • • • • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well-behaved at all times. Fishing, boating and swimming are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Portions of the beach are vital shorebird nesting areas and may be closed during certain times of year. Please adhere to posted signs. To volunteer with the park, inquire at the ranger station. For information about joining Friends of the Island Parks, call 727-241-6106 or visit IslandParks.org. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access for all visitors to facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Visit us online at FloridaStateParks.org Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks Honeymoon Island State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES Welcome to Honeymoon Island State Park. Stroll along the Osprey Trail to see an osprey’s nest or listen for the call of the great horned owl. Soak up the sun on the four miles of sandy beach. Kayak into St. Joseph Sound or fish for snook in Hurricane Pass. Enjoy the many recreational activities available in this beautiful 2,810-acre park. Directions Volleyball Court Take U.S. 19 to S.R. 586 (Curlew Rd.) and continue west for five miles. S.R. 586 ends at Honeymoon Island State Park. Swimming, fishing and nature study are favorite pastimes of the over 900,000 people who visit each year. To enjoy the beauty of nature, walk one of the two nature trails that wind through the pine and mangrove forests. Keep your eyes open for ospreys and gopher tortoises, as this is their habitat. Rotary Centennial Nature Center Pets are welcome to enjoy the beach in the designated Pet Beach area. Honeymoon Island has one of the few beaches in Pinellas County to allow pets on the beach. For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under your control at all times. Nature Trail If you’re looking for great fishing, head to the south end of the island. Hurricane Pass, formed by a hurricane in 1921, is a good location for catching snook. Other species that may be caught include trout, redfish, pompano and shark. Gulf of Mexico Ferry Boat Ticket Office to Caladesi Island State Park Pelican Cove Trail Pelican Co ve Osprey Trail Pet Beach Pet Beach Park Detail Inset Gulf of Mexico Pet beach Entire Park Overview Beach Parking Restroom Biking Picnic Pavilion Shower Concession Picnicking Swimming Fishing Playground Nature Center Hiking Ranger Station Trail 00203_Rev_08.18 Honeymoon Island is a beautiful location for beachside events. The Café Honeymoon management can serve as an event planner, arranging everything from flowers and music to the menu and ambiance. Toll Booth