Spring is still here! Wouldn’t you like to go to a less crowded beach or town with a friend or your significant other? I have researched the perfect place in the Gulf of Mexico, where the beaches are sandy white, and the waters are emerald green.
Have you ever considered camping out on your boat? If that is too harsh, you can stay in a hotel in a town that is less known to vacationers. Are you ready to travel with me to a beautiful village and an island by ferry or boat?
Caladesi Island State Park, Florida
This beautiful, secluded island is North of Clearwater Beach, Florida, and you can only get there by ferry or private boat. It is a lovely 3-mile beach that is all natural and great for sunbathers. You can rent chairs and umbrellas for the beach. There is a restaurant and restroom at the boat slips.
Caladesi Island State Park is a paradise for photographers and bird watchers, teeming with diverse wildlife. Oysters form the reefs. Large manatees have beds in the ocean, and if you are lucky, you might see one. There are also tortoises, and everyone loves turtles. For those seeking adventure, the island offers the opportunity to rent a kayak and explore its enchanting forest. You can also hike the 3-mile walk through the beautiful oak trees on the trails. There is no telling what kind of wildlife you might see.
There are many seashells to collect, but you cannot collect live ones. Fishing is allowed in designated areas, but you must have a license, and there are weight limits on how many fish are caught.
Camping
You can sleep on a boat if you want to be romantic or ruff it a little. They have outdoor showers, so let‘s hope the weather is warm that morning. The island has a nice marina with electric hookups. It also has a modern restroom. They have a pavilion with grills. You can bring your food and cook out before you hike through the 3-mile trails or lie on the beach. If you do not want to cook, they have a cafe selling smoothies, hamburgers, and fish and chips. Of course, if you stay the night, you should bring food and drinks.
The ferry is a 4-hour day trip. It leaves every half hour from Honeymoon Island in Dudein, Florida.
Adults $16.00 Children $8.00
No Pets
Entrance Fee of $8.00 per vehicle on Honeymoon Island and $4.00 for a single person
Bring your boat 24 hours a night. There is a $6.70 reservation fee for electric hookups. or $7.00 a day
The Hallmark movie “A Taste of Love” was filmed in Dudein.
Dudein, Florida
If you would like to hang out in a cute little town that is unknown but is full of restaurants, art, and breweries, this is the town for you. There are plenty of places to stay, eat, and look at art. Since this is a Scottish town, a festival may occur.
History
This is a Scottish heritage, and they stay true to their name. Richard Garrison was given a grant in 1850, and it was originally named Jonesboro by George Jones, the owner of the Mercantile. Then came along the Scottish men and opened the first post office in N. Panella County. Their names were Douglas and Somerville, and the dock on the waters was built for large sailing vessels for trade. It was the largest fleet, so it was incorporated in 1899.
Dudein has always maintained its Scottish roots. Once a year, Scottish clans come in, and they celebrate the high school and middle school competition-level pipe and drum bands. Adults and kids alike compete. They also have a Scottish Mardi Gras.
A more oversized island was split because of a hurricane in 1921, which created Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island.
There are so many 4-to-5-star restaurants in Dudein.
If you love Cajun food, go to Happy Bayou Bites, where you can enjoy crawfish, mac and cheese, and shrimp creole. Let’s not forget the brews, sitting, and enjoying the music.
If you love taking your pet, take him to the Salty Soul Island Kitchen. You can sit on the porch and enjoy many different tacos or hamburgers, and do not forget the brews. There are a few other places you can take your pet. This town is known for loving pets.
Bon Appetit is for you if you want to go on a Romanic date and have French cuisine. They are famous for seafood but are also great for meat lovers. You can sit on the waterfront, enjoy the view, and drink cocktails.
You can browse the town, look at the art in the windows, or visit the many shops it offers.
There are so many beautiful places to stay in Dudein. You can also choose Clearwater, St. Petersburgh, or Honeymoon Island. Here are two links to places to stay, things to do, and restaurants to eat.
Treasure Island is also a great beach to visit. It is a more secluded beach, and I spent some time there. I did not find any treasure, but I did find lots of beauty.
booking.com visitstpeteclearwater.comI
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