Florida Gulf Coast Living Gulfscapes: Caladesi Island State Park takes the number one spot in the 18th Annual Top 10 Beaches

Caladesi Island State Park takes the number one spot in the 18th Annual Top 10 Beaches ranking produced by Dr. Beach, also known as coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. Caladesi is a pristine getaway beach in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area, only 20 miles west of bustling downtown Tampa. Traveling to this island is an experience itself as it is reached by pedestrian ferry, complete with old salts telling interesting tales, or by private boat. The bayshore is a mangrove forest interlaced with kayak trails and is a bird lover’s paradise. The only mode of transportation on this lovely island, dominated by palm trees, is by foot over the super fine white sand. There is a great snack bar and other creature comforts to enhance your island experience, and both the grounds and landscape are well maintained. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer beach season, but the waves are generally only measured in inches so don’t bring your surfboard.

Caladesi is a well-kept secret. Surrounded by the beauty of a lush state park, few people in Tampa seem to know its whereabouts, while everyone is familiar with the popular Pier 60 at nearby Clearwater Beach. Caladesi’s real attraction is its powder white sand, warm, crystal clear water and beautiful nature, all making it the number one beach to enjoy and decompress.

At Caladesi Island, recreational opportunities are endless! A mangrove-covered kayak trail winds from the marina to the St. Joseph Sound and back. Kayaks are available for rental through the Cafe Caladesi. The nature trail is a great place to find Osprey in old pine snags or cross paths with a gopher tortoise.

Caladesi Island is accessible only by private boat or via the Caladesi Connection ferry service. Cost for the ferry is $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4-12. Trips depart hourly beginning at 10 a.m. Ferry passengers are allotted a four-hour stay on the island. No pets are allowed on the ferry. Contact the ferry office at 727-734-1501 for more information. For further information about about Caladesi Island State Park, call the park office at 727-469-5918.

TOP 10 BEACHES 2008
1. Caladesi Island State Park
Clearwater/Dunedin, Florida
2. Hanalei Beach
Kauai, Hawaii
3. Siesta Beach
Sarasota, Florida
4. Coopers Beach
Southampton, New York
5. Coronado Beach
San Diego, California
6. Main Beach
East Hampton, New York
7. Hamoa Beach
Maui, Hawaii
8. Cape Hatteras
Outer Banks of North Carolina
9. Cape Florida State Park
Key Biscayne, Florida
10. Beachwalker Park
Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Florida Gulf Coast Living Gulfscapes

Waterfront Real Estate for Florida Gulf Coast.

Caladesi Island State Park takes the number one spot in the 18th Annual Top 10 Beaches