"Serenity and Seclusion" Caladesi Island State Park by CoAir13

Caladesi Island State Park Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 14 photos

4th Best Beach in the United States

Caladesi is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. This state park comprises six islands with a total of about 650 upland acres and more than 1,800 acres of surrounding mangroves and grass flats. The western shore is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. This is what lures people here. Beyond the beach are several miles of nature trails, offering some of the best flora and fauna the state has to offer!

Amenities

- 3 miles of BEAUTIFUL, UNCROWDED beach
- 3 mile nature trail
- Shaded picnic areas
- Concession service
- Beach chairs and umbrellas (limited)
- Modern showers and restrooms
- Shaded pavilions
- Children's playground
- GREAT shelling

Last visit to Caladesi Island State Park: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Jun 16, 2004
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Reviews (11)

Gopher Tortoise - Caladesi Island State Park

Gopher Tortoise Things to Do (9)

This burrowing reptile can be found in every county in Florida... Caladesi being the perfect place to live. In the wild,... more travel advice

Kayaking Things to Do (9)

Kayaks are available for rent through the park concession....weather permitting. You can paddle through the mangroves... more travel advice

Along the Trail - Caladesi Island State Park

Rattlesnakes Warnings and Dangers (1)

Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are prevalent on the island. There are many places for them to hide. Take caution while... more travel advice

On the trail Things to Do (9)

Palmettos along the Hammock nature trail!! more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Caladesi Connection

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Comments (12)

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Nemorino Sep 12, 2006 at 2:42 PM

Glad to hear they are protecting the turtles and the mangroves. My daughter once spent a year in Brazil studying the effects of oil pollution on the mangroves & wrote a big paper on the subject. In Portuguese, no less. (Opps, there I go bragging again.)
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goingsolo Nov 25, 2005 at 4:03 PM

I'm totally stumped. Where is this place? You guys find some great out of the way locations, even in my home state. The only prickly pear cactus I ever encountered was in a martini glass. Unusual, but pretty tasty. ;)
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tpangelinan Mar 14, 2005 at 7:30 PM

It was looking really good, and I mean like my kinda place, then we got to the snakes...hmmm. Beautiful beaches!
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LoriPori Feb 27, 2005 at 3:39 PM

Where exactly is Caladesi Island? It looks like a real neat place, especially the sea turtles and "great shellin". Glad you had a good time. Nice to meet your friend. Hugs. Lori.
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AlbuqRay Oct 15, 2004 at 6:16 PM

Jen, thanks for the tips on Caladesi Island. I really like the fact that it is away from the crowds. I need to look it up on a map.
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Jim_Eliason Jul 11, 2004 at 7:21 AM

Nice page! How've you been?
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aadil Jul 4, 2004 at 8:53 PM

Where are the turtle pictures?!!! The beach looks fantastic!!! Seems you were the only ones there!!!
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aussiedoug Jul 1, 2004 at 5:28 AM

Some beautiful spots in Florida for sure. My Alaskan VT friend catalysta has some nice Florida pages too. You do really need to come downunder so I can help you reassess the top 5 beaches! lol!
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Waalewiener Jun 26, 2004 at 7:10 AM

Wow you & Ethan really found a nice place Jen , quiet and not many people looks like ,we have been to Clearwater several times but I never knew about this State Park ,thanks for showing it to us Jen .Great pictures.
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johanl Jun 26, 2004 at 6:35 AM

Nice pics. It seems like Ethan enjoyed the trip. Best beach in the world is at the North Sea coast in Belgium !!!!!