Aerial of Caladesi Island State Park.

©Robert Bender/EyeEm/Getty Images

Caladesi Island State Park

Top choice in Tampa Bay


Directly to the south of Honeymoon, this park is accessible only by boat and is virtually as nature made it: unspoiled and pristine. Consequently, it often tops national beach polls, and its 3 palm-lined miles of sugar-sand beaches should make the top of your list, too. Secluded and uncrowded it nevertheless boasts a 110-slip marina, kayak rentals, a tiny cafe, restrooms and showers.

Though you can kayak to Caladesi from Honeymoon or Clearwater, it's far more relaxing to kayak the 3.5-mile mangrove trail while at Caladesi.


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