Among the wonders and treasures in Florida State Parks, there is one place abounding in romance, beautiful landscapes and amazing resources. The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it has also been known as Honeymoon Isle ever since 1939,  when a New York developer built 50 palm – thatched bungalows for  honeymooners. We know people have different expectations and hopes when it comes to such an important event in their life, and anyone wishes to spend a memorable, one in a lifetime honeymoon.

But the place must have something special, and many people definitely consider it the perfect destination, as thousands of visitors drive across Dunedin Causeway to enjoy  the sun – drenched Gulf beaches, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats on Honeymoon Island.

Honeymoon Island from gstatic.com

It awaits nature lovers with osprey nests, a wide variety of shorebirds, and  one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida. Its  park shelters several nature trails and bird observation areas. Visitors  can swim, fish, and snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulf or picnic surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. You should also know that shelling is particularly good  here, as the Gulf currents deposit an incredible variety of seashells on  the shore. 

As you may have already realized, Honeymoon Island is the perfect place to go when looking for outdoor  recreational entertainment. At South Beach Pavilion you will find everything you need to to enjoy the great view of the gulf, from bicycles and kayaks to beach chairs and umbrella rentals. Of course, you have plenty of space to enjoy the sun on the  beach. The main beach on Honeymoon Island is wide and long with soft white  sand. Since the beach does not face directly west into the Gulf of  Mexico, the water here is quite shallow and calm, perfect for families  with small children.

Honeymoon Island from gstatic.com

If you decide to head out to the nature trails, you will have  ample  opportunities to run into the inhabitants of the island. While  Osprey  are the norm, make sure you keep an eye out for the gopher  tortoise crossing your  path, the armadillo foraging for food, or the  raccoon scurrying off into  the woods. And you cannot forget the most important part of exploring the outdoors –  sun protection, hydration, and bug spray.

And we are not going to waste your time describing restaurants. We believe that this place is so beautiful that you will not want to waste precious hours in restaurants. And if you do, surprises are always welcomed. But there is this small and welcoming place we have to describe as the heart of the Honeymoon Island – aptly named the Honeymoon Café.

It is located on the main beach, and if the weather permits, your sandwiches and snacks will taste a lot better on the covered wooden  deck facing the Gulf of Mexico. To be honest, you might have to wait a little for your order, since it is custom cooked, but every bite will be worth the wait.

Honeymoon Island from gstatic.com

But we did not mention Honeymoon Cafe just for the food and drinks, especially when there is a thematic small Honeymoon Gift Shop it hosts, with beautiful souvenirs and unique gifts, doubled by those “must haves” that you may have forgotten to pack, as sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. A visit here is a wonderful way to make your stay here memorable and surprise the people you love with gifts as special as their origins. It does not matter what you choose, or that the offer is not that varied, everything is unique and will be given from the heart.