HONEYMOON ISLAND
STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller November 23, 2025

Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida is a 2,800-acre barrier island sanctuary on the Gulf Coast.

It is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, ancient slash pine forests, and rich coastal ecosystems.

The park has over four miles of shoreline along the Gulf and fronts St. Joseph Sound on its eastern side.

It attracts more than one million visitors a year, making it Florida’s most-visited state park.

The island was historically inhabited by the Tocobaga people, who used its abundant coastal resources for thousands of years before European contact.

In the 19th century, it was used for logging and farming, retaining the name Hog Island due to feral pigs introduced by settlers.

The 1921 Tampa Bay hurricane eventually split it into two separate islands: Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island.

In 1939, New York developer Clinton M. Washburn purchased the island and rebranded it “Honeymoon Island” through a promotional campaign with Life magazine.

He built 50 thatched-roof cottages for newlyweds. The first honeymooners arrived in 1940, and 164 couples participated before World War II led to the island’s use as a rest site for defense workers.

After the war, the cottages fell into disrepair. In the 1960s, a plan to expand the island and build a large residential community failed due to environmental opposition and permit expiration.

The state began acquiring the land in 1974, and Honeymoon Island State Park was officially established on December 7, 1981.

The original honeymoon cottages are long gone, but the idea lingers on... many weddings are held at the park!

Honeymoon Island State Park is located at 1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, FL 34698. The park is open daily from 8 AM to sundown.

The Rotary Centennial Nature Center operates from 9 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday.

As of November 2025, the park has largely reopened following recovery from Hurricane Helene in 2024.

Some facilities like Bathhouses 1 and 2 remain closed, with portable restrooms available. Check their website for updates. Ferry service to Caladesi Island, another great state park, has resumed.

The Osprey Trail and Pelican Cove Trail offer excellent wildlife viewing, including gopher tortoises, bald eagles, horned owls and nesting shorebirds.

Shelling, kayaking, fishing, surfing and swimming are popular activities. Kayaks can be rented on site. 

There's a concession with food and gift store.
Picnic areas have tables and grills, but there are only two and it's first come first served.

Dogs are welcome on the pet beach at the southern tip of the island and on the nature trail. but must be leashed.

HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK WEBSITE

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