Caladesi Island State Park
Dunedin, FL
Just offshore from Dunedin, reachable only by ferry from Honeymoon Island or by private boat, Caladesi Island State Park has no cars and no bridge in sight. Three miles of undeveloped Gulf sand back up against pine forest and mangrove creeks. It's the kind of quiet that's hard to find this close to Clearwater and Tampa.
Three miles of undeveloped sand this close to Tampa is rare enough on its own, the tradeoff is planning your whole day around the ferry schedule instead of just driving up.
How we score beachesBuy the ferry ticket at Honeymoon Island rather than trying to time a last minute crossing, since boats run every half hour on weekends and summer weekdays but drop to hourly the rest of the year. Bring a cooler, there's nothing to buy once you're on the island beyond a small concession near the dock.
Getting there means paying the Honeymoon Island State Park entrance fee, 8 dollars per vehicle, then a separate ferry fare on top of that. There's no way to drive or walk onto Caladesi itself, boat or ferry only.
A boardwalk runs from the ferry dock a short distance to the main beach, mostly flat. The nature trails further into the island cross soft sand and packed dirt, better suited to sturdy shoes than a stroller.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach at Caladesi Island State Park at any time, and pets are also barred from the ferry used to reach the island.
Winter and spring bring the mildest crossings and the thinnest crowds on the ferry, while summer's warmer Gulf water comes with more boat traffic and hurricane season through November. Either way, the island empties out fast once the last ferry leaves.
More Gulf Coast beaches
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key, FL · Gulf Coast
Fine quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even in summer, sloping gently into calm Gulf water, and consistently rated among the best family beaches in the country.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater, FL · Gulf Coast
A lively Gulf-front strip with a fishing pier, a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60, and calm, shallow water that makes it an easy family favorite.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach, FL · Gulf Coast
Sugar-white sand within the Gulf Islands National Seashore, with dunes protected from development and water clear enough for snorkeling near the jetties.