Honeymoon Island, a top Florida beach

Last updated on January 8th, 2023 at 02:32 pm

Like most people, we love the beach. But whether it is cold or sunny, it doesn’t matter for me. I just love sand, the waves and fresh air. The thought of being landlocked makes me nervous. And my favorite beach while we lived in Florida was Honeymoon Island. It’s certainly a top Florida beach!

Clearwater Beach is Often too Busy

We love Honeymoon Island, as it’s often not as busy as more popular nearby beaches. Clearwater Beach is just down the highway. While it has lovely white sand, Clearwater Beach gets very busy. Parking spots In Clearwater cost around $5 an hour. Both beaches are close to our house in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

On Honeymoon Island, you can easily find a parking spot because it is a State Park. Honeymoon Island is one of the best day trips from Tampa.

Honeymoon Island Parking

Vehicle with 2-8 adults cost $8 on Honeymoon Island. But only $4 for a single occupied vehicle, and also $4 to view the sunset (starting 1 hour prior to sunset): so this deters some people. But think about it, if you choose to go to Clearwater, by the time you drive around for half an hour looking for a spot to park and then still have to pay a few dollars, you really may as well have paid $8 and immediately enjoy the beach, rather than the bumper sticker of someones SUV.

There is a cafe on the Island which is handy if need be, but packing a picnic in my opinion is the best way to go. Or just go to watch the amazing sunset, the west coast of Florida has beautiful sunsets and Honeymoon Island is a wonderful place to watch one. It’s among the unique Florida Gulf coast destinations.

How to Get to Honeymoon Island from Around Florida

To get there: From I-75 (north of Tampa): I-75 south to I-275 south towards Tampa. Follow I-275 south to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). Take SR 580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-586 into park. From I-75 (south of Tampa): I-75 north to I-4. I-4 to I-275 north. I-275 to Hillsborough Ave west (SR-580). SR-580 west to SR-586 fork then left. Follow SR-586 west into park.

Planning a Florida vacation? Read our article featuring 22 favorite Florida destinations according to travel bloggers.

What other underrated beach destinations do you love in Florida? Leave a comment below and let us know!