Air Conditioning Repair Today of Clearwater
Honeymoon Island State Park
One of Florida’s best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Island has more than four miles of beach to explore along with a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests.
When looking skyward, eagles, osprey, and great horned owls can be seen, while ground animals include gopher tortoises, raccoons, and armadillos. A trip to the Rotary Centennial Nature Center helps visitors learn about the park’s history and natural resources. Find out how Honeymoon Island received its name!
Swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking, and bicycling are all popular activities that make Honeymoon Island State Park an ideal getaway. The park is also the ferry terminal for access to another unspoiled state park, Caladesi Island.
Honeymoon Island History
Honeymoon Island came to exist in the early 20th century [1921] when a hurricane created the channel between what is now Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island – splitting Hog Island in two. I guess we could call it a silver lining because what was once meant to be developed commercially was then turned into a state park.
In the late 1930s, it was commented that the island would make a wonderful honeymoon, and thus the name was born.
As far as history before Honeymoon Island became Honeymoon Island, the Native American Tocobago tribe lived on the island before Europeans arrived harvesting the sea life from the surrounding Gulf of Mexico.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Things to Do in Honeymoon Island State Park
The cool thing about Honeymoon Island is that it’s not just a beach. There are so many things to do at Honeymoon Island State Park that you could seriously make an entire trip out of just staying and playing right there.
Explore The Nature Center
The Rotary Centennial Nature Center offers great views of seagrass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and oyster beds. In addition, you can observe shorebirds, wading and diving birds, egrets osprey, pelicans, and an abundance of marine life while you’re in the area.
Other Things to Do in Honeymoon Island
• Rent a bike [or bring your own] and explore the island on two wheels.
• Explore Pelican Cove via kayak or take the kayak over to Caladesi Island State Park.
• Grab some snack food and have a relaxing picnic on the beach while walking the sunset.
• Try your hand at surfing – it may not be the best for avid surfers but it is allowed and a great option!
Honeymoon Island Dunes & Their Importance
Dunes are incredibly important and Honeymoon Island is no different. Dunes provide habitat for many plant species as well as preserve the beach. Many plants only survive on beach dunes but need the dunes to protect them from the harshness of their surroundings. In turn, these plants and their roots help keep the dune stable and continue to build and improve its size.
Dunes also provide preservation for the beach when there are storm surges. Dunes play a huge role in keeping the beach from being completely washed away when large waves crash into the shore.
link to GMB
Clearwater
Honeymoon Island State Park