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Aerial of Caladesi Island State Park.

©Robert Bender/EyeEm/Getty Images

Caladesi Island State Park

Top choice


Directly to the south of Honeymoon, this park is accessible only by boat and is virtually as nature made it: unspoiled and pristine. Consequently, it often tops national beach polls, and its 3 palm-lined miles of sugar-sand beaches should make the top of your list, too. Secluded and uncrowded it nevertheless boasts a 110-slip marina, kayak rentals, a tiny cafe, restrooms and showers.

Though you can kayak to Caladesi from Honeymoon or Clearwater, it's far more relaxing to kayak the 3.5-mile mangrove trail while at Caladesi.


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