Clearwater & St Petersburg Vacations - Florida

Clearwater Beaches

Caladesi Island State Park (offshore north west of Clearwater Beach) is accessible only by ferry from Honeymoon Island.  Although close to the developed Tampa Bay area, the park retains a secluded sand beach edged in sea grass and palmettos with dolphin schools resident in the offshore waters.

This island showcase is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands in Florida and consists of six islands covering 650 upland acres and more than 1,100 acres of surrounding mangroves and grass flats.

For holidays offering seclusion, Caladesi Island State Park is ideal. The park is accessible by private boat or ferry service only.

Private boaters may use the 99-slip bayside marina or anchor offshore. Island activities comprise boating, fishing,  shelling, swimming and picnicking. The park has a nature trail that offers visitors the chance to see park fauna such as raccoons, rattlesnakes, armadillos or black racers.

Fort De Soto Park (offshore south of St Petersburg) is considered by many to have one of the top beaches in Florida. The park consists of 900 unspoiled acres and seven miles of beaches.

Comprising five islands, the park features a fort on Mullet Key built during the Spanish-American War. Visitors to the park will find two fishing piers, camping areas, covered picnic shelters, a concession stand and bathroom facilities.

The park has a popular biking and skating trail and rental of canoes, kayaks and bicycles. There is an small toll on the bridges leading into the park.