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State park · Clearwater, Florida
Caladesi Island State Park
Barrier island with no bridges or buildings, north of Clearwater Beach, featuring a white-sand beach highly rated on American lists, a trail through native vegetation and mangroves. Access is by ferry from Honeymoon Island or by boat.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi is one of the few barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast that remain virtually undeveloped. The island lies north of Clearwater Beach, separated from it only by a narrow stretch: someone walking along the sand from the northern tip of Clearwater can reach it, a long trek under the sun.
The most common way to visit is the passenger ferry that departs from the dock at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin. The beach, with its light, fine sand, was named the best in the United States on the annual list by the expert known as Dr. Beach in 2008, after ranking near the top in previous years.
Besides the beach, the park has a roughly 5 km trail through the island’s native vegetation and a marina. The bay-side mangroves can be explored by kayak. There are few facilities on the island: bring water, food, and sun protection.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From half a day to a full day.
Best time
From March to May and from October to November, with less heat and rain; check ferry operations, which can be suspended in bad weather.
How to get there
The ferry departs from Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, about 15 km north of Clearwater. You can also reach it by private boat or by walking along the beach from the northern tip of Clearwater Beach.
Tip
Check the ferry schedule and status before you go; after storms the service may be changed.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Caladesi Island State Park
How do I get to Caladesi Island?
By ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, by private boat, or on foot along the beach from the northern tip of Clearwater Beach.
Does Caladesi Island have facilities?
Minimal: there is a marina and some basic services. Bring water, food, and sun protection.
Why is Caladesi’s beach famous?
For its light sand and calm water; it was named the best beach in the United States on Dr. Beach’s list in 2008.