There’s never been a better time to lace up the bathing suit, lather on the sunscreen and hit a postcard-perfect beach in St Pete/Clearwater, with growing buzz that it boasts some of the best beaches in Florida – and even the US.
And, as it turns out, each of its beaches offers a unique vibe, with happenings that span from the outdoorsy to the more tranquil along the region’s 35-plus mile stretch of white-sand bliss. Here’s our list of can’t-miss beaches, starting with the barrier islands to the north and venturing south.
Best beach for nature lovers
What’s that chirping you hear? If you’re at Honeymoon Island, it’s most certainly the diverse bird population, and perhaps some beachgoers and wildlife watchers chirping back. The four-mile stretch of beach is home to various bird species such as osprey, oystercatchers, great blue herons and more. Amid the birds, you may even spot a 12-pound gopher tortoise or armadillo scooting by.
To maximize your wildlife viewing, head to Wheel Fun Rentals, which offers a variety of surrey bikes, cruisers and kids’ bikes rentable by the hour or day. From there, the Osprey and Pelican Trails – totaling approximately 2.5 miles – offer up calming Gulf vistas and birdwatching opportunities. Be sure to keep a respectful distance from the gulls, terns and sandpipers that nest in the sand; it's important to preserve their precious habitat.
If you’ve brought an animal of your own (your dog!), leashed dogs are permitted on nature trails, and Honeymoon Island dog beach is at the southern tip of the island for your pup to play.
Directly to the south of Honeymoon Island is Caladesi Island, a secluded locale accessible only by boat. The island is virtually as nature made it: unspoiled and pristine. You can rent a kayak to get across and once there, paddle the peaceful 3.5-mile mangrove trail. Or if paddling isn’t your thing, the ferry between the two islands takes about 20 minutes and departs hourly from 10am and every 30 minutes on weekends and during peak season from mid-February to Labor Day. The roundtrip fee is $18 for adults and $9 for children ages 6-12.
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin FL 34698. Barrier island west of Dunedin, FL, accessible via the Dunedin Causeway.
Parking: $8 per vehicle carrying up to 8 people, $4 single occupant vehicles.
Amenities: ADA-compliant parking spaces and restrooms, free beach wheelchairs, showers, paved paths, elevated boardwalks, café and picnic area with barbecue grills, education center and nature trails. Bicycle, kayak, beach chair and umbrella rentals available.
Hours: 8am until sundown daily.
Dog-friendly: Well-behaved dogs on a leash no longer than 6ft are welcome on the nature trail and at the Honeymoon Island
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