Caladesi Beach: Your State Park For Natural Beauty And The "Real Florida”
Caladesi Beach: What Makes The 2008 #1 Beach In America So Special?
Caladesi Island State Park is located in The Dunedin/Clearwater area but is a world away from all the traffic and noise. In fact there is no automobile traffic on the island. A destination only reachable by private boat or ferry rides from Honeymoon Island and Clearwater Beach, it is Tampa Bay’s best kept secret. In fact, not many local residents even know of its existence which lends the island and exclusive feel without being pretentious. There are over 360,00 visitors to Caladesi Beach each year. But not to worry, there are strict laws protecting one of the few beaches left in Florida that represent what the settlers must have seen hundreds of years ago. Caladesi Island State Park is a natural beach that looks virtually untouched by human excess and plans to stay that way.
We here at www.caladesibeach.com already knew in our hearts and from experience that “Caladesi Island State Park” was the best beach in America. But special thanks to the world famous “America’s Top Best Beaches List” and to Stephen P. Leatherman PHD better known as “Dr. Beach” for letting the world know! Located in Dunedin/Clearwater Beach, Florida it has the distinction of ranking on Dr. Beach’s list in the top six since 1997 and made the #2 spot last year. The winner of last year’s top honor went to “Fort De Soto Park” also in Pinellas County. Having two beaches in the Tampa Bay community win #1 in the span of a few years is an unprecedented honor, and proof that the Gulf Coast is at it’s most beautiful in Tampa Bay.
Aerial view of Caladesi Island State Park
The first known permanent settlers on the island were Henry Scharrer and his daughter Myrtle who at 87 years or age wrote “Yesteryear I lived in Paradise” about her time on the ‘Barrier Islands” That sentiment is still alive today and at least in terms of the land the areas features have remained the same. “Caladesi Beach” as we know it was formed when a hurricane split it from “Hog Island” (origin of unflattering name unknown) was made a “State Park” in 1968, and opened to the public in 1972. Since then luckily, the only manmade structures in the State Park consist of the Marina, Snack Bar, Playground, Ranger Station, Gift Shop, Picnic Areas and two bath houses. This is a far cry from the over-development Florida has sadly come to know in its beach towns.
The area encompasses about 650 upland acres and 1800 wetland and submerged acres. The three mile nature trails is perfect for beach hikers or those wanting to go on a guided walking tour. Take a walk and you will find red, black and white mangrove trees, Palmetto Scrubs, gopher tortoises, armadillos, and lizards! Caladesi Island is also home to over 375 species of birds and the most common varieties include: oyster catchers, black and red skimmer, ospreys, snowy white egrets and blur herons. The beach and dunes themselves are dotted with beach morning glories, dune sunflowers, and sea oats. The “Maritime Hammock” of these islands is truly a sight to be seen so while you are enjoying the beautiful water and soft sands take the time to look and walk around the “real” Florida as nature intended it.
