Best Beach in 2008: Caledesi Island State Park
Saturday, April 4, 2009
By Ella Jean Beauclaire
Islands and state parks together result in protected beauty graces the gulf coast off of Clearwater Florida. Caledesi Island beach has been voted the number one beach in the U.S. in 2008. The only man-made additions have been the ranger station, concession, marina, playground, picnic areas, gift store and shower/bathroom facilities.
You have three options to get to Caledesi Island, a ferry, your own boat, or you can walk from Clearwater to Caledesi, which is about one hour from Pier 60. The ferry runs from 10 am to sundown. Ferry passengers are allowed to stay up to four hours, though I would check into that more as it may have changed for longer stays. If you have a boat you can dock it at marina #108 and register with the ranger.
Electrical and water hookups are available for private boat users. Pets are restricted to designated areas and must be kept on a leash. No camping is available, so plan to leave on the same day, unless you are sleeping in your boat.
Live shells, including sand dollars, are not to be taken. Otherwise, enjoy the shelling, kayaking, fishing, sunbathing, public picnic areas or rented picnic facilities, playground for the children if the beach is not enough. Kayak rentals are through the Caf Caledesi.or a vendor near the beach. Check ahead of time regarding fishing licenses. This Gulf beach is 3 miles long with beautiful water, not deep for those with young children.
They say to bring a sweater and good shoes, but as I write this, it is a warm 78 degrees F at 11 am at the end of March, so think swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen also. Public showers and restrooms are available. A lifeguard is on duty from the end of May to beginning of September. Beach wheelchairs are available from the ranger. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented. Have fun and respect the beauty of this natural resource.
You have three options to get to Caledesi Island, a ferry, your own boat, or you can walk from Clearwater to Caledesi, which is about one hour from Pier 60. The ferry runs from 10 am to sundown. Ferry passengers are allowed to stay up to four hours, though I would check into that more as it may have changed for longer stays. If you have a boat you can dock it at marina #108 and register with the ranger.
Electrical and water hookups are available for private boat users. Pets are restricted to designated areas and must be kept on a leash. No camping is available, so plan to leave on the same day, unless you are sleeping in your boat.
Live shells, including sand dollars, are not to be taken. Otherwise, enjoy the shelling, kayaking, fishing, sunbathing, public picnic areas or rented picnic facilities, playground for the children if the beach is not enough. Kayak rentals are through the Caf Caledesi.or a vendor near the beach. Check ahead of time regarding fishing licenses. This Gulf beach is 3 miles long with beautiful water, not deep for those with young children.
They say to bring a sweater and good shoes, but as I write this, it is a warm 78 degrees F at 11 am at the end of March, so think swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen also. Public showers and restrooms are available. A lifeguard is on duty from the end of May to beginning of September. Beach wheelchairs are available from the ranger. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented. Have fun and respect the beauty of this natural resource.
About the Author:
Florida has some of the best beaches in the continental U.S. Caledesi Island State Park beach was vote the best beach in 2008. Make sure you plan for a visit if you are able to get to the Clearwater area. Caledesi Island Voted Number 1 Beach You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.
Posted byBertie at 11:14 AM
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