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There are 175 state parks in Florida. One of the most frequent places is Miyue Island. While traveling in Florida, I took the opportunity to spend a day there. Honeymoon Island is a natural barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico. Like Assateague Island on the Atlantic Ocean, it has 4 miles of sandy beaches, natural trails, and wildlife from gophers to tortoises to bald eagles.
The name originated from its owner developer Clinton Washburn having lunch with the editor of Life Magazine, which he thought was a good place for a honeymoon. A game started, and the name of Honeymoon Island was blocked. A newly married couple won a two-week honeymoon and was immortalized at the Rotary Club Centennial Nature Center.
To get there, you will drive to Dunedin, Florida, in Clearwater (SR 586) north of US Highway 19. Pay attention to the welcome sign in front of the Mobil gas station (in front of McDonald's) and fill it up, just in case there is less than half a can of gasoline. That was the last gas station I saw when I was on the island. You will cross the Dunedin Causeway and discover several places where you can fish. There is even a lively restaurant. After passing several apartment buildings, you will pass through Mee Moon Island and stop at the gate of the ranger to pay the fee and collect your map.
I like it because there is a very calm and peaceful feeling on the island. The sound of the wind, the smell, and the feeling of the bay water spraying on my skin, the most primitive natural sight, the feeling of the sand under my feet, the touch of the kayak paddle or bicycle seat in my hand, spending a beautiful day and wonderful holiday. My parents told us that they were spending their honeymoon in Clearwater, but I never thought about asking why. Now I want to know whether two college students who planned their wedding in the 1960s thought that coming to Mee Moon Island would be a grand adventure.
Anyone who likes hiking by the water, picnic stations and well-equipped and comfortable restrooms should consider visiting. You can experience the beauty of Florida's Gulf of Mexico coastline, see a variety of wild animals that depend on these fragile ecosystems, and enjoy many recreational opportunities. Since I spent a whole day on Mee Moon Island (no camping or overnight accommodation), I was able to stop and explore every part. The peak season is from October to March.
When exploring any part of the outdoors, keep in mind the essentials: sun protection, plenty of water, and insect repellent.
Pro tip: plan your day before you leave. You will need time to take the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park in the morning and watch the sunset on the west side of Honeymoon Island. During this period, from October to March, you can take a guided beach walk or the Osprey Trail.
As the ferry terminal is close to the entrance, please check the ferry time, take a photo with Captain Smiley, and determine when to cross the hurricane channel to a more secluded island.
This island has no roads, it can only be reached by boat. After arriving there, you will find mangrove forests and lots of sugar white sand beaches. You won’t find many buildings except for the docks and rangers, picnic sheds, and concession booths, but you will find a wide boardwalk and 3 miles of trails. Exploring from land, you have many opportunities to spot eagles, ospreys and even dolphins. You can explore the mangrove trails by kayaking.
Sometimes considered the best beach in the United States, you can spend a few hours here and enjoy the wonderful weather.
Please note the water conditions based on the beach warning signs posted around the island. When I was there, we encountered red flag and purple flag situations, so no one got into the water over the ankle. This is still an honorable visit.
The South Beach Pavilion is an easy place to park, rent bicycles or Surrey, park in the restaurant or use the facilities (shower outside, changing area in the toilet), where you can enjoy water views and interesting things.
Kayaks can be rented at the nearby Café Honeymoon. I like to follow the painted dolphins around this part of Florida. I rarely miss the opportunity to relax on the beautiful Adirondack chair, but there are still many things to do and see.
This beach is the only beach on the island where pets are allowed. Although dogs must use hand-held leashes up to 6 feet long, there are many trails ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet, mostly composed of soft sand. The reminder that there are no live shells and rattlesnakes on the island has been well noted.
Walking through the reserve to the beach reminds me of how fragile this ecosystem is, but how much it continues to provide us.
Anglers shared that they caught trout, mackerel, and mackerel, and thought it was the best fishing spot on the island.
The local botanical garden is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and indoor exhibits (including photos of the 1939 honeymoon) allow you to spend hours on this part of the island. There is a ramp behind the building, so everything is suitable for people with disabilities. One thing you will notice, perhaps for the first time here, are benches and rocking chairs. Everyone has a special message from Namaste or "Nest of Peace and Love" to commemorate the loved ones. Sit down and think about the people who have donated so much to this area. On the edge of the upstairs terrace, you can find free sightseeing binoculars and telescopes, and you can enjoy the beautiful eastward view of Tampa that is worth keeping. I learned that I can take pictures through a telescope. Difficult, but possible.
The Nature Center contains the only gift shop I saw on the island, and you can shop online at www.islandparks.org. It also organizes a treasure hunt for children's crafts, advertised as "all day indoors! Free prizes!" The ranger at the entrance may know if it is open on the day of your visit.
The garden contains Florida’s native plants and its mission is to "protect, protect and restore Florida’s native plants. From Indian Blanket and Scorpion Tail to Railroad Vine and Partridge peas, their carefully marked garden can easily identify trees, flowers and other vegetation .
Don't miss the 0.3 mile short trail opposite the building. You will see oyster shell reefs and mangroves, and then walk through a circular path that will take you back to a thatched cottage that looks like one of the smallest classrooms.
The Osprey Trail 1 mile from the Eagle’s Nest winds through the pine forest at the end of the island. When the people I met on the trail connected to the 0.7-mile Pelican Trail spotted gopher tortoises, I missed them, but saw several osprey dens perched high in barren pine trees. At the end of the trail, I found the bald eagle's nest and a pair of eagles. I thought it was the mother who stayed in the nest (I suspect it was an egg), and the other was the father. He flew for a while.
For plant lovers, dense broomgrass, myrtle, winged sumac and yellow flowers thrive here.
Just around the corner of the Osprey Trail, you will find a children’s playground and picnic area, as well as more restrooms.
The swing dropped on the day I visited, but I can still enjoy a nice slide or short rock wall.
Park your car in the northernmost parking lot and head to the beach to enjoy the best sunset views. If you give yourself enough time, you can walk 2.5 miles of sandpit before sunset. It is an ideal place to walk alone, with a partner or with children and grandchildren.
This pristine beach looks like Caladesi, perhaps because there are not many people walking the entire beach. Walking gives you plenty of time to appreciate the achievements of nature in the past 40 years. For those seeking shells, I find this to be the most profitable part. On the island’s more populated beaches, there are larger shells and more varieties.
For surfers, the conditions near Bathhouse 3 at the end of the park look the best.
I find it interesting that you can no longer spend the night on Honeymoon Island. Mr. Washburn’s cabin no longer exists. But this is a great place to spend a fun and relaxing day.
Honeymoon Island State Park is committed to accessibility. The trails I walked, except for the very muddy section of the Pelican Trail, were flat enough to accommodate a wheelchair. The ranger station provides beach wheelchairs for free (fat tires make it easier to push the sand).
Pro tip: The park is located at #1 Causeway Blvd in Dunedin, Florida. It is open all year round, from 8 am to sunset.
Learn about all that Florida has to offer in some of these TravelAwaits articles:
Gail Clifford, MD, has 30 years of medical experience and has traveled all over the five continents and 50 states in the United States. As an avid traveler, she is happy to embark on new adventures, especially on her birthday. Multi-generational travel is still a precious pastime. She currently divides her time between Ireland and the United States. You can experience more on Gail's website ABLE Travel & Photo.
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