First off, dont ever, ever, try to swim across the pass from Honeymoon to Caladesi Island. There are boats and riptides, and its much farther than your eye tells you it is. Do, however, take every effort to visit both. The sister slabs of pristine, protected land are two of the most beautiful places you can visit in Tampa Bay, and it takes a considerable effort to get to both. Not just because of the drive, which is often slowed down by speed limits and construction, but because Caladesi (a bird sanctuary) is only accessible by kayak or ferry from Honeymoon Island. Virgin sand, birdwatching, kayak trails, sea oats and, yes, snakes, await, but you wont find a single reason not to return year after year (or week after week if youre local). The best part is that the closest thing to a city or downtown is Dunedin nearly six miles away. (RR)
1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin. 727-241-6106
Photo by Spark for Visit Florida