Sunday, August 20, 2006

Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands


Caladesi Island was my favorite part of my recent visit to the Clearwater, Florida area. While the fun and excitement of Clearwater Beach rightly entices many people, I prefer a quiet, purist beach experience. Caladesi Island is just that. You only can reach the island by taking a 20-minute ferry ride from nearby Honeymoon Island, or by taking your own boat.

Caladesi island is left mostly untouched but has the comforts most people need - decent bathrooms and changing areas, a place that sells lunch, and a marina for those so inclined. And, the beach is gorgeous, rated #2 in the U.S. by "Dr. Beach." If I could live on the island or something like it, it'd be like heaven for me. : )

4 comments:

El Jefe Maximo said...

Looks like a gorgeous beach. When I was a kid, growing up in Ala and Ga, we used to go to Hilton Head Island, SC every summer for a week or two. The place was only starting to be developed...and so the beaches were perfect like that, without a lot on them. I love the Gulf, but the Atlantic is different somehow.

Seagrove Beach, FL, just east of Seaside (near Destin) has gorgeous beaches that aren't quite as built up as Seaside or Destin.

Once you've seen a real beach, Galveston or Surfside's just not the same (although I'd take it today !)

Candidly Caroline said...

This actually has the benefit of being a state park so it never should be built up. Other than the structures I mentioned, there are only two facilities - homes for two park rangers. That - would not be bad.

Candidly Caroline said...

On another note, I have to say I am quite pleased with how the pictures came out.

Anonymous said...

It's funny hearing people talk about the Atlantic like it's foreign. Growing up in NJ, going to The Shore (no one here calls it the beach, the beach is on Long Island) I've spent so much of my life in the Atlantic. Add the boarwalk and the cheesy games/concession stands, and you got a complete package (hint of sarcasm there :)

Caroline, your pictures are beautiful. Havne't been to FL in too long. I'll return though.