Park Summary for Print - Honeymoon Island State Park

Welcome to 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.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Honeymoon Island State Park, please call 727-469-5942.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Honeymoon Island State Park is located at the extreme west end of S.R.586, north of Dunedin. From I-75 (north of Tampa): I-75 south to I-275 south towards Tampa. Follow I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). Take SR 580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-586 into park. From I-75 (south of Tampa): I-75 north to I-4. I-4 to I-275 north. I-275 to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). SR-580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-586 west into park.

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4.00 per vehicle: sunset fee, starting one hour prior to sunset.

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees:

$30.00 per day, plus tax.

Activities at Honeymoon Island State Park

	Beaches 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
	Concession/Restaurant The Park Concession offers food, beverages, beach supplies and souvenirs. Kayaks, umbrellas and beach chairs are available for rent.
	Facilities Restroom facilities are available in the park. Several are ADA accessible.
	Fishing 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? Do you need a Fishing License?
	Guided Tours Ranger led trail walks and shell programs are offered. Please contact the park for additional information on times and availability or to schedule group tours.
	Interpretive Exhibit Various interpretive kiosks are located throughout the park. The Rotary Centennial Nature Center is a great place to learn more about the History of Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands as well as information on the plants and animals that can be found on the islands. The elevated observation deck offers spectacular views and at low tide and provides many opportunities to see wading birds around the seagrass beds in the St. Joseph Sound.
	Kayaking 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.
	Nature Trail Observe one of the few remaining south Florida virgin slash pine stands along the Osprey trail which provides visitors with approximately 2-1/2 miles of walking.
	Pavilion There are two covered picnic pavilions and grills are located next to the nature trail. These pavilions may be reserved for a fee.
	Pets Dogs are allowed in designated areas such as pet beach on the southern tip of the island and on the nature trail. Pets must be on a 6 foot hand held leash at all times while in these areas.
	Picnic Area A picnic area is located on the northern end of the island. There are picnic tables, two covered pavilions, restrooms and barbeque grills.
	Playground There is a playground located in the picnic area on the north end of the island.
	Surfing Surfing is allowed in the park, and it's usually pretty good on the north end by Bathhouse 3.
	Wildlife Viewing 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.

Special Events for Honeymoon Island State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Honeymoon Island State Park Ranger Programs

INTERPRETIVE WALK
Beginning November 7th - Every Saturday morning at 11am.
A Ranger will be waiting at the head of our Osprey Trail to guide you on a 45 minute interpretive walk through our barrier island slash pine forest. The weather is perfect and the season is here to spot various species of nesting raptors such as Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Great Horned Owls. Bring your binoculars and your questions for this walk amongst the critters and trees. The walks will also be available on Sundays (Nov 1st) and Wednesdays (Nov 4th) at 11am led by a Park Volunteer. There is no fee for the trail walks.

Participation Requirements

Call 727-469-5943 for more details.
FAMILY STORY HOUR & CRAFT
2nd Saturday of every month at 1:30pm.
Join our Nature Center Docents. Children’s stories will be read that pertain to the beautiful state of Florida and the wildlife that call it home.

Participation Requirements

Call 727-469-5943 for more details.
SHELL SHOWS
2nd Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
As the kids listen to the stories, parents can join in one of the Shell Shows. Volunteers will be on hand to give interpretive programs on various types of shells that are found on the beaches of Honeymoon Island.

Participation Requirements

Call 727-469-5943 for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions about Honeymoon Island State Park

Question: How often does the Ferry to Caladesi Island State Park operate?
Answer: The, passenger only, ferryboat operates daily, weather permitting, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM once every hour. The cost is $10.00 / adult & $6.00 / child (ages 4-12 yrs old). For more information (or to find out if the ferry is operating in the event of inclement weather) please call the Ferry ticket booth at (727) 734-1501.

Question: Do I need to enter Honeymoon Island State Park to access the ferry boat?
Answer: Yes, the ferryboat departs from within the park. Visitors must enter through the park tollbooth. Once in the park, make the first left and follow down to the ferry dock parking area.

Question: What are the park entrance fees?
Answer: Admission Fees - $8.00 for up to 8 people per car. Single occupant fee of $4.00
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit, Members of Organized Groups - Admission Fee $2.00
Sunset fee of $4.00 per vehicle starting one hour prior to sunset.