Honeymoon Island State Park Is a Real Place—Here's Why You Should Visit

The name "Honeymoon Island" may sound like a tagline. But Honeymoon Island State Park is a real place—and something of a hidden gem. Many flock to Florida for Miami's noteworthy nightlife or to watch spring training baseball in St. Petersburg, but this state park in Pinellas County is not to be overlooked by nature-loving newlyweds.

Located in Dunedin, Florida (the exact address is 1 Causeway Blvd.), Honeymoon State Park is just north of Clearwater Beach and across from the glistening St. Joseph Sound. It's home to bald eagles, nature trails, Gulf of Mexico views and beautiful beaches. There are also plenty of picnic areas for a low-key lunch with your loved one.

Is Honeymoon Island State Park Good for a Honeymoon?

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Pros of a Honeymoon Island State Park Honeymoon

Honeymoon Island State Park is home to four miles of beautiful beaches. The Gulf waters leave plenty of seashells by the seashore—shelling is a popular pastime in these parts. But there's plenty to explore by land as well. Honeymoon Island is home to mangrove swaps and one of South Florida's only remaining slash pine forests. And though the Florida state park may be a hidden gem to travelers, wildlife knows all about it. Honeymooners may spot gopher tortoises, tarpon, great horned owls, armadillo and bald eagles during their journey.

Cons of a Honeymoon Island State Park Honeymoon

Honeymoon Island State Park is a gorgeous spot to visit, but couples cannot stay there. They'll have to book a room at a hotel in a nearby location, like Clearwater Beach, and plan on paying a daily entrance fee of $8. Laying out on the beach all day is fun, but couples seeking more adventure may want to make Honeymoon Island State Park a day trip instead of their entire vacation. St. Pete's and Clearwater Beach offer more to do for an entire week. Though it's home to interesting wildlife, couples will also want to watch out for rattlesnakes.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Honeymoon Island State Park Honeymoon for Good Weather

In a not-so-surprising revelation, summers in Florida are sweltering. The temperatures during the spring and fall months are milder. The wildlife prefers it that way—you're more likely to spot many of the resident animals during these months, too.

How to Get to Honeymoon Island State Park

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Travelers typically fly into Tampa Bay and make about a 45-minute drive to Honeymoon Island State Park. It's an easy trip for couples on the East Coast. It takes a little more than two hours to get to Tampa from Washington, D.C., and less than three hours from New York City. It's a longer trek for people flying in from San Francisco. Budget between six and seven hours for the flight from SFO to Tampa.

Couples exploring the world-famous white-sand beaches of Caladesi Island State Park can also easily access Honeymoon Island. A ferry runs between the two locations, which was previously one destination up until 1921, when a hurricane separated the state parks.

Those traveling by car will have to pay the $8 entrance fee for access to the barrier island. There are several parking lots close to beaches. Honeymoon Island State Park opens at 8 a.m., and couples can stick around to watch the sunset (but there's no camping permitted).

Things to Do During a Honeymoon Island State Park Honeymoon

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Honeymoon Island State Park is an ideal spot for hiking and beach-going with your loved one (and even a puppy). Each location boasts a unique beauty; plus, when else can you say you've been to "Honeymoon Island?"

Visit Rotary Centennial Nature Center

Rotary Centennial Nature Center is close to the entrance to the state park and faces St. Joseph Sound. Honeymooners can take in beautiful views of seagrass beds, thick mangroves, mudflats and oyster beds. It's also an ideal spot for bird watching—visitors have spotted spoonbills, egrets, herons, osprey and pelicans. Inside, displays and exhibits help you get to know the wildlife and marine creatures who inhabit the Florida state park.

Enjoy Main Beach

Main Beach gives newlyweds a more typical Florida beach experience. It has more white sand and fewer rocks than the other beaches inside the state park. There's plenty of parking nearby, and the views of the Gulf of Mexico are breathtaking. Grab fast-casual fare like sandwiches and burgers at Cafe Honeymoon.

Collect Shells at North Beach

North Beach is technically located on the southern end of Honeymoon Island State Park. It's ideal for surfers and treasure-hunting newlyweds who include shelling (shell collecting) on their itineraries. When on land, you'll want to plan on wearing shoes or sandals while exploring, as it's covered in rocks, driftwood and seashells. The beach has a bathhouse.

Relax at South Beach

Not to be confused with the South Beach in Miami, South Beach on Honeymoon Island State Park is another prime location to take in waterfront views. Unlike North Beach, where surfing is popular, this area tends to be more popular with travelers hoping to wade or remain landlocked. It has a pair of concession stands and bathrooms for added convenience.

Bring Fido to Dog Beach

Honeymoon Island State Park boasts a pet beach, allowing newlyweds to treat their furry friends to vacation too. One caveat: You won't be able to throw a ball into the water and tell Fido to fetch—puppies must stay on a six-foot leash at all times. Fishing is another popular activity at Dog Beach.

Hike Osprey Trail

Osprey Trail is a little more than two miles long and boasts refreshing sea breezes. Hikers can spot mangroves, the virgin slash pine forest, owls, osprey and plenty of other wildlife. Leashed pups are allowed on the trail. Be aware of rattlesnakes.

Lounge at Causeway Beach

Couples who want to enjoy a beach day without the entrance fee might want to check out the free public beach on Dunedin Causeway. You'll find it on the way to Honeymoon Island and just outside the state park. It's popular for fishing and boating over lounging on a beach read. You may see this beach referred to as "Jetski Beach" or "Causeway Community Park."

Kayak at Caladesi Island

Newlyweds who want to kick their shoes off and enjoy soft, white sand will want to hop over to Caladesi Island and sail across Hurricane Pass. Kayaking is a popular activity at this spot. Sail Honeymoon rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards so you can enjoy some time on the water.

Best Hotels and Resorts Near Honeymoon Island State Park for a Honeymoon

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Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection

Music-loving guests will like this four-star hotel. Set in a former radio station, Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection boasts a rooftop bar and chophouse on-site. It's about a 12-minute drive to Honeymoon Island State Park, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium is eight miles away. Guests also have access to loner bikes.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Clearwater Beach

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Clearwater Beach is best for couples who consider Honeymoon Island State Park a day trip, not their entire honeymoon. It's about 30 minutes by car from the state park but a four-minute walk from Clearwater Beach. The light, neutral-toned rooms exude tranquility and some even offer Gulf of Mexico vistas.

Hampton Inn Dunedin

Hampton Inn Dunedin offers one of the shortest drives to Honeymoon Island State Park—it's about 2.3 miles away. It's also close to local microbreweries, restaurants, shopping and Clearwater Beach. Amenities include an outdoor pool, free breakfast and a fitness center.

What to Pack for a Honeymoon Island State Park Honeymoon

Couples will want to pack for land and sea adventures. Hiking gear, such as long pants, lightweight T-shirts, and sturdy boots, will serve you well on the trails. A bathing suit and towel are essential for swimming in clear blue waters. Sandals are a must for the rocky sand.

Bug spray, sunglasses, a hat and SPF will protect your body from all of the elements. Florida is known to get a shower or two, so pack rain gear just in case. Bring a beach bag or backpack to stash all your stuff during your trips to the island—you won't want to have to run back to the hotel. Couples may also wish to bring their own kayaks.