Honeymoon Island - Dunedin

Honeymoon Island has gone through many names over the years since it was first visited by the Tocobaga tribe, who lived in the Tampa Bay area from the 900s into the 1500s.  The Indians were known to eat large amounts of shell fish, and this may be one of the reasons they traveled to the island.  Spanish explorers, pirates and traders also visited the barrier island.  Over the next few centuries the island 's name changed from Sand Island to Hog Island in 1880.  In 1921, a hurricane split the island creating Caladesi Island and Hurricane Pass. 

A New York developer, Clinton Washburn, had a vision for the pristine beach area and named it Honeymoon Island.  In 1939, he built 50 palm-thatched bungalows for honeymooners.  The beautiful Florida weather and white sandy beaches made it a perfect destination point for the brides and grooms.  When the war started and factories were producing goods around the clock, it became a place to relax and unwind for tired workers.   In the 1950s, Honeymoon Island was sold to Arthur Vining Davis, then Hyman Green, and eventually the state bought it in the 1970s.

Honeymoon Island is still enjoyed by visitors today.  Whether you want to stay on dry land or enjoy the crystal clear water, you can rent bikes, kayaks, umbrellas and even beach chairs at Café Honeymoon.  Dog lovers can bring their four legged friends to the dog park, so they can play in the warm Gulf waters.

A ferry from Honeymoon Island can take you to Caladesi Island, a 600-acre oasis that is only accessible by boat.  Three miles of beaches and a meandering nature trail make this a nature lovers paradise.  Bring a picnic lunch or enjoy eating at Café Caladesi.  Restrooms and showers are available for beach goers.
As you walk along the nature trail, you may see a gopher tortoise, osprey, eagles, egrets or maybe even an armadillo.  Walk along the shell laden beach or sit on one of the many commemorative benches and enjoy all that nature has to offer. 

For more information, go to http://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland/.