Caladesi Island State Park
Mangroves and more
Caladesi Island State Park is ideal for an ecotourist aching to bond with nature's creatures. Its secluded three-and-a-half mile beach provides the perfect nesting ground for shore birds and sea turtles. Despite its name, the singular Caladesi Island is actually six islands. Created in 1921 when a vicious storm severed it from Hog Island, the newly formed landmass covers almost 2,000 acres and is separated from the mainland by the aptly named Hurricane Pass. Today the park protects natural wonders - sand dunes rimming an open beach inhabited by sea oats, turtles and shorebirds - and is still accessible only by ferry from Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area.
Outdoor Focus
The park is a natural haven for fishing, boating, shelling and nature hikes, but the highlight is:
- Wildlife: Soft-footed hikers might catch a glimpse of a rattlesnake, raccoon, armadillo or other creatures while walking the nature trails.
Area Attractions
- Mangroves: Naturalists will be awed by Caladesi's mangrove forest which thrives in the eastern portion of the island. Not only do mangroves shelter the island and its animals, their roots trap soil, which over time, adds to the island's mass. Not sure how to get there? Hire a private boat or hop on The Honeymoon Island ferry.
Area Events
- Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October): Big name bands keep Clearwater hopping non-stop over four hot days and cool nights of jazz.
- Fun 'N' Sun Festival (May): While free admission draws the crowds, concerts, sports competitions, face painting and food makes them stay. All this is topped off with an illuminated night parade.
Nightlife
During spring break Clearwater's bars are bursting with partiers. More action can be found at the BayWalk complex in St. Petersburg, Florida, or in Tampa's famous Latin Quarter.
Accommodation
Clearwater offers condos, luxury resorts, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts and more than 400 hotels. Try the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce for up-to-the minute accommodation details.
Need to Know
- Location:
- Near Clearwater Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast.
- Weather:
- Average yearly temperatures are 73 F.
- Winter /f all ranges from 50 to 70 F.
- Spring / summer ranges from 65 to 90 F.
- Facilities:
- Picnic pavilions
- Bathhouses
- Nature trails
- Park concession
Mangroves and wildlife put Caladesi Island State Park on most must-see lists. If your ready to go wild, these Caladesi Island vacation ideas will help.
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